Page 2296 - Week 11 - Wednesday, 1 November 1989
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a minor nature are provided and we can accommodate more community use on the site, we ought to do that.
Sports Facilities
MR WOOD: I direct a question to the Minister for Industry, Employment and Education. I refer him to reports in today's media about proposals to greatly develop the indoor stadium at Bruce. I was not aware that this was yet, if at all, coming under our control. Could he tell us whether there are serious proposals under way in relation to this matter?
MR WHALAN: I thank Mr Wood for this question. The statement in the Canberra Times regarding the possible redevelopment of the Bruce indoor stadium or the construction of a complex at Kingston, Weston or Tuggeranong by the ACT Government is not an accurate representation of the current position. As members will be aware, this Government is doing a lot for sport in the ACT and has given substantial recognition to the importance of sport as a contribution to community spirit, as an industry and as an enhancement to individuals' health and fitness.
Our endeavours at Bruce outdoor stadium, the construction of major new netball, hockey and gymnastics facilities are but an example of the Government's commitment. In total, the Government will spend more than $7m on sporting facilities, administration and other forms of assistance to sporting groups this financial year.
The Government is continually reviewing the adequacy of sporting facilities in a number of areas, including one of Canberra's most significant sports - basketball. In relation to basketball, however, I would stress that we are at only a very preliminary stage in considering options. We have not - and I emphasise that - had discussions with the Federal Minister regarding Bruce indoor stadium or, indeed, other alternatives. I would stress that our discussions with the management of the Canberra Cannons as well as representatives of the ACT Basketball Association are of a preliminary search nature to identify future requirements for both elite and general basketball participants in the Territory.
I am aware that both organisations are investigating options for substantially enhancing seating and other facilities at some future date. We regularly conduct such discussions with all sections of the sporting community through our various peak industry bodies and with individual associations. Such discussions are an integral part of future planning to identify needs and to canvass options. I would stress, however, that the Government has no plans to spend $3m to $5m on a new or upgraded basketball stadium in the ACT.
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