Page 1175 - Week 04 - Wednesday, 20 March 2013
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MR BARR (Molonglo—Deputy Chief Minister, Treasurer, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Sport and Recreation, Minister for Tourism and Events and Minister for Community Services) (5.37): In July of last year the government committed approximately $4½ million to build a synthetic athletics track on the south side of the city. Subsequent to this, the government commissioned the feasibility report that the shadow minister has referred to. The report was finalised in late 2012 and, as the shadow minister alluded to, involved consultation with a range of key stakeholders, notably ACT Athletics, ACT little athletics and, importantly, the ACT Veterans Athletic Club.
The feasibility report considered existing athletics venues in the southern suburbs of the city with a view to upgrading one of these facilities to become a synthetic athletics track. The sites that were considered included Woden park, part of the Calwell District Playing Fields, part of Kambah 3 district playing fields, the Chapman Neighbourhood Oval and the Banks Neighbourhood Oval.
Given that the cost of constructing a brand-new synthetic athletics facility on a greenfield site was outside the available budget, only existing athletics facilities were included in the project scope for the feasibility report. Building a track on an existing facility allows for any leftover funds to be spent on upgrading associated amenities.
The feasibility report recommended that the Woden enclosed oval was the best option for redevelopment. I note that this project is consistent with the ACT little athletics facilities plan 2010-20, which prioritises the need for a dedicated synthetic athletics track.
Subject to the available funds, the key features to be included as part of an upgraded athletics facility would include preliminary work, including earthworks, stormwater and drainage work; the building of a synthetic athletics track; new jumping pits and throwing cages; security fencing; match play quality floodlighting suitable for athletics and football; and, importantly, a new irrigation system and drought-resistant couch grass for the infield which would be suitable for premier league football.
In comparison with costs associated with upgrading an existing facility, an international competition facility at a greenfield site is in the order of $25 million to $40 million. There is simply no way that you can deliver a facility on a greenfield site with a $4.5 million budget. This means that the cost associated with building a new greenfield facility of international standard is unrealistic, especially given the fact that the city already has a major competition venue at the AIS. It needs to be made very clear that there is no scope within the sports budget in the next four years—in fact, I would imagine in the next decade or beyond—for a $40 million investment in a new athletics facility, particularly given the existence of one at the AIS.
It is important to understand the scope of the project. And, based on the scope of the project and the feasibility report, it has been determined that Woden park is the most practical and affordable solution—noting, of course, that the AIS facility is also available for use here in Canberra.
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