Page 1450 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 10 April 2013
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MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Mr Doszpot.
MR DOSZPOT: Minister, can you explain the delay in the implementation of the program?
MR CORBELL: I provided that answer in my previous answer to Mr Smyth.
Sport—community facilities
MS BERRY: My question is to the Minister for Sport and Recreation. Could the Minister for Sport and Recreation outline what work the ACT government has been undertaking on sports facilities in Belconnen?
MR BARR: I thank Ms Berry for the question and for the interest that all Ginninderra members have in new sports facilities in Belconnen. I am very pleased to advise the Assembly that we have a large program of works underway and in the pipeline for Belconnen. Last month I was very pleased to attend the opening of the Kippax enclosed oval and the upgraded facilities there. The ACT government provided over $2 million in support of the redevelopment of the oval. Direct financial contributions of over $600,000 were made by key stakeholders, including the AFL and Cricket ACT, and around $420,000 of in-kind and non-cash contributions were also provided by a diverse range of community organisations and businesses. There is no doubt that the redevelopment at Kippax is a fantastic example of the partnership between the ACT government, the Belconnen Magpies football club, the Belconnen Magpies sports club, AFL NSW/ACT, the Ginninderra Cricket Club and Cricket ACT.
The upgrade at Kippax was substantial and included the realignment and upgrade of the playing surface, a new turf cricket wicket and a new irrigation system. There are new synthetic cricket nets, a new pavilion, including a club room and recovery room, covered seating, new coaches boxes and an electronic scoreboard. The Magpies now have their own home ground, which allows them to play home games in the Belconnen region pretty much for the first time this century, and enabling them to host their north-east AFL matches at Kippax.
The upgrade also significantly improves the training and competition opportunities for the Ginninderra Cricket Club. I understand that the club is already looking forward to hosting their first game at the start of the next cricket season in October.
I can advise members that all work is now complete on the restoration of the Charnwood district playing fields, at a cost of $1.1 million. Fields 27 and 28 have been restored, with drought-tolerant and water-efficient couch grass. This highly efficient grass and installation method has certainly enabled the playing fields to be returned to full use within eight weeks of the turf being laid. A new synthetic cricket wicket has also been installed as well as new cricket practice nets with synthetic run-ups. The Charnwood district playing fields had their irrigation turned off during the drought in 2002, when stage 3 water restrictions were introduced. Of course, with restrictions now lifted, the government has been able to fully restore this oval.
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