Page 1451 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 10 April 2013
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The $900,000 refurbishment of the Kaleen enclosed oval is now complete. The upgrade of this oval was funded as part of the sport and recreation facilities improvement program. Upgrades here consisted of a new shed, the conversion of the old curator shed to public toilets, the construction of a new four-bay senior cricket practice net facility with a synthetic surface, internal drop netting and a power supply for a bowling machine, the extension to the additional change rooms which allows for the playing of two senior games at the ground at the same time and the complete refurbishment of the existing pavilion.
The government will continue to deliver high quality sports facilities for the people of Belconnen, and indeed the people of Canberra.
MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Ms Berry.
MS BERRY: Minister, are there any other Belconnen community sports facilities that will be built or upgraded in the near future?
MR BARR: Yes, I am pleased to advise that there will be. I am sure that members would be aware that the 2012-13 budget announced a program of further restoration for ovals that were switched off during the drought period. Work is due to get underway on the Weetangera oval next year, with work at Bonython in the electorate of Brindabella nearing completion and Watson, in the great electorate of Molonglo, due to begin its refurbishment this year.
I can advise Ms Berry that the Weetangera upgrade will include a new irrigation system, replacement of the playing surface—again with drought tolerant grass—the installation of floodlights and the construction of a new pavilion. The primary user of this facility will be the Wests Rugby Club for their juniors and seniors. The government has also committed to restoring Spence oval and replacing the irrigation system at the Hawker district playing field. That is something I know Ms Porter has been a particularly passionate supporter of.
The new irrigation system at Hawker will ensure that water is applied in a highly efficient manner and allow for more uniform and healthy turf cover at that sportsground. This follows similar project upgrades undertaken at Dickson and Reid playing fields. I think anyone who has observed the quality of the playing surfaces will recognise the value in this work.
Finally, in the time that remains, I alert members of course to the establishment of the new sports hub at the University of Canberra at their campus in Belconnen. The hub will not only be the home to elite sporting organisations, such as the ACT Brumbies but it will also provide a fantastic new facility for community sport, including a new home for ACTSport.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Gentleman.
MR GENTLEMAN: Minister, is there anything that risks high quality sports facilities being able to be delivered in the ACT?
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