An independent report into the use of indoor sporting facilities in the ACT has recommended that more facilities be built to improve public access.
The Planning for Indoor Facilities and Other Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Report, completed by the Otium Planning Group, looked at those indoor sports with the highest participation rates in Canberra.
It focused on future facility planning for futsal, basketball and gymnastics, and identified Belconnen, Gungahlin and Woden as possible regions for expanded or new indoor sport facilities.
Outlining the Government’s response to the report, the Minister for Sport and Recreation, Yvette Berry said it was undertaking “clear and practical action in partnership with these sports”.
Ms Berry said this included a new ‘Home of Football” in Throsby, which would include indoor futsal courts; a new State Training Centre in Belconnen for Gymnastics ACT; and exploration of further provision of basketball facilities in the Belconnen region.
She noted the report also encouraged the Government to continue to work with the private sector and with other sports on a case-by-case basis to deliver facilities to meet their respective needs.
“The Government will continue to look for these opportunities.” Ms Berry said.
“The Government will also continue to investigate how to make better use of existing indoor sporting facilities at our public schools. Recent improvements at a number of schools across Canberra have provided around 70 additional hours per week of community access to indoor sporting facilities.”
The 16-page independent report can be accessed at this PS News link and the five-page official response to the report can be accessed at this link.
