- Sporting facilities
- Australia’s connection with sport is a key characteristic of what it is to be Australian. Every city in Australia uses sport to promote and foster its individual culture. An important role of the National Capital is representing the nation’s story including the character, identity, and values of our sporting culture.
- The ACT Government described the value of sport to the National Capital:
Investment in entertainment, arts and sports reinforces Canberra’s role as the National Capital and as a global city by facilitating cultural diplomacy through arts and sport, supporting strong relationships between cultures and countries, and promoting national interests.
4.3This chapter explores the importance of the National Capital in highlighting Australia’s sporting potential and discusses the state of existing infrastructure to facilitate this. This chapter examines three sports—soccer, cricket, and rugby league—and two stadiums, the Canberra GIO Stadium Canberra in Bruce and Manuka Oval.
Soccer
4.4At the professional level, Canberra has had a women’s A-League team, Canberra United, since 2008–09. However, no Canberra men’s team has participated in the A‑League since its establishment in 2005. The previous ACT men’s team, the Canberra Cosmos, participated in the National Soccer League before being excludedat end of 2000–01.[2]
4.5Australian Professional Leagues—which represents Australian professional men, women, and youth soccer leagues—is currently consulting on plans for a new A‑League team that would incorporate Canberra United and a new men’s team. Thisis planned to launch in the 2024–25 season.[3]
4.6The benefits of a new men’s team would include:
- enhanced professional pathway opportunities for ACT based footballers;
- increased numbers of visitors to the ACT with traveling fans (up to several thousand a match) attending Canberra’s home fixtures;
- provision of opportunities to promote Canberra to the rest of Australia, New Zealand and Asia (through potential participation in the Asian Champions League);
- new opportunities for ACT residents to attend professional football games; and
- new jobs in sport administration and operations.[4]
- Australian Professional Leagues is consulting on infrastructure requirements for a new club. Currently, Canberra United trains at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and has home fixtures at McKellar Park. A variety of training venues are being considered for the new men’s team, including the AIS, the proposed Home of Football in Throsby,[5] and greenfield sites. It is anticipated the men’s team would have home fixtures at the GIO Stadium; however, the Australian Professional Leagues has recommended that a new stadium facility be built over the longer term.[6]
Rugby league
4.8Canberra hosts a professional rugby league football club, the Canberra Raiders, who have competed in the National Rugby League (NRL) Premiership since 1982. This year, the Canberra Raiders entered a new women’s team into the National Rugby League Women’s (NRLW).[7]
4.9The Canberra Raiders is based at the high-performance facility in Braddon[8], and the ‘primary serviceable area’ of the club includes the ACT and surrounding areas including the Riverina, Batemans Bay, and Albury.[9]
4.10Canberra District Rugby League Football Club Limited is the sole shareholder of the Canberra Raiders. It promotes the game and supports amateur aspects such as participation and development.[10]
4.11The NRL noted that Canberra ‘serves a region of loyal rugby league fans who frequently travel to see premium rugby league matches’,[11] but does not currently have the infrastructure to host major NRL events.[12] The perspective provided by the NRL was that there is appropriate infrastructure for the sport at the community level, but that the infrastructure for elite sport falls short of the required standard. This causes Canberra to miss out on international sports opportunities that would also provide economic stimulus.[13]
Cricket
4.12There is no ACT representation in the men’s National Cricket League. The ACT Meteors have competed in the Women’s National Cricket League since 2009. There are plans for a Women’s Big Bash League team,[14] or a Canberra-based team in the Men’s National Competition and Big Bash League.[15]
4.13Several reasons were identified for the lack of an elite men’s team including tradition, cricket facilities in the ACT, funding, and perceptions about logistics.[16] Traditionally, Australian territories are not represented at the governance level in cricket, as only the six member States are shareholders. This affects ‘decision making about power, content, money, annual distributions, and funding of events and organisations’.[17] Currently the ten-person Cricket Australia Board is comprised of 'four independent Directors, and one Director appointed by each of the six State Associations’, and ‘works collectively in the national interest of Australian cricket’.
4.14MrGregory Boorer, Chair of Cricket ACT, suggested that the Federal Government could ‘appropriately encourage the board of Cricket Australia and therefore the shareholders of Cricket Australia to perhaps consider reform in that space’.[19] CricketACT similarly suggested that all eight States and Territories should have representation at Cricket Australia.[20] If the Cricket Australia constitution were to be altered to include Territory participation, each State Association Member would receive three votes on the question.
4.15Despite not having an elite male team, the ACT does produce elite male players, ‘with 10.3% of men’s State and National contracts in 2020-21 being players of ACT origin’,[22] an overrepresentation compared to population, funding and resources.[23]
4.16Cricket ACT suggested ‘expansion and improvement to current infrastructure is imperative to continue to develop, nurture, and retain both grassroots and elite cricketers within the region’,[24] and has developed a ‘community infrastructure program and high-performance infrastructure program’,[25] to identify priorities.[26]
4.17The priority for Cricket ACT is a new ‘Centre of Excellence’ to support cricket in the region and attract, develop, and retain talent. The project will cost $25 million, and it is supported by Cricket Australia, Cricket ACT, and the ACT Government.[27] The centre would include cricket-specific and indoor facilities to support ACT needs, including community and elite cricket.[28] This infrastructure would be critical to enable a Women’s Big Bash League and men’s elite program in the ACT.[29]
GIO Stadium Canberra
4.18There was consensus that the current GIO Stadium Canberra at Bruce has significant limitations that are constraining Canberra’s ability to host major sporting events. The ACT Government indicated that it would continue to seek Federal Government support for ‘a new or significantly enhanced Canberra Stadium’.
Location
4.19Evidence received by the Committee highlighted concerns with the current stadium’s location and suggested that a new stadium be built in an alternative location.
4.20Australian Professional Leagues commented that ‘a major redevelopment of the existing GIO Stadium’ would disrupt the venue in a way that it would jeopardise the establishment of a new men’s soccer team, among other things. The NRL stated, ‘[w]hile some issues may be remedied through a stadium redevelopment, the current venue location will always be a significant challenge’.
4.21Stakeholders advocated for the location to be accessible via public and private transport, and close to hospitality venues, but views differed on whether it should be centrally located in Civic. Supporters of a Civic location suggested that this would improve access, given that transport tends to follow a hub-and-spoke model and that this venue would be accessible via the light rail. Mr Jaymes Boland-Rudder, Executive General Manager of Partnerships, NRL, indicated that Civic was the preferred location identified in studies by the ACT Government and private proponents, and also preferred by the Canberra Raiders and ACT Brumbies.
4.22Australian Professional Leagues also suggested that the stadium be:
Centrally located to the population of Canberra and the region, which is well connected in terms of roads and public transport, and which is convenient to other hospitality businesses.
4.23The NRL observed that a CBD location would also ‘[generate] additional economic benefits for the city’, enhance media coverage, maximise venue utilisation, and catalyse CBD development and revitalisation. The NRL provided examples of NRL events at 20,000 to 30,000 seat stadiums that have provided a visitation and tourism economic impact of approximately $1.97 million to $6.75 million, noting that this reflects only the impact of ‘overseas, intrastate, and interstate visitors’. Mr Boland-Rudder argued that a central location would also allow city workers to attend games after work.
4.24The NRL advised that with a new 30,000 seat stadium in Civic, ‘Canberra would be likely to secure matches such as Indigenous All Stars and Internationals, Test Matches, and Women’s State of Origin’, subject to commercial factors such as destination fees and venue hire terms.
4.25In contrast, the ACT Government’s current proposal is to ‘develop a modern stadium within the AIS precinct’, whether by substantially renovating the existing stadium or by building a new one. The ACT Government noted the Civic Pool site was once considered a possible location for a new stadium, but was ultimately found unfeasible due to its size, orientation, transport links, surrounding residential buildings, and infrastructure and environmental considerations.
4.26Mr Greg Blood recommended relocating the racecourse and EPIC to Ginninderra and redeveloping the current Canberra Racecourse and EPIC site with an outdoor stadium, housing and hospitality venues. This option is presented as an alternative location to the current AIS precinct proposal in the ACT Infrastructure Plan Update: Entertainment, Art & Sports (ACT Infrastructure Plan), ‘should the AIS option not prove feasible’.
4.27On 7 February 2024, the ACT Government announced continued planning and design work on three of Canberra’s major precincts. The investments will support the design and planning of upgrades to EPIC including a multipurpose exhibition hall and new public entrance. The ACT Government also announced further technical due diligence for a new or upgraded stadium in Bruce as part of an expanded sports, health, and education precinct.
4.28The announcement now means that neither the Civic nor EPIC sites are under active consideration and that any new stadium would now only be built in Bruce.
4.29Mr Hamid Heydarian, Acting Chief Executive of the NCA, stated that a stadium is essential to ‘put Canberra on the global map as a city’, and that infrastructure decisions should be guided by goals ‘about what it is we’re looking to deliver’.
Amenities
4.30Amenities and comfort for players and spectators were also identified as issues. The NRL suggested that Canberra’s stadium infrastructure is ‘more representative of a regional town/city, as opposed to what would be expected of a nation’s capital’. Some stakeholders indicated that the ACT received less sporting infrastructure investment than other States and Territories and that its sporting infrastructure ‘is poor … relative to other jurisdictions’.
4.31The National Rugby League outlined facilities expected by players, noting the need to accommodate at least 30 athletes, both home and away sides, and gender inclusion. Specifically, it stated:
Superior high-performance facilities that enable them to prepare before and recover after matches … like a warm-up area, recovery wet area with hot and cold options, medical room, team meeting room, property room, player strapping room, and drug testing room.
4.32The NRL drew particular attention to a ‘current lack of female facilities’. However, the ACT Infrastructure Plan notes that recent upgrades to the stadium have included ‘female-friendly change rooms along with roofing and security upgrades’.
4.33A major issue identified for audiences was exposure to the weather. Many stakeholders suggested that a new outdoor stadium should have a roof, potentially retractable. The ACT Government, in its Infrastructure Plan, noted that any new or refurbished stadium option would include ‘more undercover seating’.
4.34Other issues related to amenities at the stadium, included a lack of ‘good quality seats’, food and beverage offerings and ‘decent toilets’, noting that deficiencies in these areas deter spectators.
4.35The NRL outlined factors they consider ‘[w]hen evaluating the suitability of a location and venue for an NRL major event’, observing that GIO Stadium Canberra falls short on ‘the quality of experience for athletes and fans and commercial viability’. With respect to fans, the NRL explained that it seeks:
comfortable seating with optimal sightlines, a range of food and beverage options, top-tier corporate facilities, advanced technology (audio, big screen, Wi‑fi, etc.), accessible amenities (parking, seating, restrooms, transportation), and complete digital integration for an engaging game day experience.
4.36The NRL noted that GIO Stadium Canberra ‘has inadequate connectivity and technology, subpar corporate facilities … and insufficient undercover accessible seating’, reducing attendance. It also shared that ‘concerns are held by both the NRL and Canberra Raiders in respect to patron safety and satisfaction’.
4.37A further issue with the stadium was whether any new facility should be multipurpose or multisport. Mr Greg Blood strongly supported this, to maximise its use, and suggested retraceable seating to adjust the shape of the stadium for different sports. Mr Greg Boorer, Board Chair of Cricket ACT, praised the fact that Manuka Oval is currently used for both Australian Football League (AFL) and cricket.
4.38In contrast, some stakeholders opposed the idea of a multipurpose facility. MrBoland-Rudder suggested that a facility ‘should be purpose built for the sport that is most frequently played at that venue’. Mr Boland-Rudder noted that seating tailored to a specific shape of sports field provides a better audience experience. The Australian Professional Leagues, and Mr Boland-Rudder, recommended a rectangular field for the stadium.
4.39The NRL consistently referred to the Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville as a model, given the ‘comparable locations’ and challenges such as inclement weather. It noted that the Queensland Country Bank Stadium meets NRL standards and has hosted several major events.
4.40Recommendations relating to the capacity of the proposed new stadium facility were put forward by Australian Professional Leagues who suggested 15,000 to 25,000 people, while the NRL recommended 30,000 people.
Australian Institute of Sport
4.41The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) is Australia’s most significant national sporting institution and has been headquartered in Canberra since it was officially opened by Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser on 26 January 1981. Since its inception the AIS has become the ‘most important factor in the resurgence of Australian sport on the world stage,’ and there is now a sport institute or academy in every State and Territory of Australia.
4.42On 29 June 2023, the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) and the ACT Government signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to ‘ensure the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) precinct continues to be central to Australia’s sporting success’. The MOU will enable the ASC and the ACT Government to actively engage in discussions and explore mutually beneficial opportunities within the AIS precinct, including the possibility of a new stadium.
4.43Upon signing the MOU, ASC Chief Executive Officer, Kieran Perkins OAM, commented on the significance of the AIS to Canberra:
This is an important step and aligns with the discussions the ASC is having with the Australian Government regarding the revitalisation of the high-performance sport facilities at the AIS precinct. The AIS has a deep-seated value to the Canberra community, and we look forward to engaging in discussions with the ACT Government to ensure it is a vibrant precinct available for sport, entertainment, and community use.
4.44The Australian Sports Commission discussed in its submission that the AIS location in Canberra symbolises Australia’s commitment to and love of sport. Calls for the AIS to be moved to Brisbane ahead of the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics triggered an independent review from the Commonwealth Government in 2023.
4.45On 24 October 2023, the ACT Legislative Assembly passed a motion to support the AIS remaining in the ACT, noting the significance of the facility to both elite Australian athletes and the broader Canberra community. A 2018 masterplan commissioned by the Commonwealth recommended that the best option was for the AIS to remain in the ACT. The ACT Government estimated that it would cost approximately $200 million to refurbish the AIS Bruce campus and called on the Commonwealth Government to provide funding to support the refurbishment.
4.46The Commonwealth Government announced that the AIS would remain in Canberra after receiving the review in January 2024. Senator for the ACT, Katy Gallagher said:
One of the terms of reference was location, to make sure that we had the best location to deliver what the AIS needs to deliver. And that recommendation has thankfully, come back saying that it should stay in Canberra which is a great result.
Manuka Oval
4.47Throughout the inquiry Manuka Oval was viewed by stakeholders as an excellent facility, particularly for cricket, but with some limitations. Evidence identified potential for targeted investment in this facility, and reforms to cost structures, to unlock substantial opportunities.
4.48Mr Gregory Boorer, Board Chair of Cricket ACT, stated that Manuka Oval was popular with players and had the potential to attract large audiences, with benefits to the National Capital. Mr Boorer told the Committee:
There are tremendous opportunities to increase the visibility of the National Capital through greater content and activating the marvellous Manuka Oval, which is considered one of the best boutique cricket grounds in the world and which the players love coming to play at. So you don't have to worry about building a new stadium or anything like that; the players love coming here already. And it's the second most watched sport in the world. So in terms of international prominence and really highlighting how beautiful Canberra can be, having billions of people tune in for cricket games at Manuka would be relatively straightforward, low-hanging fruit to achieve.
4.49Manuka Oval has ‘host[ed] women’s and men’s international cricket over the past decade’, including 13 Big Bash League matches in 2020–21. The venue’s popularity with fans has ‘driven significant economic benefit to the community’ and showcased Canberra’s ‘other cultural and tourism offerings’.
4.50The facility is also popular with fans, attracting large crowds. This has a positive flow‑on effect for broadcast and at-home viewing, and in turn, for Canberra’s reputation. Mr Boorer explained:
[T]he broadcasters love it as a result, because all the research shows that if stadiums aren't full, viewers turn off, whereas if stadiums are full, then viewers tend to watch the game to the end … As I mentioned, having a billion or so people on the subcontinent watching your cricket games and showcasing Canberra in that manner is not a bad result either, and it's something no other sport could boast.
4.51Broadcasts of Manuka Oval tend to include background views of Canberra, contributing to promoting the National Capital.
4.52Mr Greg Blood was less optimistic about Manuka Oval, stating:
Over time Manuka Oval will become unsuitable for major cricket and AFL competitions due its small land imprint, limited spectator capacity and inadequate transport access. Manuka Oval will need major upgrades to cater to the increase in population and the likelihood of an AFL team permanently based in Canberra.
4.53Mr Boorer acknowledged that Canberra’s cricket and sporting infrastructure lags behind that of other capitals, including Darwin and Hobart. This includes a lack of a ‘high-performance centre’ for cricketers, equivalent to those of the Canberra Raiders and the ACT Brumbies. Mr Boorer recommended that this could be achieved through ‘a centre of excellence, ongoing improvements to Manuka and the activation of content at Manuka’, describing Manuka Oval at present as an ‘underutilised asset’.
4.54Cricket ACT noted that playing surfaces in Canberra are not adequately maintained for cricket and facilities are some of the worst in the country.[89] Issues identified include aged turf wickets, inconsistent curation, and lack of usage planning. Cricket ACT contends that this has led to a loss of players to other states and that the ACT is unlikely to host any future National Championships until the standard of facilities improve.[90] Cricket ACT observed:
From an economic point of view, not addressing the current state of playing surfaces will cost the ACT Government significantly, as turf wickets will require complete renovation into the future rather than remediation if addressed now.[91]
4.55Another facility constraint was a lack of resources for ‘hot-house turf curation’ and other all-weather facilities that would enable year-round training, as is used in Tasmania and Darwin.[92]
4.56Cricket ACT identified inadequate facilities for all ages and genders,[93] and noted the following three main priorities:
- clubhouse and/or appropriate changeroom facilities at all Premier Cricket club grounds;
- training facilities and environments; and
- playing surfaces, and particularly the centre wicket squares of grounds used by Premier clubs.[94]
- Cricket ACT advised that the cost structure is making Manuka Oval inaccessible for many sporting events. Mr Gregory Boorer stated:
Today it's really an exclusive venue that's only used for top-level AFL and top‑level cricket. It is cost prohibitive to rent or hire that for more community-based sports. So one of the priorities for Cricket ACT is to have ongoing discussions with the ACT Government about how to open up that facility for more of the high-end community finals and other aspects, to integrate it more with the community and not reserve it only for elite content.
4.58Mr Boorer recommended more international content, noting that ‘[i]nternational teams and national teams love coming to play at Manuka’. Cricket ACT likewise suggested that ‘with appropriate resourcing and funding’ it could support ‘increased elite cricket content (and utilisation) at Manuka Oval with subsequent growth in attendances and audiences’.
4.59Changes to the Manuka Oval stands, including increasing capacity from 12,000 to 18,000 people; providing more potential for ‘revenue‑generating corporate-type facilities’, and weather protection for spectators was also recommended.
4.60Cricket ACT outlined specific recommendations for Manuka Oval which included redevelopment of the eastern grandstand, upgraded spectator amenities, greater parking provisions, enhanced training and preparation facilities and the transition to a more eco-friendly, environmentally sustainable venue.
4.61Cricket ACT welcomed the forthcoming and proposed upgrades announced in the ACT Government Budget in June 2023, which include new or significant upgrades for public amenities, the ground’s main entrances, and the installation of a new, permanent video replay screen. Cricket ACT also acknowledged the ‘strong desire’ of the ACT Government to reshape the eastern side of the ground, which would likely include a permanent grandstand facility with covered seating for spectators and fans, and appropriate corporate hospitality facilities, all designed to enhance Manuka Oval’s current reputation as the best boutique cricket ground in Australia.
Committee comment
4.62Australia is a sporting nation. Australians love to watch, play, and travel to experience sporting events. Improving Canberra’s capacity to host major sporting events—including national and international competition—will not only benefit the various sporting organisations that seek to provide spectators with opportunities to engage with their codes, but it will showcase Canberra as Australia’s National Capital. This will bring visitors and economic value to the region while reinforcing Australia’s sporting culture.
4.63Stakeholders consistently argued that key sporting infrastructure in Canberra does not adequately provide for the range of sports played in Australia. This limits the potential of the ACT to host key sporting events. It also limits the promotional opportunities that can be used to promote Canberra to the world. Furthermore, any potential benefits derived from hosting sport are lost to other Australian cities better equipped to manage elite competition.
4.64Manuka Oval is home to national and international cricket in Canberra. It provides the perfect backdrop during television broadcasts to spotlight the National Institutions, Canberra’s vistas and the natural landscape of the Capital. Capitalising on cricket as the second most watched sport in the world and upgrading infrastructure and facilities at Manuka Oval will extend beyond improving player and spectator experience. With upgraded facilities, it is envisaged that more major sporting events will be played in Canberra, attracting larger crowds and media coverage that will promote Canberra to an engaged national and international sporting audience.
4.65Custodians of cricket in the ACT should have a seat at the decision-making table. The current governance arrangements for Cricket Australia limit full membership to the six Australian states. To ensure equal representation and more inclusive decision making, the Committee strongly encourages the inclusion of Cricket ACT and NT Cricket as member associations of Cricket Australia consistent with the six state associations, and for Cricket ACT and NT Cricket to be similarly represented by a Director on the Cricket Australia Board.
4.66Upgrades to Canberra’s stadium infrastructure are needed and significant investment from both the ACT and Commonwealth Governments is required to support this. The Committee acknowledges the proposed work set out in the ACT Government’s Infrastructure Plan to redevelop and upgrade the facilities.
4.67The Committee fully supports the AIS remaining in Canberra. The AIS is a significant National Institution that has been housed in the ACT for over 40 years. It is an important part of the National Capital’s sporting history, culture, and identity and should receive appropriate investment to ensure that it remains a world class institution capable of supporting world class athletes.
4.68The Committee recommends that the Commonwealth Government work with the ACT Government to upgrade Canberra’s stadium infrastructure to:
- provide the necessary infrastructure to support national and international sporting events;
- improve training and preparation facilities for athletes and teams;
- include gender-friendly player facilities; and
- improve spectator experience and comfort through increased stadium capacity, improved seating and weather protection, accessible parking and transport options, and suitable corporate facilities.
4.69The Committee recommends that the marketing and promotion of Manuka Oval as a boutique sporting facility be improved to raise the profile of the National Capital as a destination and attract more visitors.
4.70The Committee recommends that the Commonwealth Government invest in the AIS to ensure it remains a world class institution and able to fully support Australian athletes in the lead up to international sporting competitions, including the 2032 Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics.