Page 895 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 27 February 2013
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(iv) $2 million in the 2012-2013 Budget to improve amenities such as pavilions, canteens, toilet blocks and lighting systems; and
(d) improving the quality of playing surfaces is a priority of the ACT Government and is being supported through:
(i) replacement of the irrigation system at Dickson playing fields, with the Kambah and Hawker systems also to be replaced;
(ii) replacement of grass surfaces with water efficient couch grass; and
(iii) a commitment to hire three extra maintenance and repair officers for Sport and Recreation Services to undertake improvements to the quality of sports facilities; and
(2) calls on the Government to:
(a) continue its commitment to delivering higher quality sports and recreation facilities in the ACT;
(b) continue to progressively reduce the cost of insurance by abolishing duties charged through the 2012-2013 tax reform initiatives; and
(c) investigate whether casual public liability insurance could be accessed by some sport and recreation groups.”.
I move this amendment because the government is committed to delivering better quality sportsgrounds and facilities, to boosting participation in sport and to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for competitors.
As the amendment indicates, the ACT continues to lead the nation in participation in sport and recreation. We have done so throughout this century, and we see 80.3 per cent of Canberrans participating in physical activity, which is well above the national average of 65 per cent. These figures are, of course, derived from Australian Bureau of Statistics publications. Of particular note, and this would appear to be at odds with the perception that the shadow minister is putting forward in his speech, young Canberrans continue to lead the way, with 90 per cent participation amongst 18 to 24-year-olds, for example, in sport and recreation. But there are also strong figures for participation by older Canberrans, who are far more active here than anywhere else in the country.
The government have delivered a number of improvements to sport and recreation facilities. Again, far from the picture that the shadow minister portrays, we have delivered upgrades to sportsgrounds at Lyneham, Charnwood, Dickson, Ngunnawal, Isabella Plains and Hawker. There is work underway at Bonython. And the budget of last year delivered funding for Watson and Weetangera ovals.
Members for Brindabella would be aware, and certainly Minister Burch is aware, of the new archery and multi-use facility in Greenway that is nearing completion. The government invested $2.1 million in this complex, which provides a new world-class facility for sports like archery, table tennis and fencing.
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