Page 1380 - Week 04 - Thursday, 12 April 2018

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Some work has already occurred out at the ballpark, including some more parking upgrades on Kyeema Street, an additional upgrade to the PA system, and the provision of some shipping containers. These works were completed before the commencement of the 2017-18 season. A contractor has been engaged, and the additional works that will occur will be completed by November 2018, minimising the impact on the Canberra Cavalry.

MR STEEL: Minister, what will these improvements mean for players and supporters?

MS BERRY: I thank Mr Steel for the supplementary. Anyone who has had the chance to get out to a Cavalry game will know what a unique and personal experience it can be to be up close with the players and the supporters. The upgrade to the facility will improve on that and provide benefits to both players and supporters. It is Canberra’s own little patch of American culture, and I encourage members of the Assembly to get out and enjoy a game when they can in the upcoming season. Particularly with the upgrades, it will be much more enjoyable and a much better spectator experience.

Players will benefit from an upgrade to the existing pavilion. The change rooms will be larger and more functional and will better meet the needs of the Canberra Cavalry and the baseball community more broadly. The new batting cages that will be constructed will provide upgraded practice and warm-up facilities in proximity to the change rooms. These currently do not exist, so that will be a fantastic improvement for the ballpark.

MS CODY: Minister, how will the upgraded facility elevate Canberra as an international baseball facility?

MS BERRY: I thank Ms Cody for the supplementary. Upon completion of the upgrades, the Narrabundah ballpark will be among the best in the country. I have already had feedback every time I get to talk with people who attend games out there—whether they are from the ACT or visiting—about what a great experience it is out there, what a great ballpark it is and what a great sports facility it is to play on.

The ACT government is currently discussing opportunities with Baseball Australia to bring elite-level event content to Canberra as a result of the facility upgrade. These discussions are ongoing, with an announcement on additional event provision at the ballpark expected to be made in the coming months.

Bimberi Youth Justice Centre—staffing

MRS KIKKERT: My question is to the Minister for Disability, Children and Youth. Minister, when you were asked in March last year if the staffing levels at Bimberi were adequate, you replied:

In short, the answer is yes.


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