The developers responsible for delivering Canberra's long-awaited twin-sheet ice rink have responded to mounting criticism over project delays, revealing they've proposed two alternative locations while defending their handling of the stalled development.
Three-Year Stalemate Sparks Frustration
Cruachan Investments managing director Stephen Campbell expressed frustration that three years have passed since the ACT government committed $16.2 million toward planning, design, and construction costs for the state-of-the-art facility, yet construction remains unable to commence.
Campbell revealed the developers sent a response to the government contract on October 3, highlighting concerns about the Tuggeranong location and proposing two alternative sites at Majura Park and Commonwealth Park. The developers also raised issues with the land sale process, noting they still don't know the purchase price for the Greenway site.
"The reality is we've been asking, we've been waiting and had it not been for the opposition we wouldn't have even gotten the contract in July," Campbell told The Canberra Times.
Location Debate Intensifies
The developers argue that alternative locations would better serve Canberra's entire population rather than just southern suburbs. Campbell emphasized that only one ice rink will be built in the next 30 years, making the location decision critical for long-term accessibility.
"There will be only one ice rink built in the next 30 years, so you want to service the entire population of the ACT, not just the suburbs on the southern side," Campbell said. "It's important to get this right."
The Commonwealth Park proposal would situate the ice facility beside a yet-to-be-built Olympic pool, allowing waste heat from ice production to heat the pool—an energy-efficient solution aligning with government Net Zero objectives.
Community Backlash and Political Pressure
The development stalemate has prompted action from newly elected Brindabella Labor MLAs Taimus Werner-Gibbings and Caitlin Tough, who are sponsoring a petition demanding the facility be built in Tuggeranong as originally promised.
ACT Ice Sports Federation spokesman Sandi Logan delivered scathing criticism of the developers on ABC Radio, suggesting the government consider a "plan B" to extract itself from the current agreement and fully fund the project through ACT and federal government funding.
"It's time to bite the bullet, potentially look at the contract and the Ts and Cs and say 'do we really need this going on in such a failed way?'" Logan said. "I'd be embarrassed if I was the developer or facilitator to put my name to this."
Campbell responded that he was "disappointed" with Logan's comments and rejected claims the developers were making excuses for delays. He maintained that the slope of the Greenway site presented "enormous issues" not present at the alternative locations.
Contract and Land Price Concerns
A significant stumbling block identified by developers involves the land sale process. Campbell revealed that the government expects developers to sign a final contract before disclosing the land price—a condition he described as unreasonable for any developer or home builder.
"What they have told us is we need to sign a final contract before they tell us what the land will be sold to us for," Campbell explained. "I can't imagine any developer or even a home builder agreeing to a contract, to then be told post-signing what the land is going to be charged at."
The petition launched by the ACT Ice Sports Federation demands the government and developers rule out any other site for the rink, conduct transparent contract and development decisions, and collaboratively remove unnecessary red tape to avoid further delays.
The ACT government has previously recommitted to keeping the facility in Tuggeranong, with Sport Minister Yvette Berry shutting down the Majura Park option in June. The petition remains open until February 24, with organizers aiming for at least 2,500 signatures.
