Canberra's ice sports community is turning up the pressure on developers and the ACT government to finally deliver a long-promised twin-sheet ice rink in Tuggeranong, three years after the project was officially approved.
Political Pressure Mounts on Stalled Project
Newly elected Brindabella Labor MLAs Taimus Werner-Gibbings and Caitlin Tough are leading the charge to break the ice on the stalled development. Despite the ACT government signing a Heads of Agreement in 2022 and committing $16.2 million towards planning, design, and construction costs, not a single sod has been turned at the designated Greenway site.
Mr Werner-Gibbings is sponsoring a petition initiated by the ACT Ice Sports Federation that demands the government and development partners Pelligra Group and Cruachan Investments honour their commitment to build the facility in Tuggeranong.
"I have been calling on the developers to confirm Greenway as the location for this landmark project since I was elected a year ago," Mr Werner-Gibbings stated.
Community Frustration Boils Over
The ACT Ice Sports Federation first raised the need for a new ice sports facility with the government back in 2015. According to federation spokesman Sandi Logan, Canberra's existing Phillip facility is outdated, unable to meet demand, and nearing the end of its operational life.
"Delays to the project - extending well beyond initial expectations - have been deeply disappointing for Canberra's ice sports community and Tuggeranong's residents," Mr Logan said.
The proposed Canberra Arena would feature two Olympic-sized ice rinks, curling lanes, and a rock-climbing centre, transforming Tuggeranong into a destination for ice sports enthusiasts across the capital region.
Uncertain Future for Tuggeranong Site
Concerns have grown among ice sports groups that the developers might be considering alternative locations. In June, Stephen Campbell, managing director of Cruachan Investments and chief executive of the Canberra Brave, indicated they were examining other sites.
"We will work to complete the project at Tuggeranong, unless it ultimately demonstrates that it is too prohibitively expensive to do so," Mr Campbell said at the time.
This uncertainty has prompted the petition to specifically request that Tuggeranong be reconfirmed as the location for the landmark project.
Fellow Brindabella MLA Caitlin Tough emphasised the broader community benefits, noting that "Tuggeranong residents have been looking forward to a twin sheet ice sports facility since it was announced and are disappointed progress remains stalled."
The petition remains open until February 24 and is available online through the ACT Legislative Assembly website, with hard copies accessible at Phillip Ice Rink. Federation officials are aiming to collect at least 2500 signatures to demonstrate strong community support for finally delivering the long-awaited facility.
