ACT Government's petition response: "actively working...in the community's best interests".

ACT Sports Minister Yvette Berry says while the government remains committed to the Tuggeranong ice sports facility, and "is actively working in the community's best interests", she is unable to reveal the status of new negotiations with the project's proponents, Cruachan/Pelligra. However it appears the proponents are not only refusing to work with the land made available to them in Tuggeranong, but are also putting their hand out for more money.

The minister was responding to the ACT Ice Sports Federation's 25 February petition lodged by Brindabella MLA Taimus Werner-Gibbings.

The petition called for, among other things, the ACT Government to conduct contract negotiations and development decisions transparently, prioritising the interests of the Tuggeranong and Canberra ice sports communities. It also sought assurances the government would work collaboratively to remove unnecessary red tape and ensure no further delays hindered the progress of this vital community infrastructure.

"Unfortunately, the proponents have continued to pursue issues such as the location of the site, environmental/heritage protections, and increased government funding," said ACTISF spokesman Sandi Logan. "Further, the minister has advised the federation that negotiations remain subject to commercial-in-confidence requirements and cannot be disclosed in detail.

"It's disappointing that we got so close to being able to celebrate the signing of a binding agreement, the lodging of a development application, and eventually the first spade breaking ground on the Rowland Rees Crescent site -- only to be derailed by continuing uncertainty and inertia," he added.

The full response to the petition is reproduced here. The ACTISF has highlighted key elements it believes need urgent and closer attention.

Yvette Berry MLA Deputy Chief Minister/Minister for Sport and Recreation

Ref: CMTEDD2026/724

Dear Mr Duncan

Thank you for your letter about petition No PET-021-26 and e-petition No E-PET-080-25, lodged by Mr Taimus Werner-Gibbings MLA, in regard to the delivery of an ice sports venue in Tuggeranong.

The ACT Government remains committed to the delivery of a new ice sports venue for the Canberra community. The proposed ice sports facility project commenced in 2019 following a Cabinet-endorsed Expression of Interest process to identify a partner to design, build and operate a new facility, resulting in the selection of Cruachan/Pelligra.

Between 2020 and 2024, the ACT Government progressed key enabling work for a site in Greenway, including site investigations, environmental approvals and detailed assessment of the proponent’s proposal, which supported progression and led to the execution of a non-binding agreement in November 2022.

Progress has since been impacted by a range of factors, including pandemic-related disruptions, delays in the provision of key legal and governance information by the proponent, and the expiry of the initial Environmental Significance Opinion in 2022. Subsequent changes to planning and environmental legislation introduced additional ecological assessment requirements, creating uncertainty regarding site suitability and delaying the progression of binding agreements.

In 2025, draft project documentation, including a proposed Project Agreement, was provided to Cruachan/Pelligra.

Further discussions identified ongoing concerns from the proponent regarding the Tuggeranong site and overall project costs, as well as a preference to pursue alternative locations.

The ACT Government has reaffirmed its commitment to Tuggeranong as the preferred site and sought clarification of the proponent’s position, including any additional funding requirements.

An updated detailed proposal was subsequently requested and submitted by Cruachan/Pelligra in January 2026. This has enabled further assessment and analysis to inform the Government’s consideration of next steps and the future direction of the project.

The ACT Government recognises the importance of transparency and timely delivery for the Tuggeranong and broader Canberra ice sports communities.

While negotiations remain subject to commercial-in-confidence requirements and cannot be disclosed in detail, the Government is actively working to progress discussions constructively and in the community’s best interests.

This includes continuing to engage with the proponent, addressing regulatory requirements where appropriate, and progressing assessment of the updated proposal to ensure informed and timely decision-making on the future of this important community infrastructure.

I will continue to provide quarterly updates in line with this commitment and report on progress accordingly.

Yours sincerely

Yvette Berry MLA

Minister for Sport and Recreation

22 May 2026