Ice sports call to ease the freeze -- media release

18 November 2025

ACT's ice sports associations and supporters are calling for developers Pelligra Group and facilitator Cruachan Investments to start building a twin-sheet ice sports centre in Tuggeranong as soon as possible.

An urgent petition initiated by the ACT Ice Sports Federation (ACTISF) drawing the ACT Legislative Assembly's attention to the issue is being sponsored by Taimus Werner-Gibbings MLA and is now online to draw the Assembly's attention to the urgent need for progress on the Canberra Arena.

The ACTISF first raised the need for a new ice sports facility with the then-ACT Government in 2015.

"Canberra lacks sufficient ice sports infrastructure," said Sandi Logan, the federation’s spokesman. "The existing facility in Phillip is outdated, unable to meet demand, and nearing the end of its operational life though we are grateful Geocon continues to maintain and improve it for the community to use.

“Tuggeranong, and the ACT, deserves this world-class ice sports venue, which will include two Olympic-sized ice rinks, curling lanes, and a rock-climbing centre. Delays to the project – extending well beyond initial expectations – have been deeply disappointing for Canberra’s ice sports community and Tuggeranong's residents.

"It's time for Pelligra Group and Cruachan Investments to ease the freeze for ice sports in the ACT, and deliver on their commitment to build a state-of-the-art ice sports venue," Mr Logan added.

Canberra’s ice sports community is concerned about the developers’ commitment to the Tuggeranong site and to growing ice sports participation at a community level after recent media reports suggested they may be shifting their focus to other ice sports projects.

Taimus Werner-Gibbings MLA, Member for Brindabella, highlighted the long-term benefits the Canberra Arena would bring to 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 said. “It has been more than three years since the ACT Government signed a Heads of Agreement with the joint proponents, assigned a block of land in Greenway, and committed $16.2 million towards planning, design, and construction costs.

“Once built, this important investment will make Tuggeranong a destination for every ice-sports enthusiast in the Capital region and beyond. It will generate significant interest in our community as well bringing considerable economic and social benefits,” Mr Werner-Gibbings added.

Caitlin Tough MLA, Member for Brindabella, reiterated the benefits it would provide the Tuggeranong community.

“Tuggeranong residents have been looking forward to a twin sheet ice sports facility since it was announced and are disappointed progress remains stalled with the private development partners,” she said. “The twin sheet facility in Tuggeranong will bring interest and investment to the area and provide a great space to bring the community together,” Ms Tough added.

The petition is available online (Deliver an Ice Sports Venue in Tuggeranong ACT Legislative Assembly) and remains open until late February 2026. A hard copy is also available at Phillip Ice Rink through the ice hockey, ice/figure skating and broomball coaches and representatives. ACTISF officials are aiming for at least 2500 signatures, tapping existing ice sports' participants', enthusiasts', fans’, and families' support, as well as members of the wider community who will also benefit from a new facility.