Labor backbencher sponsors petition for delayed ice sports facility

25 February 2026

Canberra Daily (Newstime Media) reported on the successful ACTISF petition calling on the ACT Government and its developer partners Pelligra Group to urgently progress the design, build and operation of the new twin-sheet ice sports facility in Tuggeranong.

Labor MLA Taimus Werner-Gibbings will table a petition in the ACT Legislative Assembly today urging the ACT Government and its private development partners to deliver on their commitment to build a state-of-the-art ice sports facility in Tuggeranong. 882 people have signed the petition.

The facility was expected to be completed last year. The ACT Government announced in November 2022 that it would support Cruachan Investments and Pelligra Holdings’ proposal for a $45-$50 million ice sports facility, the Canberra Arena in Greenway.

Sports minister Yvette Berry MLA committed $16 million in January 2023: the biggest commitment by any government – state, territory, or national – to ice sports in Australian history, the ACT Ice Sports Federation said at the time.

Mr Werner-Gibbings wants the government “to get on with building the venue and create a centre of gravity that will bring people to Tuggeranong”.

“This critical and major investment in Tuggeranong will make our community the destination for every ice-sports enthusiast in the Capital Region and interstate. It will generate significant, on-going energy in our community as well bringing considerable economic and social benefits.”

The ACT Ice Sports Federation petition supports the petition. They have advocated for a new facility since 2015.

“Canberra lacks sufficient ice sports infrastructure,” spokesman Sandi Logan said.

“The existing facility in Phillip is outdated, unable to meet demand, and nearing the end of its operational life — though we are grateful Geocon continues to maintain and improve it for the community to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.”

The Minister for Sport and Recreation, Yvette Berry MLA, has three months to respond to the petition.