The re-zoning at Watson and Downer will see an additional 1000 apartments … but what about amenities? Image: ACT Government.
News that we are about to see more apartments built along the route of the light rail on Northbourne Avenue in Canberra’s north presents a dilemma of sorts.
Sure, it will cater to people seeking apartment living using the light rail to get into the city without the issues associated with cars and parking.
And it is not just along the route of the light rail, which is experiencing incredible growth.
Across the city, thousands of new apartments and units are rapidly changing the skyline.
Take a trip to Woden and you will fully understand the changing nature of Canberra as high-rise apartment living becomes the preferred – or only – option for many.
But at what stage do we stop and say, ‘What about sports facilities to cater to this population growth?’ Surely, a large proportion of these apartment dwellers would want to play sport?
After all, Canberra proudly leads the nation in sports participation per capita.
We are a sports city.
So, alongside these high-rise developments, are we seeing the building of indoor and outdoor sports facilities in and around the Woden, Gungahlin or Belconnen town centres?
You can probably guess what the answer is, as facilities for indoor sports, particularly during winter, are in short supply.
Basketball, for instance, presents a strong case for greater government investment beyond what is being spent on the Belconnen stadium.
The emergence of pickleball as a sport of choice for many Canberrans has presented another challenge across the city.
The construction of the Stromlo District Playing Fields will be a welcome addition to the growing population in the Molongo Valley. But what about elsewhere?
Stromlo District Playing Fields plans. Photo: ACT Government.
There is a perception that we are constantly playing catch-up.
I would argue that the construction of new sports facilities should be a prerequisite for any new growth in the area, particularly in areas with apartment or unit development.
Alongside new facilities, existing facilities need to be retained. Once gone, they are highly unlikely to ever return.
The battle to keep a public swimming pool in Phillip is a case in point, with the community dissatisfied with the alternative offerings now fighting to keep the existing facility.
There is also concern over the ACT Government’s ability to maintain existing facilities.
I’m not saying it’s reached crisis point when it comes to a growing population and limited sporting facilities, but it’s definitely a concern in the midst of unprecedented apartment and unit construction.
