No. 27 
Supporting jobs and the economy by investing in tourism and sports infrastructure

The 2009-10 ACT Budget delivers on the ACT Government’s election commitments to invest in tourism and sports infrastructure, which will help support jobs in both sectors, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation, Andrew Barr, said today.

“Our sporting industry, both at the elite and local level, provides not only great entertainment and an active lifestyle for Canberrans, but also acts as a draw card for visitors to Canberra, with tourism providing a significant contribution to the economy.

“While these industries have enjoyed strong growth in recent years, they, like all industries, are not immune to the impacts of the global financial crisis,” Mr Barr said.

“The 2009-10 ACT Budget delivers sensible and targeted investments in the ACT’s sports and tourism sectors aimed at supporting local jobs and the economy while delivering the services that make Canberra the most active and healthy community in Australia.”

Funding of $8.680 million (including recurrent expenses) has been allocated over four years to deliver on Labor’s election commitment to progress the development of Stage 2 of the Lyneham Sports Precinct. This will include the redevelopment of the existing National Sports Club, the construction of underground piping of stormwater between the existing National Sports Club and the Lyneham Hockey Centre, and the creation of a formal entry road.

$6 million has been provided over two years to fund the construction of an enclosed Gungahlin Sports Complex. The project will result in an irrigated playing surface that will accommodate all major football codes to a senior level, covered seating for 500 people, open seating for 600 spectators, change rooms, toilets, a kiosk and storage. 

Other highlights of the 2009-10 ACT Budget in the Sport and Recreation portfolio include:

•	$3 million over two years to deliver on Labor’s election commitment to develop a Basketball Centre of Excellence;
•	$1 million for forward design work to deliver on Labor’s election commitment to deliver an indoor pool complex for the Gungahlin community;
•	An additional $8 million to 'drought proof' a number of sportsgrounds in Canberra under the Where Will We Play program;
•	$500,000 in 2009-10 to deliver on Labor’s election commitment to develop an off-road area to provide a safe and legal environment for motor bike riders; 
•	$1.5 million over three years commencing 2010-11 to support motorsport organisations to invest in facilities and hold events. This investment is part of an ACT Labor election commitment to invest $8 million over 4 years in ACT motorsports;
•	$650,000 in 2009-10 to deliver on Labor’s election commitment to upgrade and expand facilities at the Woden Gymnastics Club;  
•	$1.050 million over two years to deliver on Labor’s election commitment to improve Griffith Oval to help secure the future of the Brumbies in the ACT;
•	$2.5 million to construct a plant which will reuse effluent for irrigation of the grounds at Exhibition Park in Canberra, reducing reliance on drinking water; and
•	$300,000 in 2009-10 to deliver on Labor’s election commitment to support the work of the Children’s Physical Activity Foundation in promoting active healthy lifestyles to the ACT’s children.

Highlights for Tourism include:

•	$5.3 million over four years to deliver on Labor’s election commitment to establish a new annual event in the ACT during autumn, commencing in 2010. Funding will also increase the promotion of Canberra in the domestic market; and 
•	$800,000 to ensure the delivery of the 2009 UCI Mountain Bike and Trials World Championships in September 2009 at Stromlo Forest Park. 

5 May 2009
Media Contact: 	Paul Kindermann	6205 1690(w)   0403 600 955(m)