An analysis of sporting infrastructure across the Australian Capital Territory has exposed a stark disparity, with two major districts emerging as clear losers in the race for adequate facilities. Gungahlin and the burgeoning Molonglo Valley are facing a critical shortage of sports grounds, placing immense pressure on local clubs and volunteers.
The Numbers Don't Lie: A Tale of Two Populations
Gungahlin, with a population of approximately 95,000, is Canberra's second-largest district. Yet it is serviced by only 14 sportsgrounds, comprising about 39 fields and ovals. This pales in comparison to Belconnen, which has a population of 111,000 but boasts 23 grounds with 67 fields. Similarly, Tuggeranong, with 91,000 residents, has access to 17 grounds and 65 fields.
The situation is even more acute in the Molonglo Valley. Despite already being home to 18,000 people—a number projected to more than triple over the next two decades—the fledgling district currently has no dedicated sportsgrounds whatsoever.
Real-World Impact on Clubs and Communities
The shortage is not just a statistic; it has tangible consequences for grassroots sport. The Gungahlin Bulls rugby league club is a prime example. With their pre-season training clashing with cricket season, finding space is a constant battle. The club is often forced to split its teams across multiple grounds for training and matches, stretching volunteer resources thin.
"Once we get post-Christmas, we'll be at Ngunnawal and we'll have to put up marquees and those sort of things because we'll have our strappers, our medical staff out in the open," said Bulls president Darren Grocott. He highlighted that the lack of basic facilities like change rooms creates discomfort, particularly for younger or more self-conscious players who must get ready in open areas.
The club currently shares the Nicholls oval with the Gungahlin Eagles rugby union team, further illustrating the squeeze on available space.
Government Plans and Community Hopes
In response to the growing crisis, the ACT government has outlined several projects. Part of the supply-and-confidence agreement with the ACT Greens included developing a long-term community sport infrastructure plan.
For Gungahlin, key plans include:
- The development of the Throsby District Playing Fields (the former 'Home of Football' site) into three rectangular fields.
- An expansion of the Taylor District Playing Fields, starting with two synthetic rectangular fields and potential for two future turf fields.
- Recent installations of lights at Bonner and Ngunnawal, and land set aside in Jacka.
For Molonglo Valley, the government intends to build two synthetic rectangular fields—which can double as an oval—plus one turf oval and one turf rectangular field at Stromlo. A town oval is also forecast for the future Molonglo Town Centre.
However, clubs like the Bulls, who are slated to be primary tenants at Taylor, have expressed a preference for turf fields to be prioritised over synthetic surfaces. The recent collapse of the Gungahlin United soccer club has also created uncertainty, potentially freeing up some grounds in the north for other sports.
An ACT government spokesperson acknowledged the need, stating, "The ACT government recognises the need to provide additional sports infrastructure to support the growing population in Gungahlin." They confirmed that design work for Throsby is set to begin in 2026, and a tender for the Taylor expansion will be released before the end of 2025.
For Molonglo, the government said it "continues to monitor population growth and demand... to inform future planning and investment." With both districts poised for significant growth, the race is on to ensure community sport isn't left behind.
