ACT Government Faces Critical Funding Decision for Tuggeranong Ice Rink
The future of Canberra's proposed world-class twin-sheet ice facility in Tuggeranong hangs in the balance as developers issue a stark ultimatum to the ACT Government. With the 2027 completion deadline looming, Cruachan Investments and Pelligra Group have indicated they may walk away from the project unless additional funding is secured beyond the current $16.265 million government allocation.
Developers Issue Funding Ultimatum
Stephen Campbell, director of Cruachan Investments and owner of the Canberra Brave ice hockey team, has made it clear that the existing funding package falls short of what's required to deliver the facility at the designated Greenway site. "It's ultimately up to the government to determine whether or not their insistence on the ice rink being at a particular site [Greenway] is worth the extra money that they need to put on the table," Campbell told The Canberra Times.
Following the submission of updated project details to the government in mid-January 2026, developers have warned that insufficient financial support could force them to pursue alternative development options elsewhere in the ACT. The total project cost is estimated to exceed $50 million, with developers claiming the current funding would be quickly consumed by preliminary site preparation work at Greenway.
Government Response and Community Pressure
The ACT Government has acknowledged receiving the updated proposal and indicated that consideration of the ice sports facility remains a priority. A government spokesperson confirmed that commercial negotiations are ongoing but declined to provide specific details about the discussions.
This latest development adds another chapter to a saga that began over three years ago when the development consortium was initially selected in November 2022. Since then, the project has experienced multiple delays, including concerns about site suitability, escalating costs, and potential relocation discussions that were ultimately rejected by Sport Minister Yvette Berry.
Canberra's ice sports community has grown increasingly impatient for the facility's construction, with Campbell attempting to maintain open communication with various ice sports associations throughout the protracted process. "My express words to the ice sports community would be hang in there, we are going to make it happen, whether it's Tuggeranong or elsewhere, there will be a new rink in the ACT," Campbell reassured stakeholders.
Site Selection Controversy
The Greenway location has emerged as a significant point of contention between developers and government officials. Campbell has consistently advocated for a more centrally located site that he argues would be more suitable for construction and accessibility. "There's a reason why that block [in Greenway] has never been developed," he noted, highlighting ongoing concerns about the parcel of southside land.
Despite these reservations, Campbell emphasized his willingness to proceed at Greenway if government support materializes. "We don't think [Greenway's] the perfect site, but we would rather see a development of some description proceed, rather than ACT ice sports finding themselves without a facility," he stated.
Historical Precedent and Development Challenges
This isn't the first time the development consortium has encountered obstacles with ice rink projects. In 2024, a proposed $20 million arena in Adelaide's Marion district was abandoned due to construction cost concerns and community opposition to tree removal. However, the developers are proceeding with another Adelaide project, the Playford Arena in Elizabeth, scheduled for completion in 2027.
Campbell remains undeterred by the challenges, expressing his determination to develop ice facilities across Australia. "I am determined to build ice rinks across this country," he declared, acknowledging that such projects often require government assistance due to their unique footprint and construction requirements.
Path Forward and Timeline Concerns
With the ball now in the government's court, both parties face mounting pressure to finalize the project agreement and commence construction. Campbell believes the 2027 completion target remains achievable if negotiations progress smoothly and planning approvals are expedited.
"It really depends on getting agreement from government and us being able to move through the planning process in an expedited manner. Provided we step through that in a reasonable timeframe then 2027 is certainly realistic," Campbell explained, adding that "It should be relatively smooth sailing if everything is agreed to."
The coming weeks will prove crucial as the ACT Government weighs its response to the developers' funding concerns while balancing community expectations for the long-awaited facility. The decision will determine whether Canberra's ice sports enthusiasts finally receive their world-class venue or face further uncertainty about the project's future.
