Upgrades to the Phillip District Enclosed Oval will begin today, Yvette Berry, Minister for Sport and Recreation, announced.

The first stage is a stand-alone community sports pavilion and additional car parking spaces. Further works – which “will also soon be progressed” – include LED sportsground lighting, a new storage shed, new irrigation system, a new turf wicket, and refurbishment of the Michael O’Connor Grandstand.

“The improved facility will provide a space close to home for the local community to get together and play sport,” Ms Berry said.

It is a familiar announcement. These upgrades were announced in February 2021 (in more detail in the October of that year).

The government submitted its development application in mid-2022.

In February 2023, the government announced that these upgrades would soon begin.

Only a year later, in February 2024, did a tender open to appoint a construction contractor; Projex was contracted in May.

The project is due to be completed in mid-2025.

The ACT Government was asked to explain this protracted timeline. They have not.

Dr Jim Taylor, president of the Canberra Royals Rugby Union Club, said the club and other key sporting user groups were “thrilled to acknowledge the support and funding from the ACT Government”.

“This is a fantastic outcome for all involved!”

Fiona Carrick, independent candidate for Murrumbidgee, said the upgrade was “great for the rugby community”.

“The oval is located in a strategically significant 13-hectare area that sits between the Canberra Hospital and the Woden Town Centre,” Ms Carrick said.

“I would like to see ambition and planning for a health, education and sports precinct which would benefit the local community and help to attract students and health professionals to our tertiary hospital.

“This 13-hectare site provides an excellent opportunity to create employment in healthcare, education, sports. A small electric shuttle bus would connect the hospital to the town centre and public transport, and also provide much needed parking to alleviate the congestion on the hospital campus.”

For further details about the project, visit the ACT Government YourSay website.