ACT Labor has announced it would build a new Canberra aquatic centre in Commonwealth Park. It would include a 50-metre pool, a program pool for swimming lessons, and a splash park, Chief Minister Andrew Barr said.

Construction would begin next term. The federal government supports the land use.

Once the new aquatic centre is complete, the ageing pool (built in 1956) will be decommissioned, allowing for the construction of an 8,000-seat convention and entertainment centre on the site, Mr said. The convention and entertainment precinct would host live music and major indoor sporting events like basketball, netball, and tennis.

Labor would increase the local sports grants program to $4.7 million annually.

“Sport brings Canberrans together and Labor will make sure that we can continue to play, and enjoy, great sport in our backyard,” Mr Barr said.

Labor would support Canberra’s first Big Bash cricket franchise (a professional Twenty20 cricket tournament), working with Cricket ACT to include them in the next agreement with Cricket Australia, so Canberrans can enjoy men’s and women’s BBL teams at Manuka Oval.

Labor also aims to bring the Canberra Cannons back to the National Basketball League, joining the Capitals in the WNBL, to offer more basketball events at the AIS Arena and the future Entertainment Centre.

Labor says it would back local elite sporting teams in national competitions, increasing funding for women’s teams like Canberra United, ACT Meteors, and the Canberra Capitals.

Labor plans to build a 30,000-seat Canberra Stadium as part of the Bruce Health, Education and Sports precinct. The precinct planning is jointly funded by the Australian Government, and construction would start in 2028-29.

Arts

Labor is committed to building a 2,000-seat Canberra Lyric Theatre as the first stage of the Canberra Theatre Centre transformation, “a performing arts centre of national significance in the heart of the city”. The theatre would attract major productions (blockbuster musicals, circus shows, ballet, opera), bring more visitors to Canberra, and create jobs in arts and culture, hospitality and construction.

Labor would continue investing in local artists and arts centres, including the new Kingston Arts Precinct. Labor plans to increase funding to the arts by more than $5 million over the next term.

“People in Canberra visit cultural venues and events more than anywhere else in Australia – with a particular focus on the performing arts,” Mr Barr said. “72 per cent of adults and 82 per cent of children attend at least one performing arts event each year in the ACT.”

Major events and Canberra icons

Labor would add drone shows to the Enlighten Festival.

Floriade would start earlier each year, run for longer, and have longer opening hours in the final week. 

Labor would reopen Telstra Tower on Black Mountain as a visitor destination. Attractions would include a café, retail space, and an observation deck.

Labor would revive iconic Canberra traditions like the Birdman Rally on Canberra Day and Saturday morning busking at Garema Place.

“Canberrans have every right to be proud of our city and excited about what comes next,” Mr Barr said. “And Labor is reflecting that pride in our ambitious plan for Canberra’s future.

“We are working with Canberrans to make our city even more connected and dynamic. A growing city that is proudly welcoming and inclusive. A city that is unique in what it offers, yet has everything you need to enjoy it. We love every part of Canberra and Labor is committed to making sure everything we love about Canberra, is available in every part of Canberra.

“That starts with new and renewed infrastructure – from new playgrounds to light rail. With two Labor Governments working side by side, Canberrans will get the infrastructure a city of half a million people needs.”