2023-02-07
ACT Greens Member for Brindabella Johnathan Davis MLA will today table a petition with over 770 signatures calling for the ACT Government to allocate sufficient funding to construct a new, modern, world-class skatepark in Tuggeranong to modernise the 25-year-old facility and cater to the growing population in the area.
The petition also calls on the ACT Government to develop comprehensive plan for the ongoing maintenance of Canberra’s skateparks, and the construction of new skateparks and skate-friendly spaces.
“The Tuggeranong Skatepark is now 25 years old, making it the oldest skatepark in Canberra. Belconnen has had their skatepark replaced, Woden has had their skatepark replaced, while Tuggeranong has been left behind” Mr Davis said.
“The Tuggeranong Skatepark is a highly valued piece of community infrastructure. Keen skaters, BMX riders and scooter rides of all ages, genders and abilities frequent the skatepark. However, the skatepark leaves a lot to be desired. No bins, no bubblers, no seating and no shade sails combined with the deterioration of the concrete making the skatepark unsafe all combine to make the perfect storm. For all of these reasons, a replacement is well overdue. Tuggeranong needs a new skatepark.”
“I am pleased to sponsor this petition on behalf of the Canberra Skateboarding Association, calling on the ACT Government to allocate sufficient funding to construct a new, modern, world-class skatepark in Tuggeranong to modernise the 25-year-old facility and cater to the growing population in the area.
“The ACT Government has allocated $4.75 million in the 2021-22 ACT Budget for the Lake Tuggeranong Foreshore Revitalisation Project. This should be increased to accommodate for a new skatepark – a key feature of the Lake Tuggeranong Foreshore.
“In March 2022, I asked my community how they wanted to see the $4.75 million spent. I had 433 respondents and received a lot of feedback about the state of the Tuggeranong Skatepark. Since then, I have met regularly with users of the skatepark, including the Canberra Skateboarding Association and can see that now is the right time to replace the Tuggeranong Skatepark”.
“Now is the right time to take advantage of the economy of scale and include a complete rebuild of the Tuggeranong Skatepark as part of the Lake Tuggeranong Revitalisation project.”
“Additionally, the ACT Government should work with the community to develop comprehensive plan for the ongoing maintenance of Canberra’s skateparks, and the construction of new skateparks and skate-friendly spaces.” Mr Davis concluded.