They've been burnt by unsolicited bids in the past, but the ACT government will consider proposals to build a new stadium in Civic.
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The push to build a new sporting venue in the capital is moving forward behind the scenes as the future of Canberra Stadium hangs in the balance.
The Canberra Raiders and the ACT Brumbies are negotiating stadium contracts with the government and the prospect of a new facility has been high on the agenda.
The Canberra Times believes a private company has expressed interest in investing in the proposed redevelopment of the Civic pool site.
The government has been keen to build a new stadium for almost a decade, but the Mr Fluffy asbestos saga put it on the backburner and its future has remained uncertain since.
The government wants to buy Canberra Stadium, which is owned by Sport Australia, if the federal government body sells its major asset.
The government pays $350,000 per year to rent the stadium. Buying the venue would allow it to sell and redevelop the land to fund a new stadium in Civic.
One option for the government would be to run an open process and invite bidders to submit proposals for building the venue, which could be built over the top of Parkes Way to connect the city to Lake Burley Griffin.
The government has met with the architects of the Parramatta stadium redevelopment, which cost $360 million.
The GWS Giants and Grocon approached the government with an $800 million unsolicited bid to redevelop Manuka Oval three years ago.
But Canberra community groups were in uproar and the government bowed to pressure in the lead up to the 2016 election.
The government was unaware of any officials bids for a new Civic venue, but there has been work in the background from private parties to gauge interest.
Stadiums were a polarising issue in NSW election this year.
"We have some history of the popularity of that kind of [bid]," Sport Minister Yvette Berry said when asked about the consortium's proposal.
"There's a process there for that purpose and if people wanted to do that and put a proposal forward it would be considered.
"Any unsolicited bid needs to go through the right processes."
Berry said they were also open to the Raiders' wish for a new five-year stadium deal.
The Raiders' current Canberra Stadium deal finishes at the end of the year and, while they normally have a 10-year agreement with the government, this time they're looking for something shorter.
The Raiders are hopeful there'll be a new Civic Stadium by 2024.
Canberra Stadium is nearing the end of its lifespan and Brumbies fans peppered venue staff with complaints and questions at a forum earlier this week.
Berry said the ACT government was waiting for the federal government to decide what it is going to do with Canberra Stadium, as well as several other AIS assets.
This year's federal election delayed proceedings, but there's been no movement in the four months since.
"It's all up for negotiation ... we'll talk with the Raiders," Berry said of the stadium deal.
"I know [a new stadium's] an aspiration for Canberra - that we want to get there one day.
"I went to the Raiders last week and I'll be there this weekend.
"I know she's tired, but she sings when there's 20,000 people in there and it is just amazing the atmosphere there.
"So I don't think we need to give up on [Canberra Stadium] just yet."
David Polkinghorne
Covering the Raiders, Cavalry, cycling and racing, plus everything else that involves sport in the ACT, for The Canberra Times. Basically I love sport and watching it is a full-time job. Email: david.polkinghorne@canberratimes.com.au
Covering the Raiders, Cavalry, cycling and racing, plus everything else that involves sport in the ACT, for The Canberra Times. Basically I love sport and watching it is a full-time job. Email: david.polkinghorne@canberratimes.com.au
