
After three years, the federal government still has no idea what it's going to do with the dated AIS precinct.
But ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr says nothing will change until there's a change of government as the Coalition continues to ignore Canberra.
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The federal government conducted a business study for a potential redevelopment of the site, which was completed in 2019.
But they still haven't made a decision on what to do yet - three years later.
That's despite the decision having far reaching implications for the capital, with the future of Canberra Stadium - and the potential for a new one in Civic - also tied to the government's call.
If the Canberra Stadium site was redeveloped, that could help the ACT government generate the cash for a new one in the city centre.
The continued uncertainty has led to Liberal Senator Zed Seselja proposing to redevelop Viking Park into a 10,000-seat stadium - which would serve as a small, boutique venue.
But that proposal remained unfunded after the federal budget was revealed on Tuesday.
Similarly there was nothing for the AIS as the uncertainty surrounding its future continued.
"As previously stated, a detailed business case has been undertaken for the potential redevelopment of the Australian Institute of Sport campus in Canberra," a spokesman for Sports Minister Richard Colbeck told The Canberra Times on Wednesday.
"The business case is providing the opportunity for intensive investigation of the costs and benefits of options for the future of the AIS site.
"The government is still considering what the AIS footprint will look like in the future."
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Sporting infrastructure was becoming a hot topic in Canberra in the lead-up to the federal election, with the ongoing closure of AIS Arena causing problems in finding an indoor venue for sporting events.
Barr said the ACT continued to cop a raw deal from the budget, getting just 0.3 per cent of the infrastructure spend despite having 1.68 per cent of Australia's population.
"The Federal Liberals have ignored Canberra again, significantly shortchanging the Territory on major infrastructure investment," he said.
"Commonwealth infrastructure spending in the ACT is the lowest of any state or Territory, again, by some margin.
"This means the ACT government will, once again, do the heavy lifting on job-creating infrastructure investments.
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"It is clear that we need a change in federal government for the ACT to get a fair deal on national infrastructure spending.
"The Commonwealth have failed to invest in the AIS precinct, especially the reopening of the AIS Arena, and the precinct continues to face an uncertain future.
"This is an urgent priority for the ACT in the federal election, and we will continue to advocate for a renewal partnership with the Commonwealth after the election."

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