Sport's front and centre of the ACT election, but can the promises be believed?

At the moment, it is hard to know where to look if you are a fan of Canberra sport at any level, with promises coming thick and fast from all parties.

I really can’t remember when there has never been a more concentrated focus on sports facilities and sports funding.

Not only is it hard to get your head around the magnitude of the sports-related information coming from every party, but it’s also difficult to remember the exact promise made, such is the magnitude.

Canberra Stadium has been the focus for much of the election campaign, which is interesting as the Civic Olympic Pool option was first raised by Andrew Barr in 2009.

In this election campaign, discussions have ranged from a rebuild to a refurb on the current 25-hectare site. Then there is the proposal to build a 30,000-seat stadium on the Acton Waterfront.

There has also been a proposal to build a new aquatic facility in Commonwealth Park, replacing the Civic Olympic Pool.

Included in discussions has been a smaller multi-purpose facility on the current Civic Olympic Pool site.

Other sporting facility proposals include a 10,000-seat boutique stadium in Tuggeranong, backed by the Vikings Club, as a potential home ground for the Brumbies.

Other election promises include indoor sports facilities in Woden, Molonglo Valley and Gungahlin.

Funding to the tune of $3 million a year has been promised for a Big Bash team, prompting a call by the proponents of the A-League franchise in Canberra for funding to match that promised to the Big Bash proponents.

Equality in funding has also been raised by the UC Capitals and Canberra United for more ACT Government support.

Discussions pertinent to funding women’s sport in Canberra have resulted in the inevitable comparison with the level of funding given under the GWS deal for AFL games to be played at Manuka Oval.

It would appear every community issue in Canberra sport, which has been bubbling along for the past decade, has risen to the surface in volcano-like magnitude.

There has even been an election proposal to bring back the V8 Supercars.

What it has emphasised, more than anything else, is the need for a comprehensive plan for sports facilities and funding in the ACT.

Maybe in relation to this, the election discussions have included the call for a new sport and recreation peak body.

Having covered or taken an interest in every ACT election since the establishment of self-government, I think it’s wise to wait and see what eventuates following the election.

If nothing else, the debate over facilities and funding for sport has elevated many issues that have, for too long, remained dormant.

If a small portion of the election promises materialise, it will be a win for Canberra sport.