The ACT Government is investigating options to provide more fields for Canberrans to play sport.

The ACT has one of the highest rates of sport participation in the country. Participation in formal sport is expected to grow as the population continues to increase over time. This also means there is increased pressure on our current sportsgrounds.

Weather and environmental conditions also have significant impacts on our sportsgrounds.

Maintenance programs, seasonal shutdowns, targeted remediation works, and careful allocation of sportsgrounds help support their long-term sustainability.

5 dryland ovals have been identified through an initial assessment of the 32 dryland ovals, as possible options to expand and complement nearby sporting facilities and to be brought ‘online’ in future for formal sport booking. Those 5 dryland ovals are:

• Lyneham
• Weston
• Spence
• Narrabundah
• Torrens.

We’d like to hear from you, which of these dryland ovals would best support you, your sports club or sporting code and why.

Feedback closes Thursday 22 October 2026 at 5pm.

The initial analysis of 32 ovals considered size, proximity to schools, nearby amenities, access including to paths and public transport, existing infrastructure, and strategic value, which is the extent to which a site aligns with broader planning and community objectives.

The above 5 dryland ovals all hold a mix of 3 key items which could support future reactivation (see table in document library). All 5 dryland ovals have carpark availability, deactivated toilet facilities or room for toilet facilities and all each of them has existing irrigation which could be reactivated.

These ovals could expand capacity at existing sites across Canberra, for use by a range of codes and sports, in the future.

We are also considering existing recreational use by the local community.

Your feedback will help inform any future planning for the site/s.

Construction of any improvements is subject to future funding.