Federal Government commits $250 million to AIS upgrades and $10 million for Canberra Stadium masterplan

The Federal Government has announced a $249.7 million investment to upgrade Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) facilities along with a further $10 million for the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts to work with the ACT Government to develop a Canberra Stadium precinct masterplan - ensuring the site is welcoming and fit for purpose for visitors, athletes and their families.

Federal Minister for Sport, Anika Wells noted "for 2032 Games success, the need for sport investment is now as we know it takes up to eight years to prepare an athlete for the highest level of competition.

"When it was first built, the AIS was so successful in preparing our medal winning athletes that it was replicated by sporting nations around the world and became the benchmark for achieving athletic success.

"Today, our government is investing in the AIS so we reach those benchmarks again as we commit to delivering world standard training facilities ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games."

The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) has welcomed this announcement from the Australian Government.

The funding follows the recently completed Independent Review of AIS Infrastructure which recommended that the AIS Campus remains in Canberra.

The funding will be focused on three facilities: 

• A 192 bed multi-story and fully para-accessible accommodation building

• A large indoor Sport Dome that will provide 24/7 all-weather training facilities for track and field sports

• A new Testing and Training Centre to provide state-of-the-art equipment and support for our athletes’ development.

ASC Chief Executive Kieren Perkins said the announcement is a game changer for our athletes ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Perkins noted “the AIS has been the home of sport in Australia for over 42 years and continues to be critical to the success of the athletes and sports we love.

“Today’s announcement is a significant day for Australian sport, ensuring our athletes have access to the best testing and training facilities possible.

“I’d like to thank the Australian Government for investing in sport and ensuring our athletes have access to world-class facilities to perform at their best and inspire Australians.”

The ASC will now finalise its plans through the preparations of a detailed business case to fulfil requirements set out by the Australian Government.