Redtails Pinktails share designs for million dollar upgrade to Traeger Park oval in Alice Springs
A charity with $57 million at their disposal have shared their vision on upgrading the Red Centre’s premier AFL venue, and it’s proposing to change the entire Alice Springs sporting landscape.
A charity with more than $50 million to spend has revealed its vision for bold upgrades to the Red Centre’s premier AFL venue, but the election outcome has thrown a spanner in the works, the boss of the charity says.
The feasibility study Redtails Pinktails Right Tracks Program commissioned for upgrading Traeger Park in Alice Springs, seen by this publication, revealed more about the charity’s plan for the iconic sporting ground.
Created in September last year, the study details how Traeger Park will get new training rooms and sport facilities, administrative spaces, functions and meeting rooms, and accommodation and education facilities.
The main build for the Redtails – spread across two buildings – could cost between $41.8m and $46.6m, while $4.3m has been set aside for general upgrades, according to the study.
Upgrades have also been proposed for the baseball diamond at Traeger Park.
In February, it was announced the Redtails had received a $57 million donation from Queensland-based earthmoving company Q-Birt.
NT Senator Jacinta Price told media she helped facilitate the donation from company owners Quentin and Kylie Birt.
A month later, the Coalition announced a further $11.2 million – $2.8m over four years – to “underpin” the Redtails, if elected.
However, the Coalition’s federal election loss means the Redtails need another source to fund operation costs.
In the feasibility study, once completed, the upgrades for Traeger Park will operate at a loss of $8.3m in the first 10 years allowing for an inflation increase of 3 per cent per annum.
“In a steady state year (year 5 onwards), (the completed centre) is forecast to lose ~$729k per annum (2024 dollars),” the study reads.
“The key contributor to this result being the provision of facilities to the community at significantly subsidised rates, aligning with the non-financial sporting, community and social objectives.
“The anticipated loss also includes the ~$680k cost per annum (year 5 onwards) to support asset life cycle, repairs and maintenance.”
Redtails president Rob Clarke said the costings in the study “could change a lot” and could “vary a little bit due to the evil nature of inflation”.
“The whole plan (for Traeger Park) was set out with having an operational budget, which we haven’t got at this very present moment, but we’ll be working towards getting that,” he said.
In the study, the changerooms at Traeger Park were labelled “redundant”.
Traeger Park is run by the Alice Springs Town Council, which has committed $35,050 to upgrades to the park’s AFL changerooms in the 2025/26 draft budget.
Alice Springs Town Council Mayor Matt Paterson said the money had been allocated for general maintenance to ensure the changerooms weren’t “dilapidated”.
Mr Paterson said council was “at the table” with the Redtails on upgrading the facility, and directed questions on the Redtails’ plans for Traeger Park to president Rob Clarke.
The study recommended the Redtails’ proposed new buildings be built where the changerooms are.
Mr Clarke said the plans were still in flux and subject to change.
Among the organisations consulted was AFLNT, which runs the CAFL competition at Traeger Park each year.
“AFL Northern Territory welcomes any investment that supports the Central Australian community and commend those that have brought this to fruition,” a spokeswoman said.
“We look forward to hearing further details around the positive impact it will have across the region and on those engaged in our great game.”
More Coverage
Originally published as Redtails Pinktails share designs for million dollar upgrade to Traeger Park oval in Alice Springs
Join the conversation
NT ICAC Comissioner resigns as report into workplace allegations finalised
Michael Riches, who has been on an almost half a million dollar salary during his leave period, has tendered his resignation. Here’s what we know.
Read more
Sports Shorts: Kakadu triathlon, Indigenous Netball Carnival
In what was another action-packed week of Territory sports, we’ve highlighted stories from triathlon, netball, motorsports and footy in this week’s edition. Catch up on the action.
Read more