2026-04-25
ACT Greens Deputy Leader and Member for Ginninderra, Jo Clay, MLA has expressed deep disappointment in the ACT Government’s decision to not terminate the Crown Lease of Big Splash.
"Canberrans love Big Splash. It's a piece of our city's history, and people have been watching this situation unfold with real concern," Ms Clay said.
"The operators have been allowed to keep their lease and received no fines – despite failing to open two summers ago. The community deserves far more transparency about how we got here and what happens next."
Ms Clay welcomed the commitment to retain the 50-metre pool but said the operators’ stated intention to demolish the waterslides and kiosk – and potentially redevelop the site for some other purpose– raises serious questions the community deserves clarity on.
"Canberrans want a water park. They want the slides, they want the fun, and they want it back. Instead, the community is being asked to accept a scaled-back facility while the door is left open to redevelopment for private profit."
"Big Splash isn't just a private business – it sits on community and recreationally zoned land, under a Crown Lease that comes with obligations. If the operators intend to lodge a development application to demolish infrastructure, the community must have a genuine say in that process.
"And with summers in Canberra getting hotter, starting earlier, and lasting longer because of climate change, we need more outdoor pools for people to cool off in the heat."
Ms Clay called on the Government to release the full findings of the April site inspections and provide regular public updates on progress.
"The community has been kept in the dark for too long on this. Regular, transparent reporting on the site's progress is the bare minimum Canberrans should expect."