Canberra Swimmers Express Cautious Optimism Over New Outdoor Pool Commitment
The ACT government has confirmed plans to construct a new Olympic-sized outdoor swimming pool in the Woden town centre, with work potentially commencing within three years. This announcement follows sustained community pressure regarding the future of Canberra's aquatic facilities, bringing a mix of hope and wariness among local pool users.
Community Campaign Yields Results
Sarah Ransom from the Save Phillip Pool group described the commitment as a significant moment for campaigners who have long fought to preserve the Phillip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre from redevelopment. "It's a really great moment for us, I think. We've been heard," Ms Ransom stated, while emphasising the group's cautious optimism. "Having said that, we are a little cautious - cautiously optimistic is the mood, I think - and that's because we don't want to be bought off with a promise that won't eventuate."
Sport and Recreation Minister Yvette Berry indicated that construction on the new Woden pool, intended to replace the Phillip facility, could begin in late 2028, contingent on community support and smooth project progression. "But if the community isn't supportive, if the aquatic groups don't like the project, if we can't find a site that meets the needs, then yeah, it might take a bit longer," Ms Berry cautioned.
Site Selection and Broader Aquatic Strategy
Potential locations for the new outdoor pool include Edison Park and the former Canberra Institute of Technology campus in Woden, with preliminary site assessments already underway. The government has also pledged to draft a comprehensive aquatic strategy within the coming year, addressing wider facility needs across the territory.
Independent member for Murrumbidgee, Fiona Carrick, welcomed the announcement as a positive outcome for the community. "While I understand the disappointment some residents may feel about not retaining the existing Phillip pool site, I encourage the community to consider the opportunities that a well-planned greenfield location could offer," Ms Carrick remarked. "A new site presents potential for modern, accessible, and expanded facilities that better meet the needs of all users."
Concerns Over Diving Facilities and Existing Pools
Despite the positive news, concerns persist regarding diving facilities and the transition between existing and new pools. Louise Watson, vice-president of the Friends of Canberra Olympic Pool, expressed ongoing worries about the territory being left without a competition-standard diving pool once the Civic pool closes. "Until we can sit down with the government and be reassured that there are sites chosen and costings done and budget commitments locked in regarding future provision of aquatic facilities, we are understandably worried about the future of aquatic facilities in Canberra," Dr Watson said.
Ann Widdup from the Canberra Diving Academy highlighted the challenges of sustaining clubs without year-round facilities, noting, "The reality is a promise is not bricks and mortar." She emphasised that diving requires full facilities, comparable to other sports. In response, Chief Minister Andrew Barr mentioned that water polo and underwater rugby groups would have access to a 3.5-metre-deep pool at the new Commonwealth Park aquatic centre, scheduled to open before the Civic pool's demolition.
Private Development and Public Good Debate
Under current planning laws, developer Geocon is required to build a public 25-metre indoor swimming pool as part of its proposed apartment redevelopment on the old Phillip pool site. Minister Berry distinguished between the purposes of the indoor and proposed outdoor pools, suggesting they would cater to different user groups. "The indoor facilities that are being described that Geocon will be building as part of their facility are very much focused on water skills, swimming lesson programming, child play, those kinds of things," she explained.
Sarah Ransom argued that outdoor pools should be viewed as a public good rather than expected to generate significant income. "It should be seen as a public good. It should be there not only for the purposes of people who want to swim laps but also people who just need somewhere cool to hang out, that's extremely relevant this week," she asserted.
Broader Community Advocacy
The announcement has also reignited calls from other community groups, such as Save Big Splash, which is urging the government to reclaim the dilapidated Big Splash pool and waterpark site in Macquarie. The group highlighted that nearly 1,800 people had signed a petition by Thursday afternoon calling for the site's restoration to public ownership.
As Canberra's swimming community engages with the government on site selection and facility planning, the mood remains one of hopeful vigilance. The commitment to a new outdoor pool represents a hard-won victory for campaigners, yet the path forward requires careful navigation to ensure promises materialise into tangible community assets.
