ACT planning authorities have decided not to terminate the lease for Canberra's only water park, Big Splash, despite community backlash. Access Canberra announced it is satisfied the operators have made moves to reopen the 50-metre pool later this year.
Planning Minister Chris Steel confirmed the owners committed to opening the pool by November 1, 2025. Access Canberra will monitor progress and reserves the right to take further regulatory action if needed. However, the decision on whether water slides remain at the site rests with the owners.
The ACT government has ruled out rezoning the land for residential development, insisting it must remain a recreational site. But community groups are furious, as the owners are expected to lodge plans to demolish the water slides and other infrastructure.
ACT Greens deputy leader Jo Clay said the community is angry about the lack of enforcement. 'The community was expecting enforcement action... this is a big disappointment,' she said. Save Big Splash chair Amelia Tattam called the decision 'completely appalling,' noting the pool alone does not constitute a water park.
The water park has been closed for about two years. Last year, the government threatened lease termination, but Access Canberra now says works are underway to repair the site. The 2025-26 season was cancelled at the last minute, prompting regulatory action that has now been paused.
