Residents of the Australian Capital Territory are calling for a direct say in the future of a beloved aquatic facility, urging the ACT government to hold a plebiscite on whether to retain and upgrade the Canberra Olympic Pool in Civic.
Community Demands a Voice on Civic Pool
The call comes amid government proposals to demolish the existing pool and replace it with a new facility in Commonwealth Park. Critics argue the replacement would exclude diving and other water sports, diminishing vital community infrastructure. John Widdup of Lyneham contends that the community deserves a genuine opportunity to express its views, suggesting a plebiscite would allow the government to make an informed decision based on the clear wishes of Canberrans.
This debate is sharply contrasted with the government's commitment of $62 million solely for the design phase of a new convention and entertainment centre. Advocates for the pool argue that maintaining and upgrading existing infrastructure is often more cost-effective than building anew, a point they believe deserves serious consideration.
Broken Promises and Infrastructure Concerns
The pool controversy is part of a broader pattern that has sparked community anger. Sue Dyer from Downer argues that both ACT and federal Labor governments need to act swiftly to undo damage, ensuring Olympic-standard diving facilities are provided before the Civic pool closes. She insists replacement facilities must be fully functional and preferably in one location to serve a growing population.
Further frustration is directed at what is perceived as "piecemeal and shambolic planning" regarding public facilities. The community's patience is wearing thin, with calls for immediate action on a replacement 50-metre public pool in Woden, without further delays from bureaucratic processes.
Leadership Spending Under Scrutiny
Questions are also being raised about spending priorities at the highest level. Between October 2024 and September 2025, Chief Minister Andrew Barr spent 62 days away on 16 official trips, at a taxpayer cost of $114,082, including staff expenses. These trips included destinations like China, Fiji, New Zealand, Japan, and multiple Australian cities.
Errol Good of Macgregor questions the value for money at a time when local services are under pressure, waiting lists are growing, and infrastructure maintenance is deferred. He challenges the necessity of all trips, suggesting that video-conferencing could often serve as an effective alternative, and demands greater transparency and restraint from the government.
Other Letters: From Migration to Motoring
The pool debate was one of several issues aired in the letters page. The national migration debate found a local voice, with Jenny Goldie of Cooma arguing that government policy on migration is a key driver of the housing crisis. She points out that net overseas migration in the year to June 2025 was 305,600, higher than the promised 235,000, placing immense pressure on the housing supply.
Canberra's roads also came in for fierce criticism. P. J. Bewley of Barton launched a broadside against local drivers, describing them as "selfish, rude, arrogant, aggressive, thoughtless, lawless and totally self-centred". Having driven in Europe for years, Bewley claims Canberra drivers are the worst encountered, citing optional indicator use, red-light running, and a disregard for traffic rules. The solution proposed? Yearly driving tests as a wake-up call.
Other correspondents echoed concerns about tailgating, speeding, and red-light running. Keith Hill of New Acton called for cameras on every set of traffic lights to deter dangerous behaviour.
In international commentary, David Bates of Bonner challenged columnist Jack Waterford's perspective on Israel and self-determination, while other letters touched on topics ranging from US tariffs under Trump to workplace culture and a curious suggestion about Australia's "combat wombat".
