Government Takes Firm Stance on Water Park Future
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr has delivered a definitive statement regarding the future of the Big Splash water park in Macquarie, declaring the government will not support any rezoning of the site for apartments or other development. "We can categorically rule that out," Mr Barr stated emphatically on Thursday, November 13, 2025.
The strong position comes as the facility's owner appears set to miss another promised reopening deadline. Both Planning Minister Chris Steel and City Services Minister Tara Cheyne had indicated last month that the owner planned to reopen at least the swimming pools by "mid-November", but with November 15 approaching and the pools remaining empty, this now seems unlikely.
Behind-the-Scenes Development Talks Revealed
Under questioning in a committee hearing this week, planning officials confirmed that Canberra consultants Purdon, representing Big Splash owner Translink Management Group headed by Songnan "Morris" Huang, have held discussions with government planning officials "in the last six or eight weeks" about the site's future.
Dave Peffer, director-general of the City and Environment Directorate, revealed: "We have had an initial discussion with the planning advisors representing Big Splash about what potential could occur on the site but without any specific detail. So it was an early pre-op meeting to understand what the current status was."
Planning officials also confirmed this week that a request had been submitted to the National Capital Review Design Plan seeking advice about the Big Splash site, though neither Purdon nor the owner has revealed what specific proposals are being considered.
Political Reaction and Regulatory Consequences
Liberal leader Mark Parton expressed concern that the government had known about redevelopment approaches for weeks without informing the community. "It's deeply concerning that the government has been aware of redevelopment plans for weeks without telling the community," Mr Parton stated.
An ACT government spokesperson responded that while the government is regularly approached by proponents about proposals, "that does not mean we endorse them".
Sports Minister Yvette Berry acknowledged the disappointing situation, noting she had always been "hopeful" Big Splash would reopen this summer but that "now, it's looking like that's not going to happen. I think that's pretty obvious to everyone."
Mr Barr outlined the potential consequences for the owner failing to meet lease requirements, noting that Access Canberra could impose significant fines "in the tens of thousands of dollars" and ultimately terminate the lease if requirements aren't met.
The Chief Minister suggested the owner has clear options: "He bought the land with a lease-purpose clause there, very clear. If he can't meet that lease-purpose clause, then he should either sell the land to someone else or surrender the lease to the Territory."
The Big Splash site remains zoned as Restricted Access Recreation under the Territory Plan, with the Crown lease permitting an aquatic and indoor sports and recreation centre along with an unlicensed family restaurant.
