The ACT government has confirmed the new $138 million Canberra Aquatic Centre in Commonwealth Park will not include a dedicated dive pool, sparking immediate backlash from user groups who fear the facility will be lost to the capital permanently.
Government Confirms Omission Amid Feasibility Concerns
Both Sport and Recreation Minister Yvette Berry and Chief Minister Andrew Barr have publicly stated a dive pool will not be part of the new centre's design. The decision, revealed on Tuesday, January 14, 2026, is attributed to site constraints and budget limitations.
A spokesperson for Chief Minister Barr clarified that while an Olympic-standard dive pool is now ruled out, "recreation diving facilities" might still be considered as design work continues this year. The spokesperson cited the community's desire for a wide range of features and the goal to provide as much as possible within the $138 million budget.
Minister Berry, speaking on ABC Radio Canberra, echoed this, stating cost and the ability to fit it within the footprint with other desired amenities were key factors. She maintained that a deep-dive pool was "still being considered" for a future location elsewhere in Canberra.
Community Reaction: Anger and Broken Promises
The announcement has been met with anger and deep scepticism from aquatic user groups, who label it another example of piecemeal planning for the city's pools.
Louise Watson, vice-president of the Friends of Canberra Olympic Pool, expressed disappointment, stating the group had expected a replacement five-metre dive pool to be included. "With $138 million, you'd think there'd be a lot of amenity built for that," Ms Watson said.
Canberra Diving Academy coach Ann Widdup pointed to a history of broken promises, noting dive pools previously flagged for Stromlo and West Basin never eventuated. She expressed extreme concern that without a new pool built before the demolition of the existing Canberra Olympic Pool in Civic, a dive facility may never be replaced.
"If they don't build one before Civic closes, we'll never get a dive pool," Ms Widdup said, adding there was "no excuse" given the available land and funding.
Timeline and Immediate Context
The news comes as the existing dive pool at the Canberra Olympic Pool in Civic is currently closed for urgent repairs. It was shut on Friday, January 9, during a 39-degree heatwave due to a broken seal in the pump. While the 50-metre and toddlers pools reopened on Tuesday, the dive pool was slated to reopen on Wednesday.
The ACT government plans to build a new entertainment and convention centre on the Civic pool site, with the new aquatic centre in Commonwealth Park scheduled for construction in 2027 and 2028. Tender documents for the new centre list a 50-metre pool and outdoor splash areas but make no mention of a dive pool.
Minister Berry has promised a new aquatics facilities strategy will involve consultation with all user groups. However, community advocates like Sarah Ransom from Save Phillip Pool say the overwhelming impression is that planning remains "really piecemeal."
Louise Watson warned Canberrans are facing the loss of three major aquatic facilities: the Phillip 50m pool, the Big Splash at Macquarie, and now the Civic dive pool. She urged it was not too late to reconsider the approach to saving the city's swimming infrastructure.
