The future of Canberra's beloved swimming pools and aquatic facilities will be the focus of a major community discussion this week, with the public invited to have their say.
Who's involved in the pool discussion?
Independent ACT Senator David Pocock will headline a diverse panel of community representatives and political figures gathering to debate the need for a comprehensive aquatic strategy for the nation's capital. The event, organised by Friends of Manuka Pool, brings together key stakeholders from across Canberra's swimming community.
Joining Senator Pocock will be Independent Murrumbidgee MLA Fiona Carrick and Greens MLA Jo Clay, alongside representatives from Royal Life Saving Society ACT, Save Phillip Pool Community, Canberra Underwater Rugby, and Canberra's urban and wild swimming community.
Event details and how to participate
The community forum will take place at 6pm on Thursday at the East Hotel in Kingston. While admission is free, organisers emphasise that bookings are essential due to limited capacity.
This open discussion comes at a crucial time for Canberra's aquatic infrastructure, with questions being raised about the city's long-term swimming facility needs and whether it requires a dedicated aquatic and urban swimming strategy.
Why this conversation matters now
The Phillip Swimming Pool has become a focal point in recent community discussions about preserving and upgrading Canberra's aquatic facilities. This panel represents one of the first coordinated efforts to bring together political representatives, lifesaving organisations, and diverse swimming communities to chart a collective path forward.
With summer approaching and pool usage expected to increase, the timing of this conversation allows for community input before potential policy decisions are made regarding Canberra's swimming infrastructure.
The outcome of this discussion could influence future investments in both traditional pool facilities and natural swimming environments across the ACT region.
