Canberra Olympic Pool continues to leak 33,000 litres of water daily despite $154,000 in repairs that temporarily closed the facility last year. The leak, originally measured at 46,000 litres per day in March 2015, had previously reached 79,000 litres daily, costing the ACT Government over $100,000 in water bills.
Sports Minister Shane Rattenbury acknowledged the reduction but noted the pool remains operational. 'All pools lose water every day,' he said. 'Certainly we have been able to make a substantial reduction, which will keep Civic pool going for a number of years.'
Construction on a new pool at Stromlo is expected to begin within two to three years, but a replacement in the city is also part of long-term plans. 'My intention is that we should build a replacement pool in the city area before this pool closes down,' Mr Rattenbury said. He did not provide a timeline, citing the facility's age: 'It is a 60-year-old pool now, it's never going to be as good as new.'
The centre houses Canberra's only dive boards and hosts water polo competitions. Canberra Diving Academy head coach Ann Widdup expressed concern about the government's plans. 'Civic pool is our pool. It is the only place we can use water in the Summer season,' she said. While confident the Stromlo facility would accommodate divers, she added, 'We will be pushing [the Government] from day dot to get the best facilities we can.'
Currently, the Canberra Olympic Pool does not meet FINA competition standards for diving. Ms Widdup stressed the need for a top-quality state aquatic centre comparable to other capital cities, enabling fair competition and local diving events.
