2026-04-09
ACT Greens Deputy Leader and Member for Ginninderra, Jo Clay MLA, says the ACT Labor Government must urgently provide a clear public update following reports that the owners of Big Splash are planning demolition works at the long-closed Macquarie site.
“Canberrans have spent years fighting to protect Big Splash as a recreational space, and they deserve transparency about what is happening next,” Ms Clay said.
Ms Clay acknowledged growing calls from local residents and community groups for an injunction to prevent demolition until the site’s future is resolved.
“Calls for an injunction reflect deep community frustration and fear that irreversible steps may be taken while regulatory processes are still underway. These concerns must be taken seriously,” she said.
"If there is a development application (DA) lodged, and the Government has any intention of taking regulatory action or seeking an injunction, the Government needs to be ready to act."
"The community expects a clear update from the ACT Government or Access Canberra about where regulatory action is up to and what is happening on site," Ms Clay said.
"There have been some website posts and commentary from a consultant and commentators. But there has been no Government update on the site. We need a clear Government update."
Ms Clay called on the ACT Government to immediately clarify the situation for the community.
“At a minimum, Canberrans deserve to know:
- has Access Canberra issued any fines for the breach of the lease?
- will Big Splash be open next summer and what steps are needed to make that happen?
- what are Access Canberra's next steps in the regulatory process?
- has an application for demolition works at Big Splash been submitted to the Territory Planning Authority and what consultation does that process involve?
- can the leaseholder build apartments or build-to-rent housing on the site under its current zoning?
- can the leaseholder build a hotel under the current zoning and if so, is this limited to covering a maximum of 15% of the site and are there any other limits on this?
- is the ACT Government or Access Canberra in any negotiations with the leaseholder about varying the lease or rezoning?
- when will the ACT Government or Access Canberra make a final decision on terminating the Crown lease?”
"The Government has previously said updates would be provided as the regulatory process continues. We have not had a Government update since 26 March. Now is the time to deliver on that commitment,” Ms Clay said.
Ms Clay reiterated that community expectations for the site are clear.
"Over 7,500 Canberrans signed petitions, attended meetings, and made submissions calling for Big Splash to remain a water park and pool. The Greens have backed this position.”
“The future of Big Splash should not be decided by neglect or demolition by default. It must be guided by community needs, planning law, and transparent government action.”