In a move that has sparked significant community backlash, both Sport and Recreation Minister Yvette Berry and Chief Minister Andrew Barr have confirmed that a dive pool will not be part of the new Canberra Aquatic Centre in Commonwealth Park. The announcement has raised concerns that the facility may be lost to the national capital indefinitely.
The decision comes as the Canberra Olympic Pool’s dive pool remains closed for repairs since January 9, during the peak of summer. While the 50-metre pool and toddlers’ pool reopened recently, the absence of a dive pool in the new plans has left many residents and user groups frustrated.
Community Concerns and Government Response
On ABC Radio Canberra, Ms. Berry stated that while the new facility would not include a dive pool, there might be potential for one to be built elsewhere. “There’s no dive pool at the Civic facility, that is true,” she remarked, aligning with Chief Minister Barr’s earlier statements.
A spokesperson for Chief Minister Barr explained that a dedicated indoor Olympic-standard dive pool was deemed unfeasible for the proposed site due to budget constraints and the project’s scope. “Our goal is to provide as much as we possibly can within the available project budget,” the spokesperson added.
Despite these assurances, user groups have expressed their dissatisfaction, citing past promises of a dive pool elsewhere in Canberra that have yet to materialize. Friends of Canberra Olympic Pool vice-president Louise Watson voiced her disappointment, expecting a replacement dive pool as part of the new facilities.
Historical Challenges and Future Prospects
The debate over dive pool facilities in Canberra is not new. Canberra Diving Academy coach Ann Widdup noted that promises for a new deep dive pool have been made before, only to fall through. Previous plans for a dive pool at Stromlo and West Basin were also abandoned.
Minister Berry acknowledged that the cost and logistical challenges were significant factors in the decision. “It’s probably a combination of things. Cost and the ability to include one in the footprint with everything else that people would want to see at an aquatic centre,” she explained.
“If they don’t build one before Civic closes, we’ll never get a dive pool,” said Ann Widdup, reflecting the skepticism among user groups.
Looking Ahead: Plans and Promises
As the ACT government plans to construct a new entertainment and convention centre on the site of the current Canberra Olympic Pool, the future of diving facilities remains uncertain. The new Canberra Aquatic Centre, slated for completion between 2027 and 2028, is expected to include a 50-metre pool and outdoor recreation areas but no dive pool as per current tender documents.
Minister Berry has assured that all user groups will be consulted in developing a new aquatics facilities strategy for Canberra. “We’re going to speak to pool users, all of them, and that’ll be part of developing the strategy,” she stated.
However, the absence of a dive pool in the new plans has left many questioning the government’s commitment to fulfilling its promises. Sarah Ransom from the Save Phillip Pool Community highlighted the growing frustration among Canberrans over what she described as “piecemeal” planning.
“With $138 million, you’d think there’d be a lot of amenity built for that,” Louise Watson remarked, questioning the allocation of resources.
Implications for Canberra’s Aquatic Future
The decision to exclude a dive pool from the new aquatic centre has significant implications for Canberra’s sporting and recreational landscape. As the city grows, the need for comprehensive and inclusive facilities becomes more pressing.
The ACT government faces the challenge of balancing budget constraints with community expectations. As consultations continue, the hope remains that a solution can be found that satisfies the diverse needs of Canberra’s residents.
In the meantime, the closure of the existing dive pool due to maintenance issues underscores the urgency of addressing these concerns. As temperatures soared to 39 degrees, the dive pool’s sudden closure due to a pump malfunction left swimmers disappointed.
As the city awaits further developments, the question remains: will Canberra’s future aquatic facilities meet the needs of its community, or will they fall short of expectations?
