The Territory Planning Authority has extended the deadline for the owners of the Big Splash waterpark to respond to a notice threatening to terminate their lease. The decision, announced just after 4 p.m. on Friday, February 20, grants the owners until February 27 to make their case. This extension provides a temporary reprieve for the waterpark, located on the Macquarie site, which has been at the center of community interest and concern.
Initially, the owners, or the liquidators of the business, were given until midnight on February 20 to respond to the authority’s notice. The notice was issued following a missed deadline to use the land for its intended purpose under the Crown lease by January 23, 2026. A controlled activity order had been issued on December 12, 2025, mandating this use.
Community and Government Reactions
The Save Big Splash group, a community organization advocating for the reopening of the waterpark, has expressed its determination to see the facility operational once more. The group emphasizes the importance of the waterpark’s slides and pools being accessible to the public, a sentiment echoed by local residents.
Sport and Recreation Minister Yvette Berry addressed a public meeting, indicating her support for reopening the waterpark. She stated, “Nothing was off the table” to ensure the park’s revival, stressing the importance of a careful approach to avoid protracted legal battles.
Legal and Administrative Challenges
The extension granted by the Territory Planning Authority acknowledges the complexities involved in the case, particularly given the multiple parties engaged in the matter. An official statement noted, “The Territory Planning Authority can extend the time to respond at its discretion, and on 19 February 2026 agreed to do so for a further five working days in consideration of the complexities associated with the different parties involved in the matter.”
The response time to the notice is now 27 February and the responses will then be considered. The ACT government will provide further information when appropriate.
This development follows a series of administrative hurdles and deadlines that have kept the future of Big Splash in limbo. The planning authority’s decision to extend the deadline is seen as a move to ensure all parties have adequate time to present their positions.
Implications for the Future
The current situation underscores the delicate balance between regulatory compliance and community interests. The Save Big Splash group remains hopeful that the extension will lead to a positive outcome, urging for no more “unnecessary delay” in the process.
As the new deadline approaches, all eyes are on the responses from the waterpark’s owners or liquidators. The outcome of this extension could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, particularly those involving community assets and public interest.
Meanwhile, the ACT government and planning authorities continue to navigate the complexities of the case, with the potential for further developments in the coming weeks. The community remains engaged, with many hoping for a resolution that sees the waterpark once again open to the public.
The extension represents a critical juncture for Big Splash, offering a glimmer of hope amid ongoing uncertainty. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders and residents alike await the next steps with anticipation.
