Questions have arisen about the thoroughness of planning for the Woden community’s new pool project after Sports Minister Yvette Berry acknowledged the absence of a specific “needs analysis” document. This admission contradicts earlier claims that such a document existed, casting doubt on the decision to replace the existing outdoor 50-metre pool with a 25-metre indoor facility.
The revelation has sparked controversy, as the purported analysis was merely a series of emails among ACT bureaucrats. These communications suggested a last-minute change to the Territory Plan, eliminating the requirement for a 50-metre pool just before the site was acquired by developer Geocon.
Political and Public Reactions
Independent member for Murrumbidgee, Fiona Carrick, has been at the forefront of demanding transparency, urging the government to produce the elusive needs analysis document. Chifley resident Martin Miller also sought the document through freedom-of-information requests, only to be informed of its nonexistence.
The absence of a formal needs analysis has fueled public dissatisfaction. A 2022 report by the planning directorate had acknowledged public concerns about the pool’s size reduction, yet claimed a needs analysis supported the 25-metre pool’s adequacy for the Woden community.
“Minister Berry has now confirmed that the decision to remove the 50-metre pool requirement from the Territory Plan was policy made on the run, based on dodgy, cherry-picked evidence with no concern for the views of the community,” said Fiona Carrick.
Implications of the Missing Document
The ACT Auditor-General is currently investigating the transparency of the administrative processes involved in planning and changing the Territory Plan requirements for the Phillip pool site. This scrutiny comes as Geocon plans to develop two 13-storey residential towers and an aquatic facility featuring the contested 25-metre pool.
Ms. Carrick has criticized the lack of public consultation regarding the pool’s size reduction, noting that the draft Territory Plan was released shortly before Geocon’s acquisition of the site. The developer’s proposal includes nearly 700 residential units and the indoor pool, raising concerns about community needs and space utilization.
Community Concerns and Future Projections
Supporters of the existing 50-metre pool argue for its retention, emphasizing the value of the outdoor facility and surrounding green space. They cite new population projections indicating Woden Valley’s population could more than double to over 83,000 in the next 40 years.
“The flawed rationale behind the decision was based on outdated population forecasts which fail to account for the growth in the Woden Town Centre driven by the government’s own densification policy,” Ms. Carrick stated.
These concerns highlight the community’s demand for transparency and accountability in decision-making processes affecting public amenities. The lack of a comprehensive needs analysis document has intensified calls for a reevaluation of the pool project’s planning and execution.
Looking Ahead
As the investigation by the Auditor-General unfolds, the Woden community remains vigilant in advocating for their interests. The situation underscores the importance of thorough needs assessments and public engagement in urban development projects.
With the pool project’s future still uncertain, stakeholders are keenly awaiting the outcomes of the ongoing inquiries and any potential revisions to the Territory Plan. The controversy serves as a reminder of the critical role of transparency and accountability in public infrastructure planning.
