Arabic version: حكومة ACT تدعم إعادة فتح Big Splash على الرغم من مخاوف المجتمع

Canberra’s only water park, Big Splash, has been closed since the beginning of 2024, and will not face lease termination as the ACT government has opted to give the operator another opportunity to reopen the facility. According to ABC News, Access Canberra is now satisfied with the operator’s plans to repair the site, including reopening the 50-metre pool on November 1, 2026.

The decision comes after the park has been closed since early 2024, with the owners previously stating that they would not be able to reopen in time for the 2025-26 season. In light of this, the ACT government had previously considered regulatory action against the operator for failing to meet lease conditions. However, Access Canberra has now announced that it will not pursue further action at this time.

While the government has confirmed the pool’s reopening, it remains uncertain whether the iconic water slides will be retained. The operator has yet to confirm the future of these attractions, leading to disappointment among community members who fear losing the park’s core features.

Local activists, including Amelia Tattam from the group Save Big Splash, have expressed frustration over the government’s decision not to enforce lease compliance. Tattam emphasized that the park would not be the same without its slides, calling the situation “completely appalling” and urging continued advocacy for the water park’s full restoration.

Planning Minister Chris Steel stated that Access Canberra will closely monitor the operator’s progress and retains the right to take further action if necessary. Discussions about re-zoning the land for residential use have been ongoing, but the ACT government has ruled out any changes to the site’s recreational purpose. The community’s desire for a fully operational water park remains strong, with concerns about the future of Big Splash continuing to grow.