Released 24/04/2026
Access Canberra, acting as the delegate of the Territory Planning Authority, has made the decision not to terminate the Crown Lease of Block 1, Section 53 Macquarie (known as the Big Splash Water Park). The independent regulator has set aside notice associated with potential lease termination.
Following engagement with the operators and multiple site inspections conducted in April, Access Canberra has considered the substantive actions taken by the owners, including site clean-up and repair of the pool infrastructure to re-open the site as an aquatic facility by 1 November 2026. Progress on the site to date supports this intention.
Importantly for the community, the operators have expressed their intention to continue operating the site as an aquatic facility, retaining the existing 50‑metre pool and associated food amenities.
Inspectors will remain actively engaged over the coming months and intend to conduct regular site visits to ensure this progress continues.
Access Canberra understands the operators have indicated an intention to lodge a development application for the removal and demolition of the site’s waterslides and some damaged infrastructure including the former kiosk.
No development application has been received by the Territory Planning Authority, and any future proposal would be required to be formally lodged and assessed under the Territory Plan, including public notification processes.
Reason for decision summary - Block, Section 23, Macquarie (PDF 173KB)
- Statement ends -
Access Canberra | Media Releases
«ACT Government Media Releases | «Directorate Media Releases