Big Splash Waterpark last week. Photo: James Coleman.
The ACT Government has confirmed it received a proposal to redevelop Belconnen’s Big Splash site “six to eight weeks ago” – but it’s unlikely to grant approval.
The news came to light this week during a committee hearing with officials from the government’s City and Environment Directorate. It immediately drew ire from newly minted opposition leader Mark Parton.
He and fellow Canberra Liberals MLA Peter Cain argued it could pave the way for residential or commercial redevelopment of the site.
They also said it seemed to contradict the government’s previously stated plans to take “regulatory action” against the waterpark’s owners for, so far at least, failing to open for a second season.
“It’s deeply concerning that the government has been aware of redevelopment plans for weeks without telling the community,” Mr Parton said.
Mark Parton was named Canberra Liberals leader this week. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
An executive responded, saying the proposal was part of an “initial discussion with the planning advisors representing Big Splash about what potentially could occur on the site, but without any specific details”.
“It was an early meeting to understand what the current status was. We haven’t seen a formal proposal come forward.”
Planning Minister Chris Steel added that the conversation was part of a normal process for property owners seeking advice from the Territory Planning Authority.
“The Territory Planning Authority treats proponents fairly if they come forward to seek information,” Mr Steel said.
“They will be provided with information about process and guidance about how they can potentially do a range of things under the Planning Act. Whether they would be supported is a different question.”
Mr Steel said that process would involve multiple steps, including public consultation and Assembly scrutiny.
“The committee would have an opportunity to make recommendations about any change to zoning. Then it would come to me for a decision, then it would go to the Assembly for the ultimate decision.”
But the minister stressed that the government itself “is not proposing any major plan amendment to change the zoning from PRZ2”, which currently restricts the site to recreational purposes.
Constriction fences have gone up at the Big Splash site, but that’s it so far. Photo: James Coleman.
An ACT Government spokesperson later confirmed with Region “we have no plans to rezone the land at Big Splash”.
“Residential development is also prohibited on the site. The government is regularly approached by proponents about proposals – that does not mean we endorse them.”
At the same time, the government is preparing to take action against the owners of Big Splash, Translink Management Group, which bought the site in 2021 for $7.5 million.
The company previously informed the government in October that it planned to reopen the park in mid-November following maintenance work, but little progress has been made.
“We’re obviously rapidly approaching mid-November, and I know community consternation is growing, especially given what seems to be a lack of activity or improvement at the site,” Attorney-General and Ginninderra MLA Tara Cheyne wrote in a Facebook post.
“If Big Splash does not reopen in a reasonable period around the date they advised the government, the regulatory actions Access Canberra may pursue include potential controlled activity orders or, in extreme circumstances, termination of the lease.”
The water slides likely need to be demolished and rebuilt. Photo: James Coleman.
Under current lease conditions, the site must be used as “an aquatic and indoor sports and recreation centre and an unlicensed family restaurant.”
Earlier this year, the Assembly also voted, following a Greens-led petition, that the site should be “kept as a pool.”
Mr Steel added that any plan to change that is unlikely to reach a different result.
“I’m sure members change their minds between decisions, but I’m sure many of them won’t.”
