Lenders have repossessed the Big Splash water park in Macquarie, and the ACT Greens are urging the ACT Government to take over the site.
An ACT Government spokesperson confirmed that they had contacted solicitors represented in the Notice of Possession placed on the perimeter fencing.
There are two Controlled Activity Orders on the property, the spokesperson said. The deadline for Big Splash to resume operations in line with its Crown lease is this Friday, 23 January. After that date, further enforcement, including an intention to terminate the lease, may be issued. The title has not been formally transferred.
The Government said it wanted to see “an outcome that delivers community benefit”, and confirmed that no rezoning was planned. The current leaseholder retains the right to comply before the deadline.
ACT Greens MLA Jo Clay said the Government had failed to act decisively despite long-standing concerns about the site’s management.
“It’s really disappointing that the ACT Government didn’t move faster to step in and address this issue,” Ms Clay said.
“Big Splash is an iconic Canberra landmark that this Government has allowed to fall into ruin.”
Ms Clay said she had repeatedly asked the Government to consider lease enforcement, fines or termination, but said the response had been slow and passive.
“The Government must now step in to save Big Splash, and those conversations need to start today. Government ownership of the site is the safest pathway to ensure the community gets a pool on the site.”
She said many residents wanted the site redeveloped as a modern community facility, such as a 50-metre pool and waterpark, a hydrotherapy centre, or an indoor sports and recreation centre.
“There’s a huge amount of passion amongst the community, but the current situation means the future of the site is precarious,” Ms Clay said.
