New pool for Deakin

Submitted by Andrew Barr on 20 November, 2009 - 17:45

The ACT Government has reached an agreement to ensure residents in Canberra’s south will once again have access to a swimming pool in Deakin.

Oasis Pool in Deakin closed earlier this year because management was unable to continue to operate the facility.

Negotiations between the ACT Government through the Planning and Land Authority (ACTPLA) and the lessees have resulted in an agreement that will provide a swimming pool of at least 25 metres and all associated amenities in exchange for an increase in office space on the site.

The agreement means the lessee must enter into a binding agreement to provide these facilities to the public before ACTPLA will consider an increase in office space at the site.

This is a win for the people of south Canberra who have been inconvenienced by the pool’s closure.

When the Oasis Pool closed the ACT Government got straight to work looking for a solution. This has been a complex process and it has taken some time, but I am confident that with the work we’ve done with the pool’s owner there will be a new pool in Deakin for the benefit of swimmers.

The ACT Government has taken these steps to ensure the needs of the community are met. The closure of this pool left many people inconvenienced and it is a priority that a pool be opened as quickly as possible.

The Government expects a Development Application to be lodged early in the new year by the owner of the pool and the new indoor pool facility will be able to provide for learn to swim, lap swimmers and other recreational and therapeutic pool uses.

ACTPLA will tomorrow release a draft technical amendment to the Territory Plan. The proposed amendment will reflect the agreement between the Territory and the lessee.

The proposed technical amendment is available on the ACTPLA website at www.actpla.act.gov.au. Members of the community are urged to comment on the amendment before 5pm Monday 14 December 2009.

I am pleased that the lessee has worked with ACTPLA and the Government to deliver an outcome that best serves the residents of south Canberra.

A new swimming pool is expected to be available to the community by the end of 2010 or early in 2011.