The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government has commissioned a consultant to develop a comprehensive 10-year aquatic strategy for Canberra's swimming facilities. The strategy aims to assess the current state of the territory's seven government-owned swimming pools, including Canberra Olympic Pool, Dickson Pool, Gungahlin Leisure Centre, Lakeside Leisure Centre, Manuka Pool, Erindale Leisure Centre and Stromlo Leisure Centre. The consultant will examine whether Canberra needs a major aquatic centre comparable to facilities in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane, with a focus on attracting national and international swimming events. The project's statement of requirements specifies that the assessment must consider the potential economic impacts and benefits of hosting such events, including associated costs like event acquisition fees. The government also wants the consultant to evaluate risks associated with privately owned public pools, such as the dormant Big Splash Water Park, though recommendations must primarily focus on existing government-owned facilities. The report will include advice on the overall condition of current pools, estimated maintenance and upgrade costs over the next decade, and the cost of replacing gas-heating systems. Consultants must identify emerging trends in aquatic recreation, including urban and wild swimming, sports participation, facility design, and operational models with emphasis on sustainability and environmental considerations. The strategy must also compare ACT pool fees with other capital cities and examine opportunities for competition and recreation diving facilities. The government has committed to building a new swimming pool at Commonwealth Park and a new 50-metre outdoor pool in Woden, with the consultant's report due before the end of 2027. The tender for the consultancy closes on October 27, 2026. This initiative follows a previous announcement by former sport and recreation minister Yvette Berry, who confirmed the government would commission a consultant to develop the strategy, a move that initially drew criticism from swimmers, sporting groups and community organizations who wanted to co-design the plan. However, Berry stated she had written to 30 community groups about the strategy and they would be deeply embedded in its development. The ACT Labor government had previously promised a new swimming pool in Commonwealth Park ahead of the 2024 ACT election, securing joint funding from the federal Labor government, and announced a new 50-metre outdoor pool in Woden in January 2026.

Petlee Peter, Mon, 07 Sep 2026 11:26

The accident happened early Monday.

'Wheelie Fast' teens from all over NSW and ACT descend on Stromlo.

Over 540 students from years 5 to 12 participated in the 25th edition of the ACT Schools Mountain Bike Championships at Stromlo Forest Park on August 28, 2026. The event, organized by Canberra Off-Road Cyclists (CORC) in partnership with AusCycling, featured teams competing in junior, senior, and college categories. Riders aged as young as 10 competed alongside schools from across the ACT and interstate regions like Bathurst and Newcastle. The relay-race format saw teams of up to four riders vying for medals, with races lasting over four hours and covering six kilometres. Event director Dave Brahe emphasized the focus on creating a fun environment for participants, highlighting skills development through mountain biking such as coordination, risk management, and problem-solving. Notable team names included 'Scumbags' and 'Blacksnake Billygoats,' while the latter claimed victory in the junior boys division. The event attracted thousands of spectators, parents, and volunteers, fostering a carnival-like atmosphere. With 11% female participation this year, the championships aim to inspire future athletes like Bec Henderson and Caroline Buchanan by encouraging outdoor activity over screen-based entertainment.

Karleen Minney, Melanie Dinjaski, Fri, 28 Aug 2026 14:07