As stated by ACT Greens Deputy Leader and Member for Ginninderra, Jo Clay:
"Following a meeting with Purdon, representatives of the Big Splash owner, yesterday I was informed that there are no plans on the table to rezone the waterpark and that it will remain a recreational space, accessible to the community.
"This shows the power of community action - it's a testament to the many Canberrans who petitioned for Big Splash to remain an accessible place for people to gather, have fun, swim and cool off during summer.
"With the ACT Greens backing community calls in Parliament, we first secured ACT Government commitment, followed by all 25 Parliamentarians, to keep the land zoned for recreational facilities.
"But sadly, I was informed the iconic Big Splash slides are too far beyond repair. This is upsetting news for our community - those slides make the waterpark such a fun place. With the slides going, there will be change.
"The community is loud and clear that Canberra needs a waterpark. I was reassured that the community will be consulted, with some co-design, in the coming months over any changes to the site.
"Purdon raised top-level, preliminary ideas for the future of Big Splash which includes a pool, water play facilities, indoor recreation and, as mentioned earlier this week on radio by the Minister for Sport and Recreation, a hotel.
"What that looks like needs to be discussed, in consultation and co-design, with the community including others who have views and knowledge about how to run a waterpark, to make sure it delivers the facilities Canberrans need, want and deserve.
"It is great to finally have some transparency about what's happening, but what the community needs now is to be part of these discussions and involved in the decision-making process."
