The Save Big Splash petition, tabled today, breaks records as the ACT Parliament's biggest e-petition and the largest petition this term with 7,510 signatures: 6,053 online, 1,339 paper, and 118 out-of-order signatures.
ACT Greens Deputy Leader Jo Clay said Canberrans want this iconic water park saved - which was clear since the very first community petition in December 2024 - with the community movement growing the longer government waits to escalate action.
"Canberrans are clear: they want Big Splash. This momentous petition and Labor's own Minister for Sport and Recreation publicly agreeing she wants Big Splash to reopen should surely see the government take back the site as soon as possible.
"It's not just Big Splash - people want public spaces that are accessible and fun and that help make Canberra such a great place to live. We've seen huge community support with other petitions relating to pools, parks, shops and cinemas.
"It's core government work to provide services and public spaces for people to gather. The ACT Labor Government has become increasingly reliant on the private sector to deliver basic community facilities, and it's come at a cost to Canberrans.
"We all want good facilities, not just national institutions in the centre of Canberra, but all over the ACT - and it's clear from this petition that people want government to ensure they're accessible and inclusive for future generations to enjoy."
Ms Clay questioned the Planning Minister yesterday to understand whether the owner sought an extension to respond to Access Canberra's notice for consideration to terminate the lease or whether the Government offered one, and if the government could provide another extension.
The Minister took these questions on notice, following the deadline being extended to this Friday.
Last week Ms Clay released a Listening Report with feedback the ACT Greens received from the community about what they want for the future of Big Splash. Overwhelmingly, people want government action and for the site to remain a water park.
As stated by lead petitioner of Save Big Splash, Amelia Tattum:
"More than 7,500 signatures in less than a month and the biggest petition in 30 years: the community has spoken, let's hope the government listens."
