Canberra Commits to New 50-Meter Pool for Woden

Residents of southern Canberra just won a victory they've been fighting for over years of community advocacy.

The ACT government announced Thursday it will build a new 50-meter outdoor pool in Woden, with construction potentially starting as early as mid-2028. Chief Minister Andrew Barr unveiled the commitment as part of a new aquatic strategy for Australia's capital territory.

The announcement comes as welcome news for campaigners like Sarah Ransom from the Save Phillip Pool group, who have spent years trying to engage with government officials about community pool needs. "It's really great to be now having the chance to engage with government after years and years of attempting to have a conversation about what our community needs," Ransom said.

The new strategy will spend 12 months investigating the future requirements for public pools across Canberra. Early site assessments for the Woden pool have already begun.

Independent MLA Fiona Carrick, who has championed better aquatic facilities in southern Canberra for years, welcomed the news but pushed for accountability. She wants shovels in the ground before the next territory election in October 2028.

The government also committed to building a multi-sport deep pool after plans emerged to replace the current Canberra Olympic Pool with a shallower facility. While budget constraints prevent an Olympic-standard diving facility at the aquatic center, officials will investigate building one elsewhere in the city.

The Ripple Effect

The timing reflects broader concerns about aging pool infrastructure across Australia. Royal Life Saving Australia estimates 40 percent of public pools nationwide will stop functioning by 2030 without major repairs or replacements.

For Canberra residents, this announcement represents more than just new concrete and water. It's about communities being heard when they speak up about facilities that matter to their daily lives and health.

"People care about their local pools, and they want to see a clear plan for the future," Barr said. The strategy aims to provide maximum community amenity while working within responsible budgets.

Ransom remains cautiously optimistic but wants one key guarantee: that the existing 50-meter pool in Phillip won't close until the new Woden facility opens. It's a reasonable ask that would ensure continuous access for swimmers, families, and local sports teams who depend on these facilities.

The promise shows what persistent community advocacy can achieve when residents refuse to give up on the amenities their neighborhoods need.