A new 50-metre outdoor public pool is planned for Woden as part of a wider overhaul of Canberra’s ageing pool network.

The ACT government says early work has begun on potential sites for the Woden pool, which will be progressed through a new Aquatic Strategy to guide future investment in public swimming facilities across the territory.

Independent MLA for Murrumbidgee Fiona Carrick, who has campaigned for a 50-metre replacement of the Phillip pool,  says the government’s commitment represents “a significant and positive outcome for the community, particularly the dedicated advocates of the Save Phillip Pool campaign, whose passion and persistence reflect the strong community spirit of Woden and Weston Creek”.

“To maintain community trust, it is essential that the ACT government progresses this commitment in a timely and transparent way, from consultation through to the development of a fully costed and endorsed Aquatic Strategy, along with a comprehensive plan that meets the needs of residents who will rely on Woden’s aquatic facilities.”

Stromlo Leisure Centre will continue operating, while a separate 25-metre public pool and splash play areas are planned as part of a future private development in the Woden town centre.

The government says the Aquatic Strategy will also examine the need for new facilities in growth areas such as West Belconnen, options for competition and recreational diving facilities, and the condition of existing government-owned aquatic centres. A high-level audit is expected to guide maintenance and operating standards.

The strategy will be developed over the next 12 months, with consultation involving sporting groups, aquatic users and community stakeholders.

The government has also released a consultation report for the proposed Canberra Aquatic Centre at Commonwealth Park.

More than 1600 submissions were received during a seven-week consultation period in late 2025, alongside feedback from aquatic sporting groups and user organisations.

The consultation identified priorities including family-friendly recreation spaces, a 50-metre lap pool, inclusive access features, year-round indoor facilities and sustainable design.

The $137.8 million Commonwealth Park aquatic centre will not include deep-water competition diving facilities due to site constraints, the government says, with alternative locations to be investigated through the Aquatic Strategy.

Independent MLA for Kurrajong Thomas Emerson, who has sponsored a community petition calling on the government to include diving and deep water facilities in the new aquatic centre, says at the bare minimum, the new pool needs to be a “like-for-like” replacement for the Canberra Olympic Pool in Civic, which is slated for demolition to make way for a new Canberra Convention and Entertainment Precinct.

“The Government’s consultation process can only be described as a farce if diving facilities are not to be included in the new aquatic centre,” Mr Emerson says.

“This would be a huge slap in the face for many Civic Pool users, especially those whose chosen sports cannot survive in the ACT if the current plan goes ahead.”

Expressions of Interest for an Early Contractor Involvement partner are due to close soon, with construction expected to begin in 2027, subject to final design and planning approvals.