The ACT Auditor-General has found there was no rigorous analysis supporting a decision to reduce pool requirements at the Phillip Swimming and Ice-Skating Centre redevelopment site from a 50-metre outdoor pool to a 25-metre indoor pool.

In a report tabled in the Legislative Assembly, Auditor-General Ajay Sharma found government agencies did not undertake a specific assessment of future needs for the Phillip pool site before changing planning requirements under the new Territory Plan.

The audit also found a consultation report incorrectly stated that a sport and recreation needs analysis had determined a 25-metre pool would meet community requirements.

Mr Sharma said no such analysis had been undertaken as described and that the statement misrepresented the extent of work used to justify the change.

The Territory Plan changes, adopted in 2023, allow a redeveloped Phillip Swimming and Ice-Skating Centre site to include a 25-metre indoor pool instead of the previously required 50-metre outdoor pool.

The report recommends the Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate ensure any future changes to Territory Plan requirements for sport and recreation facilities are supported by documented assessments of community needs and interests.

It also recommends the City and Environment Directorate develop guidance to ensure public responses to planning consultation accurately reflect the analysis undertaken.