
Canberra Liberals MLA Peter Cain is demanding former minister Yvette Berry explain what she knew about the future of Big Splash when she told Belconnen residents she was committed to bringing the aquatic centre back “how we remember it”.
Mr Cain says documents obtained under freedom of information laws show government officials were cautioning against suggesting plans then being developed would determine Big Splash’s future.
At a Save Big Splash community meeting on February 19, Ms Berry said: “I’m as committed as all of you to bringing Big Splash back to how we remember it, and also even better.”
However, an internal government document cited by Mr Cain shows an official had earlier warned: “I would be hesitant to infer at the moment that the strategy will provide direction specifically on Big Splash.”
Mr Cain said other documents showed officials were still discussing the “mix of aquatic facilities” that might be retained the day after Ms Berry’s comments.
He said the documents raised questions about whether Ms Berry’s public comments accurately reflected the uncertainty being discussed within government at the time.
“Yvette Berry painted one picture for Belconnen. Her Government’s own files paint another,” Mr Cain said.
He called on Ms Berry to explain what information she had when she made the February commitment.
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