About the project

The ACT Government is developing a new ACT Aquatic Strategy.

The strategy will help plan, manage and improve aquatic facilities across Canberra. It will help ensure aquatic facilities continue to meet the needs of the Canberra community.

Community feedback is an important part of developing the strategy. We will seek feedback from:

• aquatic user groups

• sporting organisations

• stakeholders

• the broader community.

We will also engage a consultant to help us deliver a best‑practice strategy.

We have previously heard from stakeholders on the draft Terms of Reference for the new ACT Aquatic Strategy when they were invited to provide feedback on a draft Terms of Reference in early 2026. Feedback showed broad support for the proposed approach, while highlighting the need to strengthen consideration of inclusion, accessibility, Canberra's unique context, and the full range of aquatic services and opportunities.

Stakeholders also identified broader issues relating to aquatic planning, participation, service delivery, and infrastructure needs. These insights have been noted and will help inform future stages of the project and ongoing consultation and engagement.

Community feedback is essential to ensuring the strategy reflects the needs of Canberra's growing and diverse population.

In January 2026, over 30 organisations were invited to provide feedback on priorities to be included in a Terms of Reference for the new ACT Aquatic Strategy.

In April 2026, more than 70 aquatic stakeholder groups were invited to share their feedback on the draft Terms of Reference. This engagement with the sector sought input to refine the document and inform procurement documentation to engage a consultant to lead the development of the new Strategy.

The ACT Aquatic Strategy survey, which was open to members of the YourSay Panel, closed on 13 September 2026. Thank you to everyone who participated and shared their views on the future of aquatic facilities across the ACT. Feedback from the survey is now being analysed and will help inform the development of the ACT Aquatic Strategy. Updates on key findings and next steps will be shared on this page as work progresses.

If you'd like to participate in future ACT Government research and consultation opportunities, you can still join the YourSay Panel, the ACT Government's online research community for ACT residents aged 16 and over. You can join the Panel here.

There will be additional opportunities for the community to have their say later this year. By sharing your views, you can help shape the future of aquatic facilities across the ACT and inform long-term investment and planning decisions.