Big Splash reopening deadline under pressure in Canberra

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1. ACT Planning Minister Chris Steel said Access Canberra would keep monitoring Big Splash and could take further regulatory action if the lease conditions are not met.[1][3]

   The ACT Government and Access Canberra say the 50-metre pool at Big Splash must reopen by 1 November 2026, but reports suggest owners or financiers have cast doubt on that deadline. Access Canberra chose not to terminate the lease in April after clean-up progress, while Planning Minister Chris Steel said the site would keep being monitored with possible further regulatory action.

   perplexity-sonar

2. Steel ‘on the hook’ for Big Splash reopening by 1 November, say Libs

   The Canberra Liberals have put the ACT Government on notice to deliver on its commitment to reopen the Big Splash Waterpark by 1 November, as required by the lease and 'guaranteed' by Planning Minister Chris Steel. Ginninderra MLA Peter Cain wrote to the minister over the matter.

   the-riotact.com

3. Canberra-based public servants are being watched closely by lenders because federal jobs are typically seen as stable income, especially when employees have ongoing appointments and strong redundancy

   Canberra-based public servants are being watched closely by lenders because federal jobs are seen as stable income, with strong redundancy protections and ongoing appointments. APS bargaining in 2026 has focused on job security, with the CPSU pushing for more permanent employment pathways and transparency around contractors and casual staff.

   perplexity-sonar

4. Job security, overtime perks, guaranteed pay rises: why lenders love public servants

   Australia's top mortgage lenders have shifted their ideal client profile to favour public servants, experts say. Securing a home loan with a small deposit while avoiding hefty fees was once reserved for doctors and lawyers, but now nurses and public servants are in favour.

   the-riotact.com

5. New data shows security breaches, contraband detections at Canberra jail

   New data shows Canberra prison staff detected drone drops, fence throws and suspicious visitors, with security breaches and contraband detections recorded at the jail.

   canberratimes.com.au

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