I am writing in the hope that The Canberra Times might take a closer look at the ACT Territory Planning authority's October 28 decision to approve further amendments to Geocon's Phillip Swimming Pool development application.

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Several findings raise serious questions about planning transparency. The authority approved the amendments despite Icon Water advising the design failed its network protection requirements, and that non-compliance matters from August remained unaddressed.

The authority dismisses concerns about replacing Woden's 50-metre pool with a 25-metre facility by stating it meets minimum requirements. But meeting minimums ignores the ACT Auditor-General's previous findings about the failure to undertake an agreed aquatic facility planning study. Extraordinarily, public access arrangements for the replacement pool are still to be determined through a future lease variation. What guarantees does the community have that the pool will remain genuinely accessible and affordable?

The decision also acknowledges the ongoing ACT Integrity Commission investigation into Territory Plan changes affecting this site. While no findings have been made, the public is entitled to question whether approvals should continue while serious matters remain under investigation.

Furthermore, the authority states community consultation is no longer required under the Planning Act 2023. This is occurring while the community loses existing facilities, including the children's pool, alongside lingering concerns for the ice-skating rink.

This redevelopment raises fundamental questions about planning integrity, transparency, and public benefit.

Shane O'Loughlin, Canberra

Halt pool redevelopment

Last week those objecting to the redevelopment of the Phillip Pool and Ice Skating Centre received an alarming reply from the Planning Directorate. A key tenet to our objection is that the ACT Integrity Commission's investigation into corruption allegations concerning the rezoning of the Phillip Pool site must run its course prior to further development approval being given to Geocon.

As we all remember, the Operation Kingfisher investigation run by the same office found there had been corrupt conduct by government officials in relation to Campbell Primary.

Astoundingly, planning's response to this ground is "the Integrity Commission operates independently of the Territory Planning Authority, and there is no legislative requirement to pause an application under their consideration. Any future outcomes from this process will be considered in relation to any relevant recommendations." What a joke.

Of course any development approvals by one ACT department should cease while the territory integrity watchdog examines conduct by government officials in relation to the rezoning site. It has powers mere citizens lack to obtain the truth on decisions greatly impacting ACT residents.

Planning Minister Chris Steel, do the right thing. Intervene to stop further approval until the important own-motion investigation by the Integrity Commission is completed. What is the point of an integrity body otherwise?

The failure to do so could result in significant embarrassment for the government, another ministerial scalp (as occurred with Operation Kingfisher) and significant legal costs arising from illegal action.

On social media, ACT Labor deputy leader Rachel Stephen-Smith has been speaking........

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