City corrects record on proposed aquatic facility
Published on 14 October 2026
The City of Gosnells has reaffirmed its commitment to building an indoor aquatic centre at Sutherlands Park in Huntingdale, with Council adopting a new Advocacy Position Paper at its Council meeting on Tuesday 13 October.
Misleading information has been posted on social media by Member for Southern River Terry Healy, suggesting the City has abandoned plans for an indoor pool.
Mayor Terresa Lynes urged residents and ratepayers to seek information from the City’s official website and Council Minutes to ensure they have an accurate understanding of Council’s decisions and the future of the proposed aquatic facility.
“To be clear, the City has not abandoned its commitment to an indoor aquatic facility,” she said.
“Council has reaffirmed its commitment to this important community project and resolved to seek additional State and Federal Government funding to help deliver it,” she said.
“Our rapidly growing community deserves access to quality aquatic facilities where residents can learn vital swimming skills, stay physically active, improve their wellbeing and spend time together.”
In July this year, Council decided not to proceed with the original large-scale leisure and aquatic centre, known as SPLASH, due to insufficient funding support from the State and Federal Governments. Instead, Councillors agreed to progress plans for a smaller indoor aquatic facility that would allow for future expansion.
“A scaled-back indoor aquatic facility is estimated to cost around $80 million,” Mayor Lynes said.
“This would require a $15 million commitment from the State Government and $15 million from the Federal Government, with the City funding the balance.
“The City has sought to use part of the $2 million currently offered by the State Government to develop revised plans for an indoor aquatic facility, however the State Government has since suggested that the funding be used instead to deliver an outdoor splash pad.
“An outdoor splash pad is not a substitute for the indoor aquatic facility our community needs. Council has rejected this proposal and reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing an indoor aquatic facility.”
“We will continue to advocate for the State and Federal Governments to work with us to deliver a facility that meets the needs of our growing community.”
The City has also raised concerns about the long-term costs and limitations of the proposed splash pad.
The splash pad at Maylands Waterland cost $4.4 million to develop in 2022 and construction prices have risen significantly since then.
The State Government’s $2 million splash pad proposal would deliver a very limited splash pad that would require an additional $100,000 annually for maintenance and water quality management.
The City is concerned that proceeding with a splash pad would commit further resources to an interim arrangement rather than supporting progress towards the indoor aquatic facility Council has prioritised.
The City of Gosnells remains committed to delivering an indoor aquatic facility at Sutherlands Park and will continue to pursue the State and Federal Government funding needed to make this important community project a reality.
Watch the livestream recording of the Tuesday 13 October Council Meeting here.