Page 260 - Week 01 - Thursday, 13 February 2020

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able to contain the leak after several hours. Minister, what was the cause of this leak and what measures have been taken to safeguard visitors?

MS BERRY: I thank Mr Milligan for that question. The leak was—

Ms Lawder: You are not looking for prepared notes, are you?

MS BERRY: Yes, because I am in the government and we have to read briefs that provide advice to us when these incidents occur.

Opposition members interjecting—

MS BERRY: Do you want the answer to the question or not?

MADAM SPEAKER: Members, allow the minister to answer.

MS BERRY: There were about 1,000 litres of chlorine, which leaked into the bunding, which was holding around 4,000 litres of water. It was suspected that it was as a result of the storm. The entire site, as Mr Mulligan referred to, was evacuated. There were no reported environmental impacts, however this is continuing to be monitored. The leaking tank was isolated and the pipework was re-plumbed to a second chlorine tank. There were no reported injuries or environmental impacts. The gasket that was faulty has been repaired and the pipework has been reconnected. A new delivery of chlorine arrived on 22 January.

ACT Property Group is currently seeking a quote to replace both chlorine tanks and to update the bunding. An audit of the chlorine tanks and bunding at the four additional aquatic facilities will also be undertaken.

MR MILLIGAN: Minister, what is the current status on the amount of water that is leaking from the Canberra Olympic Pool in Civic?

MS BERRY: I do not have my figure on me. I will get some advice from the directorate and I will provide that back to the Assembly.

MISS C BURCH: Minister, what is the maintenance budget for pools in the ACT and how much of that is specifically allocated to the ageing and neglected Canberra Olympic Pool?

MS BERRY: I will have to get some advice on the detail of that. Of course, our older pools do require, from time to time, significant upgrades and repairs. We announced last year, and made, repairs on the tiles at the heritage Manuka Pool. That was at a significant cost because the tiles needed to be sourced from overseas and shipped here to make sure that they were aesthetically correct and met the needs of the Manuka Pool upgrade. We take that work very seriously. I will get some more detail on the actual figure that was spent over the past year, particularly with regard to the Civic pool.


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