Opposition accuses government of backing away from election pledge on new aquatic centre

The state opposition has accused the government of treading water over the new Adelaide Aquatic Centre, which was promised before the election.

Adelaide Aquatic Centre in North Adelaide. Picture: Matt Loxton

The state opposition has accused the government of backing away from an election pledge to build a new $80m Adelaide Aquatic Centre in North Adelaide by 2026.

But Premier Peter Malinauskas insists he is “absolutely” confident the project will be completed on time.

Infrastructure spokesman Vincent Tarzia seized upon a recent radio interview with Infrastructure Minister Tom Koutsantonis, who said the timeline was an “aspiration” but mentioned the current widespread supply chain delays and labour demands.

“I will be pushing very, very hard,” he told ABC Radio Adelaide.

“Our commitment was for as quickly as possible.”

Mr Tarzia said Mr Malinauskas “dived headfirst into this commitment, now Tom Koutsantonis is doing backflips and belly flops”.

“It’s quite clear already that the state Labor government are already treading water when it comes to this commitment,” he said on Sunday.

“It’s only when the tide goes out that you work out who is swimming naked.”

The Adelaide Aquatic Centre in North Adelaide. Picture: Matt Loxton

Corrosion and crumbling concrete at the Adelaide Aquatic Centre in February. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Mr Malinauskas said he was not concerned that supply issues could delay the project and said Mr Tarzia’s criticism was “a little desperate”.

“We are committed to delivering this project by 2026 and look forward to getting on with it,” he said.

In October last year, the Adelaide City Council was considering a $65m plan to build a new centre at a different site in the parklands.

The existing 50-year-old centre near the intersection of Jeffcott Rd and Fitzroy Tce costs ratepayers around $2m a year to operate and maintain.

The future of the North Adelaide site was thrown up in the air after the Adelaide Crows abandoned their plans to establish a new headquarters at the current site last year.

Peter Malinauskas famously launched his election campaign at the pool with his daughter Eliza in February. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Labor released these concept designs for a new centre in North Adelaide. Picture: Patrick James