Problems plaguing Gungahlin’s closed 50 metre pool have cast doubts over its reopening with residents left in the dark, Liberal MLA for Yerrabi Leanne Castley said today.

The $28.7 million Gungahlin Leisure Centre was opened by then Sports Minister Andrew Barr six years ago and the 50-metre pool has been closed since March.

Despite numerous defects and faults, no work has begun and no one knows when work will start.

“Then-minister Barr lauded the pool as a ‘state of the art facility’ and ‘truly wonderful community facility’ but it has been closed for nine months and no one knows what’s going on,” Ms Castley said.

“Mr Barr boasted that Gungahlin residents had ‘outstanding’ sporting and recreational facilities which turns out to be a joke.

“Gungahlin residents deserve to know what’s going on.

“What is wrong with the pool, how much will it cost to fix and when will work start and finish? Will the Gungahlin pool ever reopen?”

Ms Castley last week lodged questions with Sports Minister Yvette Berry, demanding information for the Gungahlin community.

Gungahlin’s squad swimmers have been forced to move to the Canberra Olympic Pool while lap swimmers have been advised to go to Lakeside Leisure Centre in Greenway which is 32kms away.

Regular swimmer Mark, from Amaroo, said it was frustrating as there were no other 50-metre pools in the area.

The 50-metre pool was closed for two months last year for maintenance. It is understood numerous faults were discovered at the time, including drainage and tiling problems.