Questions over South Australian Government's commitment to Adelaide Aquatic Centre rebuild

The South Australia Government’s commitment to rebuild the Adelaide Aquatic Centre in North Adelaide has been questioned by the state opposition.

During campaigning for March’s state election, now South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas pledged to have the facility rebuilt by 2026 at a cost of $80 million.

However, while Premier Malinauskas quickly fulfilled pledges to reintroduce the Adelaide 500 Supercars race and to scrap the planned Adelaide indoor arena, no announcement has since bee forthcoming on plans for the Adelaide Aquatic Centre.

Opposition infrastructure spokesman Vincent Tarzia seized upon a recent radio interview with South Australian Infrastructure Minister Tom Koutsantonis, who said the 2026 timeline was an “aspiration”, mentioning current supply chain delays and labour demands in the building industry.

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

Premier Malinauskas advised “we are committed to delivering this project by 2026 and look forward to getting on with it.”

Image: Adelaide Aquatic Centre. Credit: Adelaide City Council.