Lambton dive tower

Following a resolution of the elected Council in December 2024, City of Newcastle has been reviewing the use and operation of the dive tower at Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre.

The dive tower was constructed as part of the original facility, which officially opened to the public in January 1963.

It includes 5m, 7.5m and 10m platforms and is located alongside the 1m and 3m springboards, which are all serviced by a 5m-deep pool.

General public access to the dive tower was restricted seven years ago due to safety concerns. The facilities are currently only able to be accessed by accredited diving organisations. 

There are 12 aquatic centres (including Lambton) with heritage dive towers in Australia. However the Lambton tower is one of only two heritage towers (those built before 2000) still in use, with the other remaining facility, at Canberra Olympic Pool. The heritage dive tower at Canberra Olympic Pool is scheduled for permanent closure as part of an upcoming redevelopment project.

Contemporary diving facilities around Australia built since 2000 are also predominantly restricted for use by trained and qualified professionals associated with accredited diving clubs, with public use highly limited.

As part of the review of the dive tower requested by Council, City of Newcastle sought guidance from SafeWork NSW due to the age of the asset and challenges in meeting current safety standards. Following two inspections in November, SafeWork has issued improvement notices that have identified the risks of falls and slips on the tower, 3m springboards and one of the 1m springboards.

The dive tower, 3m boards and southeastern 1m board have been temporarily closed in order to review the SafeWork improvement notices which includes engaging a qualified expert to conduct a risk-based assessment, determine appropriate control measures and associated costs. 

City of Newcastle will consult with stakeholders during the review period in line with SafeWork’s direction including the Dive Club and its approximate 70 members.

Why can't the diving boards be kept open during this time?

The safety of our staff and community has to be our top priority when it comes to all decisions relating to the dive tower.

The temporary closure of the dive tower, 3m boards and southeastern 1m board follows advice received from the NSW Government, which identified serious risks to health or safety including slips or trips and falls from heights when climbing up or down the tower.

We understand the significant impact this closure is having on the dive club and its members and are committed to working through this process as quickly and collaboratively as possible. 

But what we can’t do is keep the dive tower open and just hope for the best, given the clear directions from SafeWork NSW.

In order to comply with the five improvement notices from SafeWork we must eliminate the identified risks, and failure to restrict access would leave City of Newcastle liable in the event that an incident did occur. 

Our focus now is on if we can make the tower safe, given it was built in the 1960s when government standards regarding safety were very different to what they are today.