Letter to the Editor: Inconvenient truths about ocean pool

DEAR News Of The Area,

THE proposed ocean pool at Oxley Beach has been the subject of recent stories and advertising in NOTA.

While it might be nice to have an ocean pool, the plan involves costly new infrastructure along a magnificent coastline that already offers three patrolled beaches for swimming.

The ocean pool group has $4.5 million in federal government funds invested and earning interest.

They should direct their efforts towards getting approval for the project, but be aware, state government policy is sensibly about not putting infrastructure in harm’s way.

An ocean pool would be expensive for our council to maintain.

Councils everywhere are under cost-shifting pressure and this would mean less funding for other projects we really do need, e.g. a new aquatic centre and more footpaths.

Further, we do not yet have a current coastal management plan, surely a prerequisite before approving an ocean pool.

It is extremely unwise to build expensive heavy infrastructure right down on the beach in the era of climate change, meaning more severe storms and a slow but certain sea level rise which at current rates of 5mm p.a. will result in at least a metre by 2050.

Just imagine the extent of sand excavation and damage around and beneath the pool that higher sea levels, an intense storm and a king tide all coming at once will do.

Finally, the pool would be in shade in winter, another inconvenient truth about this project.

Who wants to swim in cold water shaded from the sun by Flagstaff Hill?

I rest my case.

Regards,
Harry CREAMER,
Port Macquarie.