SINCE the 1970s a dedicated group of locals have been lobbying for an ocean pool at Port Macquarie, with an official Ocean Pool Committee forming in 2016.
Recently a major hurdle was cleared after the pool reached strategic merit approval to advance through the NSW statutory planning.
However, there is a growing and vocal group of residents that oppose the project who have united under the banner of Protecting Oxley Beach – say NO to the Ocean Pool.
The group is actively campaigning to collect signatures on a petition to prevent the pool project moving forward in this location, and they have received significant support from Port Macquarie Hastings Councillor Nik Lipovac.
“There’s no funding for the Ocean Pool, just empty promises for vote-catching purposes,” Cr Lipovac said.
“Port Macquarie Hastings Council staff want nothing to do with it, and the vast majority of the community wants Council to focus on its list of long-standing recreational facility priorities that require substantial State and Federal government funding and support.
“Councillors who allowed the Ocean/Tidal Pool to progress to this stage were, in my opinion, irresponsible, and were swayed by the noisy minority.”
Objections by the group pertain predominantly to the selected site rather than the overall concept. They argue that Oxley Beach is not an appropriate choice due to conservation concerns, lack of consultation with Traditional landowners, and insufficient consideration given to amenities and accessibility.
“Protect Oxley Beach supports better swimming facilities for our community,” said group spokesperson Eva Spannari.
“We’re not opposed to a tidal pool—we just don’t believe Oxley Beach is the right place.
“The site has well-documented environmental, cultural and planning issues, is exposed to coastal hazards, has limited parking and no existing amenities, and presents real accessibility challenges for those who would most benefit from the pool.
“Oxley Beach requires a heavily engineered pumped pool (non-tidal), with significant ongoing maintenance costs to ratepayers.
“It’s worth properly considering other coastal and river locations that could deliver a more accessible, affordable and sustainable outcome for everyone before making a decision that will shape our coastline for generations.”
Cost estimates on construction of the pool range from $13 million to $20 million, with no committed funding to date.
Should the pool reach construction stage it would be the first ocean pool constructed in Australia in more than 50 years.
By Rachael THORPE
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