A TIDAL pool is a right not a privilege...we've earned it!!
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With around a hundred tidal pools on the coast of NSW and not one in Port Macquarie ...that's just tragic... considering we're supposed to be a premium tourist destination and have such a high demographic of elderly and people with disabilities.
An ocean tidal pool is for everybody which is why the latest campaign has gained such incredible support from the community.
We've just clicked over 4000 likes on facebook page 'Tidal Pool for Port Macquarie?' and the online petition has 920 signatures as at 6pm Sunday 7th February.
One amazing lady has single-handedly collected more than 300 signatures before our petitions even hit the streets.
It's a tsunami of interest and we want to ride that wave right thru to the end...I'm feeling optimistic with the town's support..do not undersestimate social media and people power...especially in an election year.
I have emailed all councillors asking if they would support or oppose a tidal pool in Port Macquarie and so far have had 2 positive supportive replies out of 3...I'm pretty happy with that.
I have also emailed Mayor Peter Besseling asking him to explain the 'insurmountable environmental impediments' but still awaiting a reply.
I did receive a reply from council to a young lady who messaged me ... quoting the same hyperbole of 'Geological significance' and referring her to a website.
I checked it out and it only refers to Rocky Beach and Watonga Rocks so it's irrelevant. When the 50 metre tidal pool with a smaller adjoining pool proposed for the southern end of Flynns Beach (after extensive research by the late Jim McMahon, Council and Civil Engineer) was approved in 1991 by Council all 'environmental impediments' were addressed with two extensive geological studies concluding that there really was nothing particularly special about the rocks on Flynns Beach...they were 'just rocks'!!
As far as parking is concerned there are several areas along Pacific Drive that can be carved out as 'parking nooks' for the able bodied with a wooden stairway leading to the pool whilst there would be a gentle access for the disabled and elderly.
The original plans are on both facebook page and website pmqtidalpool along with some very interesting information and a revealing radio interview with the late Bob Counsell, Ken Wilson and Reg McGlashan who tirelessly worked on the 1991 campaign for a tidal pool, only to have it passed by council but when it came time to apply for a federal grant council at the time refused to support it ... we are 25 years overdue now for what those great men fought for and were unfairly denied.
We deserve a tidal pool, I cannot promise Port Macquarie that we will succeed but I can promise that I will personally give it my best effort...along with an amazing support team.
Kathryn Butler
Port Macquarie