Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has put the wheels in motion to write to Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams to request funding to the Port Macquarie Tidal Pool Committee to undertake a detailed feasibility study.

But first, the council will seek advice about what information the Crown would require from the committee to be able to consider a decision to grant landowner’s consent. The Crown is the landowner in this case.

Any tidal pool development application would require landowner’s consent.

The council, once it receives the information and assuming the Crown will consider granting landowner’s consent in any future DA, will write to Mrs Williams.

Two petitions with a total of about 18,000 signatures support a tidal pool.

Port Macquarie Tidal Pool Committee member Fred O’Toole, speaking at the council meeting, said the volume of community support should serve to convince the council to in turn support the mayor’s motion. 

Mayor Peta Pinson said she had listened to the community.

“My priority as a councillor and as a mayor is the priority of what the community is wanting,” Cr Pinson said.

She said the council decision was a positive step for the possibility of a tidal pool.

Cr Justin Levido said he had the message loud and clear that there was a large segment of the community which would like to see a tidal pool in Port Macquarie.

He raised a concern over whether the Crown would give landowner’s consent for a tidal pool. 

Cr Mike Cusato said it was not the council’s responsibility to look after the ocean. He voted against the motion.

Committee chairperson Kathryn Butler said the council decision was a small victory but a huge step.