Federal government committed to Port Macquarie tidal pool project

It follows Prime Minister Scott Morrison's funding pledge in the lead-up to the federal election.

Mr McCormack said the tidal pool money of $4.47 million was budgeted.

"The fact is the money is there and we will be delivering this project," he said during a visit to Port Macquarie on Thursday, June 6.

Mr McCormack said there was a tidal wave of community support for this project.

The tidal pool feasibility study is in the early stages but planning is moving forward with three potential sites, including Town Beach, being considered.

The state government provided $50,000 for the feasibility study.

Mr McCormack said the project would stack up.

"I appreciate feasibility studies are important but this will stack up," he said.

"This area needs its own tidal pool."

Mr McCormack said when the Port Macquarie Tidal Pool Committee was ready to go, after the necessary environmental, cultural and planning development tick offs and the site was identified, the federal government would be ready to help them.

"When they are ready to put a shovel in the ground, we will be there ready to help them," he said.

Cowper MP-elect Pat Conaghan said the tidal pool would be the jewel in Port Macquarie's crown.

"Everything will be done sympathetic to the environment, to the ecology, to the local area and it will be such a great thing for tourism, such a great thing for the people of Port Macquarie," he said.

Port Macquarie Tidal Pool Committee member Josh Rummery confirmed three potential locations were being considered.

He said they were being sensitive to ecology and what the community wanted, and ensuring they did a great job with the money.

Mayor Peta Pinson said the tidal pool was not a council initiative but a community-led initiative.

She said the tidal pool committee had stuck in there and lobbied hard.

Meanwhile, Mr McCormack and Mr Conaghan also met with Hastings River oyster farmers.

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