Port Macquarie tidal pool site selection down to Town Beach or Flynns Beach | poll

With a feasibility study nearing completion, Ms Butler said the tidal pool committee's decision to implement a technical group was also paying dividends.

The state government is funding the study to the tune of $50,000.

The federal government's $4.47m pre-election commitment was also another strong indicator the project would come to fruition, she said.

Cowper MP Patrick Conaghan has confirmed the funding is available.

However, the project hasn't always been smooth sailing. In May 2018, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council voted that the tidal pool project was not a priority for council.

Despite that setback, new research indicates that ocean or tidal pools are making somewhat of a comeback across Australia.

As well, 18,000 people signed a petition calling for a tidal pool to be built in Port Macquarie. At that time there were at least four possible sites being considered.

Read more: Pinson reignites tidal pool debate

Ms Butler confirmed that site selection has been further narrowed to just two - Town Beach and Flynns Beach.

Final costings for the construction of the tidal pool are yet to be confirmed.

Access to existing services, including lifeguards and surf life saving volunteers, parking and amenities are some of the parameters the committee is working with.

There are plans to construct an amenities block as part of the tidal pool complex.

Ms Butler confirmed the tidal pool would be a full size Olympic pool of 50 metres and 20 metres wide with eight lanes.

She envisaged school swimming carnivals, winter swimming club events and activities, triathlon training and general swimmers to take advantage of the tidal pool.

"I can't wait to see Port Macquarie Walrus Club having dip in the pool," she added.

Ms Butler said the group was treading unfamiliar territory.

"There hasn't been a new pool built in this area for 50 years," she said.

"The technical group, headed by Paul Rowlandson is diligently working through the process while senior engineer with the water laboratory at University NSW James Carley and architect Nicole Larkin are also on board with the project.

"The feasibility study is about two thirds the way through and once this is complete we will be in a better position to talk final site, costings and amenities block."

The process must pass a few more hurdles including the joint assessment panel and Crown Lands.

She was confident the project would move through the process without much impediment due to the support of multi-levels of government.

"We have support from federal and state leaders Pat Conaghan and Leslie Williams, prime minister Scott Morrison and deputy prime minister Michael McCormack while mayor Peta Pinson has indicated she is very excited about this project," Ms Butler said.

"Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has indicated that officially the tidal pool is not a priority for council."

Ms Butler said she first raised the latest push for a tidal pool just three and a half years ago.

Mr Carley is also working on the Ballina tidal pool bid. Ms Larkin will be designing the Port Macquarie pool.

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