Oxley Beach was named the preferred site on Wednesday, July 15 along with the release of a feasibility study into the project.

That study is just one in a list of milestone steps - including rezoning and a development applications - required for the project to be successful.

Along with associated amenities, the pool will feature eight swimming lanes each 50 metres in length, a children's leisure zone and a rehabilitation zone with disabled access.

The state government tipped in $50,000 for the study while the federal government has committed $4.5 million as a pre-election promise for the construction phase, once all approvals are finalised.

Port Macquarie Tidal Pool Committee chair Kathryn Butler acknowledged the concerns over parking and disabled and elderly access.

"I have been a huge advocate for the disabled and the elderly to have access to this tidal pool," she said.

"There will be ramps and hand rails in the pool - those issues are already addressed through the design plan.

"The committee has also discussed parking and access. Now that we have narrowed down the preferred site, we can have the necessary assessments undertaken.

"Our engineers have worked very hard on this project; they have devised a plan around the issue of parking, as well as footpath access that meets the required gradient standards.

"We have also identified an area for disabled parking closer to the pool. Council is working on an footpath upgrade connecting Town Beach to Oxley Beach (on the coastal walk) which will assist in access.

"There are other options including across the road at Oxley Oval."

Ms Butler said the committee had also discussed the possibility of a shuttle bus from the town centre and the committee is continuing to discuss various ideas.

"Obviously, before we proceed to the DA stage, we will need to have a proper parking assessment completed," she said.

"This is just the first step.

"Issues we are continuing to look at include lifeguarding and the placement of a new amenities block.

"Oxley Beach is a blank canvas to work on - which is one of the benefits of the site - and these issues will be covered off at the appropriate time.

"There is a process to work through, these are early stages in the project.

"The committee has very few footsteps to follow on this project. But we are relying on the guidance of some key people," she said.

Key to the project proceeding will be environmental rezoning and Crown Land approval.

Deputy prime minister and minister for infrastructure, transport and regional development Michael McCormack called for construction on the project to start "very soon".

Cowper MP Pat Conaghan said a tidal pool will be a major tourist attraction while Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams urged council to support the project.

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