It was made clear again at the May meeting of councillors that the tidal pool, earmarked for Oxley Beach, is not a project owned or endorsed by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.

Cr Rob Turner said council staff have not been invited to participate in Port Macquarie Tidal Pool Committee (PMTPC) meetings.

In a response to Cr Turner's concerns about the level of consultation on the multi-million development and the community's view on the project, council understands the PMTNC will undertake engagement on the proposed site at Oxley Beach as part of the next phase of development.

Read more: Councillors vote in May 2018 to place on the record that a tidal pool is not a priority for council.

Work undertaken to date has included architectural concept designs and a preliminary feasibility study. The project is being managed by Newcastle-based Projence.

A competitive tender process has appointed planning consultant Beveridge Williams to develop a community consultation plan.

PMTPC spokesperson Kathryn Butler said community consultation will be an important part of the ongoing process.

"Community consultation is always something we have planned. It probably would have happened by now if it wasn't for COVID," Ms Butler said.

"A lot of work has been done behind the scenes and we will liaise with council on matters related to council as they arise."

A tidal pool will be built at Oxley Beach and was made possible with a $4.5 million federal government grant announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison during a visit to the region in 2019. A further $50,000 as been committed by the state government.

Cr Turner told the March council meeting that a tidal pool is not a council project, and noted that no community consultation has occurred around site selection and potential impacts including environmental, heritage, public amenities, traffic and car-parking.

Two community petitions have been presented to council in excess of 18,000 signatures in support of the tidal pool project

"Community consultation is part of the next phase of the project development and it is well overdue," Cr Turner said.

"It's heartening to note the significant part of the community who doesn't want to see Oxley Beach developed gets to have their say."

Read more: Project manager appointed to develop Port Macquarie tidal pool plan

Deputy mayor Lisa Intemann said while the tidal pool is not a council project, there are many "regulatory difficulties" to overcome including the sensitivity of the site and the tenures over the land and water, to environmental impacts, accessibility, carparking and ongoing maintenance responsibilities.

"It is of great concern there has not been any community consultation on this. Could (council) approach this in a proactive manner to ensure council is getting the information as it comes through, including the architectural concept designs and preliminary feasibility study, which I'm not sure we've even received yet.

"My understanding is that if one wishes to go ahead with a project such as this, the regulatory difficulties would be enormous. I believe it's important for us as a council to keep our finger on the pulse."

Mayor Peta Pinson who has been involved in discussions with the PMTPC as well as state and federal representatives, said there is nothing stopping council from requesting any information it requires in relation to the project.

"Contact the tidal pool committee, they'd be happy to share that information with you. Carparking and accessibility has been considered and it has been shown to myself in concept plans. As far as councilors, we are able to seek out that information if it is of grave concern," Cr Pinson said.

"I would highly recommended to anyone who has any interest in this project, because it is not ours, to pick up the phone and speak to the committee."

Cr Turner said it is council's responsibility to look after its community and act on behalf of its community.

"That's why I think it's important that on behalf of the majority of the community council does ensure that there is appropriate development in areas that's not being done by council, and by others, and that what ends up happening is in the best interests of the majority of the community."

Ms Butler said councillors and council staff have access to all reports related to the project and simply have to pick up the phone if they require information.

"It would be awful to have a $4.5 million asset that the federal government is willing to gift to the people of Port Macquarie - a huge disservice to the community - if council stood in the way," she said.

"I feel like the majority (of the community) is supportive of the idea and even the site selection.

"We have a 21st century designed and constructed pool. It can't be compared to a 100-year-old design."

It will be the first newly constructed tidal pool anywhere in the state in more than 50 years.

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