The push to build an ocean pool at Ballina has been given the backing of the Ballina Shire Council reserve trusts committee.
The committee has approved a request from the Ballina Ocean Pool Committee to be the delegated authority in the push for a pool.
The Ballina Ocean Pool Committee can now submit a proposal, apply for funding, and act on behalf of the reserve trusts committee, which is responsible for the rock shelf between Shelley Beach and Lighthouse Beach.
Pool committee spokesman Jeff Johnson said the committee had been working on the ocean pool concept for more than a year and already has some preliminary designs.
Cr Johnson said a local planner was helping with preparing the necessary documentation, and offers of support from other professionals including university professors, construction companies, engineers, surveyers, builders, lawyers, planners and local businesses.
He said the rock shelf between Shelly and Lighthouse Beach at East Ballina was the preferred location given the close proximity of local infrastructure such as carparks, surfclubs, showers/toilets, cycleways, etc.
‘An ocean pool would provide a safe ocean swimming experience for the whole community and would be a great tourist attraction for Ballina,’ Cr Johnson said.
Supporters are pushing for a 50 metre by 20 metre pool on the rock shelf between Shelley and Lighthouse beaches.
Cr Johnson said it could be built for less than a million dollars.
‘We’ve already had the site surveyed and it has been listed on the curriculum of the Australian Maritime College in Tasmania, which is one of the leading colleges when it comes to the ocean and associated infrastructure.
Cr Johnson said an ocean pool would be free to use, provide a safe swimming environment, with no chlorine or chemicals
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