Alternate Locations

If Not Oxley Beach, Then Where?

The question we are hearing most often is simple:
"If not Oxley Beach, where do you propose the pool should go?"

Our answer is equally simple:
We are not against an ocean or tidal pool. We simply do not believe Oxley Beach Port Macquaire is the right location.

Protect Oxley Beach Port Macquarie is not promoting one predetermined alternative site. Instead, we believe the community deserves an independent assessment of all reasonable options before permanent development is facilitated on C2 Environmental Conservation land. The Port Macquarie Tidal Pool Committee are best positioned to use the $4.5 million grant they have for feasibility studies to fully access all potential sites, including river based options

Our Position

·        We support a public swimming facility for Port Macquarie-Hastings.

·        We do not support locating that facility at Oxley Beach.

·        We believe the best location has not yet been identified through a complete and transparent process.

·        We support investigating coastal RE1 Public Recreation sites identified by the NSW Department of Planning.

·        We also believe river and estuary-based tidal pool options on RE1 recreation land should be independently assessed alongside ocean pool options.

Why we are asking for a broader assessment

The original site selection compared nominated ocean beach locations, but it did not fully compare different types of public swimming facilities or every realistic location across the local government area. It also relied on assumptions that have since changed, including Traditional Owner support for Oxley Beach, and gave limited weight to long-term planning, coastal hazards, accessibility, conservation zoning and whole-of-life costs. These issues warrant a fresh assessment using current information and transparent criteria.

Why RE1 land should be explored first

RE1 Public Recreation land is intended for public recreation and community use. The NSW Gateway determination identifies examples of RE1 coastal locations that could potentially be considered without first amending the Local Environmental Plan. Every site still requires detailed assessment, but where development is already permissible, that should be treated as a significant strategic advantage.

Why investigate river-based tidal pools?

We are not advocating for one specific river location. We are asking that river and estuary-based tidal pool options receive the same level of independent assessment as Oxley Beach. International and Australian examples show that sheltered tidal pools connected to existing recreation areas can provide excellent community outcomes where conditions are suitable.

·        Integrating with existing facilities including business and cafes

·        Improved crime prevention principles – passive surveillance, lighting and visibility

·        Level access and shorter accessible paths making Universal access easier to obtain

·        Existing infrastructure including parking, toilets, playgrounds and public transport – no need to construct and no additional maintenance

·        Reduced exposure to ocean swell and coastal erosion, not in a coastal hazard environment

·        Integration with existing RE1 recreation reserves and avoiding conservation zoned land – not requiring a LEP amendment

What we are asking for

·        Reassess the original site selection using current information.

·        Compare all reasonable ocean, river and estuary options.

·        Give greater weight to conservation zoning, coastal hazards, accessibility, cultural values and whole-of-life costs.

·        Publish the criteria, weightings and evidence.

·        Identify the best long-term location for the whole community—not simply justify the current proposal.

Our message

We believe Port Macquarie can have both: a world-class ocean or tidal swimming facility and the long-term protection of Oxley Beach. The conversation should not be 'Oxley Beach or nothing'. It should be 'What is the best facility, in the best location, for future generations?'