Quinns ocean pool idea floated

Councillor Sabine Winton presented a motion on notice to include the ocean pool option in the City's current study of long-term coastal erosion solutions for Quinns Beach in July and allocate $60,000 for the purpose.

However Cr Hugh Nguyen put up a procedural motion to refer the report back to get clarity on the feasibility study and cost estimate and have it presented to council again at the August 18 meeting.

His motion received support from most councillors, although Cr Winton, Denis Hayden, Bob Smithson and Domenic Zappa voted against it.

At the July 21 meeting, Cr Winton said her motion did not endorse an ocean pool but simply sought to do a feasibility study.

Part one of the City's coastal management plan, adopted by the council in July 2012 following public consultation, recommended feasibility studies into dog beaches, a horse beach, artificial surf reefs and a tidal pool.

"The City engaged coastal specialists MP Rogers to undertake the feasibility studies," Cr Winton's report said.

"MP Rogers has completed the draft coastal feasibility studies; however these have yet to be formally considered by council."

Her report said initial results indicated a tidal pool was not feasible due to the small tidal range and sand and seaweed movements along the City's coastline.

"It is likely that there would be ongoing issues with water quality due to inadequate flushing and high maintenance costs to remove sand and sea weed from the pool," it said.

"Whilst a pumped pool is feasible, the estimated total cost of construction is $10.3 million. An additional cost of $50,000 to $70,000 will be required annually to operate the pumps.

"Further, the City would be required to employ lifeguards for the pool."

At the meeting, Cr Bob Smithson said it would be practical to do the tidal pool study at the same time as the coastal protection study.

Cr Glynis Parker said she opposed investigating a tidal pool, preferring to look into a regional indoor aquatic centre.

"I do not support any further money being spent on investigation of an ocean pool," she said.

"(The City is) trying to ensure its residents have basic amenities " an ocean pool does not fall into this category."

Cr Parker said north coast residents were "massively disadvantaged" because they had to travel to Joondalup or Wanneroo to use public swimming pools.

Cr Frank Cvitan opposed the ocean pool, citing the erosion issues and the costs associated with coastal protection.

Indicating her support for the motion, Mayor Tracey Roberts said it was not about building an ocean pool but doing the study to work out whether or not it would be feasible to build one.

Lewis Flood, who collected more than 1600 signatures in petitions for the ocean pool in 2012, will hold a public rally for an ocean pool this Sunday, August 16.

The Merriwa resident said the event would start at 2pm, with people to gather on the beach near the Quinns Mindarie Surf Life Saving Club.

A retired nurse, Mr Flood has indicated he will nominate as a candidate for the October council elections.