THE public can shape the future of coastal swimming at a public workshop organised as part of planning for a sea pool in Cottesloe next Thursday.
“In response to strong interest for an ocean pool at Cottesloe Beach, the Town of Cottesloe is currently undertaking a feasibility study for a potential ocean pool, and as part of this study, the town is holding a workshop for those interested to find out more and provide their input,” a council spokeswoman said.
Lobbying for an ocean pool in the sea or a pool onshore filled seawater started after the shark attack death of Ken Crew at North Cottesloe in 2000.
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READ NOWCouncillors agreed to the study after demand for a pool was highlighted by community consultation about the overall refurbishment of the town’s 4.5km foreshore last year.
The three sites being considered have proponents who cite a pool’s role in easy and safe access to swimming for seniors, children and the disabled, a water polo and sports training facility and attracting tourists.
However, recurring issues with all the pools have included their impacts on the environment, who pays for maintenance costs after their construction and after-hours safety.
The council’s spokeswoman said consultants Advisian would assess three sites, comprising a 10-lane land-based saltwater pool near the Eric Street-Marine Parade intersection in North Cottesloe, a sand-bottom ocean pool enclosure north of Cottesloe Groyne – including water polo area and swimming lanes – and an eight-lane ocean pool south of the groyne.
Workshop participants must register at council@cottesloe.wa.gov.au because spaces are limited, but there will be a survey at www.cottesloe.wa.gov.au until August 16.
The workshop is at the War Memorial Hall, Cottesloe Civic Centre, Broome Street, Cottesloe, 6pm to 7.30pm on Thursday, July 19.