Cottesloe: Proponent floats idea for ocean pool at groyne

NEW ocean pool proponent Trevor Saleeba (65) has responded to the concerns that stopped previous moves for an artificial safe swimming spot at Cottesloe Groyne.

“Sure you’re going to be out in a sea breeze, but as far as the pool is concerned you won’t be disturbed while you are swimming in it,” Mr Saleeba told the Western Suburbs Weekly this week.

An architect, Mr Saleeba proposes a pool using seawater on the south side of the groyne after being “underwhelmed” by the fact no similar facility in Cottesloe Council’s proposed $26 million foreshore refurbishment plan was considered after public submissions last month.

On Monday, Mr Saleeba got the support of long-time Cottesloe ocean pool proponent Tom Locke, who last year pulled out of the town citing council indifference to his proposal for a pool north of the groyne.

Mr Locke has now given the newcomer full access his project’s engineering, hydrology and geothermal heating research.

However, Mr Locke, State Government and council inquiries into shark barriers, and a community group push for a sea pool on nearby grass have all previously stalled because of doubts about capital and maintenance costs, storm seaweed, nearby Mudurup Rocks’ Aboriginal heritage, other beach users’ opposition and no actual development applications to the council.

Mr Saleeba said his pool was sheltered from seaweed from northerly storms, but maintenance costs would have to be worked out in a feasibility study he would like the council to agree to soon.

He said most “normal” wave action would not affect the pool 2m above its adjacent rock ledge, which itself would dissipate swells, and the Aboriginal connection was to nearby limestone caves blown up for safety in the past and outside the pool’s actual area.

After-hours safety issues could be solved by the groyne area being separated from the beach, and the site had been chosen because it was on stable rocks like the ocean pools of Sydney.

Cottesloe Mayor Jo Dawkins said Mr Saleeba’s submission about a pool would be considered with all the public comment for the final development of the foreshore plan.

“If there was to be a separate feasibility study into a pool, then that would have to be decided by the council,” Mrs Dawkins said.

Her greatest concerns about a pool were the engineering implications at the groyne and public safety.