“A local tidal pool has been on the drawing board for many years and to finally see some positive action on the proposal is very welcome news indeed,” Mrs Williams said.

“I have met many times with members of the Tidal Pool Committee and am encouraged by their unwavering energy in trying to achieve this much needed community facility.

“First and foremost is the need for a feasibility study to be undertaken to determine if a pool can actually be built and to identify the most suitable location,” Mrs Williams said.

“If that study finds that a pool cannot be built, then so be it. At least we as a community have taken the appropriate steps to investigate that possibility instead of simply saying ‘no it can’t be done’.    

“I believe we owe it to the more than 18,000 people who signed the petition calling for a tidal pool for Port Macquarie.

“There are 100 recognised pools in New South Wales alone, with the MidCoast Council successfully managing a 56 x 50 x 69 metre long tidal pool in Forster since 1936.

“I thank Kathryn Butler, Fred O'Toole and the Tidal Pool Committee for passionately representing their community and for continuing to forge ahead with their proposal for a tidal pool despite ongoing challenges and obstacles. 

“This is wonderful news and I thank Treasurer Perrottet and Deputy Premier, John Barilaro for the funding which will hopefully progress the tidal pool proposal from a dream to a reality for the people of Port Macquarie,” Mrs Williams said.

To view the on-line partition for a Port Macquarie Tidal Pool visit : https://www.change.org/p/port-macquarie-hastings-council-tidal-pool-in-port-macquarie