In-light of ongoing community interest and media attention regarding the Port Macquarie Tidal Pool Project, Port Macquarie Hastings Council wishes to update the community about the status of the project proposal and the planning pathway process.
The Port Macquarie Ocean Pool Project is a community-led initiative, driven by the Port Macquarie Tidal Pool Committee (PMTPC), which was established in 2016. It is important to note that this project is not a Council project, and Council has a position of non-involvement in the development, funding, or delivery of the Ocean Pool.
The proposal is currently at a preliminary statutory planning stage, known as a Planning Proposal. This process considers whether changes to planning controls, such as zonings and permissible land uses, are appropriate before progressing to the Development Application (DA) stage. At this time, no DA has been lodged with Council.
Under NSW planning legislation, Council's current role is to assess whether the proposal demonstrates sufficient strategic merit to proceed further. If Council determines that the Planning Proposal should progress, it is then referred to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) for a Gateway Determination.
Only if a Gateway Determination is issued would the proposal move to a formal public exhibition phase. This is the stage of the process that would provide the opportunity for community feedback to Council before any decision is made on amendments to planning controls.
Port Macquarie Hastings Council General Manager Robert Fish said that the planning process is governed by NSW legislation and that there is currently no fixed timeline on the pathway approval process.
"The full planning process for the Ocean Tidal Pool will be governed by NSW legislation and Council's Planning Proposal Policy, ensuring the assessment process follows a consistent, transparent and evidence-based approach," Mr Fish said.
"Council is not currently in a position to consider or comment on the project or community feedback until we receive and have assessed all requested information, and a report is presented to a future Council meeting for Councillors' consideration."
"Council's prior considerations included providing in principle support to enable commencement of planning processes only, but clearly outlined that this did not imply or commit Council to funding the project, future ownership or operational responsibility and ongoing maintenance."
Council has already assessed and approved a development application for the future Port Macquarie Aquatic Centre, and this project remains Council's highest priority recreational infrastructure project. Council remains committed to continue sourcing funding to help deliver the project as the current pool facility is approaching end of life.
