Ocean pool idea floated in Dunsborough

Community support for a pool in Dunsborough has been ignited once again, after a concept for an ocean pool was released by a Dunsborough resident.

Engineer Mark Goodlet’s proposal for the pool to be built on Old Dunsborough beach has received 60 comments since it was posted on Facebook this week.

Mr Goodlet told the Times he knew there was continued interest from residents about the construction of a pool in the town.

“I thought (an ocean pool) might be a compromise instead of having an indoor pool with all the additional operational costs associated with it,” he said.

Mr Goodlet said a number of shark sightings close to the Old Dunborough foreshore had raised concerns about the safety of swimming in the ocean and he believed the pool could also deal with the issue of stingers more effectively.

He said a feasibility study would have to be conducted before the pool could be developed, including picking an appropriate spot along the Dunsborough coastline.

“We would need to take a close look at the seagrass issue . . . the reasons I picked Old Dunsborough was because its already a designated swimming area,” he said.

Mr Goodlet admitted the pool would need considerable funding and could cost up to $2 million.

The responses to the proposal have been varied, with many coming out in support while also sparking debate about the pool ruining the coastline and the need for an indoor heated pool during winter.

City of Busselton engineering and works services director Oliver Darby said residents could raise the concept of an enclosed sea pool as part of the City’s review of coastal facilities. He said the City was working in conjunction with the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River to look at infrastructure and facilities along the 180km stretch of combined foreshore.

“This is one of the most popular and iconic coastlines in the country and, with the population of both municipalities forecast to grow significantly, it is timely we look at the adequacy of coastal assets such as coastal protection works, car parking, access and recreational facilities,” he said.

Mr Darby said the intent of the management plan was to determine future asset requirements.

He added that public feedback was important during the initial scoping period