10,000 diving into push for ocean pool

A GOLD Coast quadriplegic campaigning for ocean baths plans making a splash now he has a 10,000strong petition.

Perry Cross, wheelchairbound since a rugby tackle over 20 years ago aged 19, has been pushing for public support via an online petition.

It calls for ocean pools to be built on the Queensland coastline as they are in NSW. The petition yesterday sat at 10,048 signatures.

Mr Cross is a supporter of Ocean Baths Gold Coast Group, a consortium led by businessman Billy James.

Mr Cross and Mr James now plan to go to Gold Coast City Council with the 10,000 signatures to show significant public support exists for the concept.

Community pools built into the natural contours of the beach front provide a safe saltwater swimming and bathing option for not just the elderly, young families and people with disabilities like Mr Cross but also inexperienced tourists.

Mr Cross said petition support was crucial.

“We have been trying to gauge the level of community support and don’t want to fire off and do something no one wants.

“We have feedback now that shows the community is behind it. There is a need and it provides a safer option for all different walks of life,” Mr Cross said.

On the online petition, Mr Cross talks about his near fatal rugby tackle which left him on life support, saying: “I’ve since given up a lot. But it’s the Aussie surf I miss the most.

“I recall vividly, as a teenager, running down the beach and being able to swim freely at our Queensland beaches. But people with disabilities like me and many others can’t enjoy the Queensland coast.”

Mr James, who has a vision for recreation on the Gold Coast of the iconic Bondi Icebergs baths in Sydney, said they were relatively cheap to install and fit the natural contours of the coastline.

“If you ever wanted a community hub, they are it. They draw people together,” Mr James said.

Mr James said the concrete pools at either end of a “vulnerable” stretch of beach like Narrowneck between Surfers Paradise and Main Beach would also help beat erosion.