LET’S LAP IT UP GC – BUILD OCEAN POOLS
I had the pleasure of sitting down with the ocean pools cheerleader-in-chief Billy James this week as he outlined his vision for what he believes could be a real legacy project for the city and Mayor Tom Tate, who has indicated initial support for them in the right location.
Mr James’ passion for what he believes is a real tourism winner and addition to the Gold Coast’s community amenity is clear and in recent years he has been busy amassing in-kind support from most of the city surf clubs and a 13,000 plus and growing petition support. Surely, most of the city’s surf clubs, the CEO of the Australian Olympic movements just about every para-athlete, the Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve and 13,000-plus petition signatories can’t be wrong?
Like many others, salt water recreation is essential to my vitality and productivity. Watersport obsessed, I first learned surf safety as a nipper and volunteer surf life saver at Northcliffe Surf Life Saving Club, competitively sailed with the Ensign Race Team and surfed for North End Boardriders. I learnt to kitesurf on the Broadwater, got my boat, jet ski and scuba diving licenses all here on the Coast.
The progress towards returning to the golden days of having saltwater beach baths or ocean pools built into existing coastal rock
formations has been sadly lacking. These installations - previously at Burleigh and Snapper Rocks which failed to stand the test of time - are a proven tourism drawcard and popular community amenity in NSW, home to more than half the world’s ocean pools believe it or not. The crown
jewel in that network is the much-photographed and utilised Icebergs - has anyone not heard of it?
Ocean pools tick so many boxes and are backed by results. A recent University of NSW study titled ‘The Joy of Ocean Pools’ notes a ballpark estimated capital outlay of $3m-$8m coupled with ongoing maintenance costs of varying six figure amounts per year depending on the build requirements and location. Each ocean pool in Sydney generates $6m-$10m annually in economic return. Compare the pair.
It is time to touch on values from both a community and social stance. We welcome everyone to the coast, let’s cater to demand. Protected from the elements, our children, visitors, elders and those with disabilities can safely, comfortably and confidently enjoy salt water healing.