At the end of the swimming season MidCoast Council will close the 48-year-old pool to make way for a wet play park.

The protest was organised by Save Tuncurry Pool Movement founding member, Mark Ziemer on Thursday, January 30.

Mr Ziemer disputed a council claim it had overwhelming public support for the project.

"Community consultation performed by council can only be described as limited and biased," he said.

"I conducted a limited petition/survey at three sites in Tuncurry and received 614 registrations of people wanting to keep the pool."

An emotional Austswim instructor, Emma Wilson from Tuncurry said the pool was crucial for youngsters learning to swim and people on low incomes.

"Many people cannot afford to go to the YMCA (Great Lakes Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Forster)," she said.

"I come down here every afternoon to help parents teach their kids to swim; it is a free program."

Ms Wilson said Tuncurry was entitled to a free access swimming like Nabiac and Krambach.

Catherine Hatton, who has a range of medical conditions said she had purchased an apartment in Tuncurry specifically for its location to the pool.

"I am on Newstart, I am on a permanent disability pension, I use the pool 10 times a week and bring my grandsons here," she said.

"It does a community service and it is vital for my health."

She said the pool was used for a variety of reasons and by both able-bodied and people with a disability.

The State government is urging pensioners to get out and be active, Tuncurry resident, Steve Dilley says.

He said because the nearby Rockpool was tidal and had an uneven sea bed, it was not suitable for many users.

Mr Dilley swam at least twice a week to help ease chronic back pain.

Steve Rogers from Tuncurry agreed the Rockpool was not suitable for those swimming for rehabilitation.

"I've had my hip and knee replaced and use it (Tuncurry) 4-5 times a week," he said.

"Our 35-year-old twins learnt to swim here," part-time resident, Amanda Friedrich said.

Related:

Husband, Gerald believed council had not undertaken an efficient consultation process and had not been transparent.

Mr Friedrich said an email he had received in October 2019 said: "The closure at the end of 2019-20 swimming season is only a recommendation at this stage".

"Council is in the process of engaging consultants to provide designs and costings for a wet play park ready for community engagement/input. It's my understanding that all options will be considered within the design process, like additional splash areas and pool facilities, or only splash/recreation areas."

He said general public were under the impression the pool would be upgraded with the addition of a splash park.

If a decision to permanently close the pool had been made, it should have been displayed at the pool, he said.

"It would be an absolute travesty to lose this great facility for the sake of a bottom line $60,000 saving.

"I think this is easily returned via tourism, out of region property investors who would invest in other areas instead, which Tuncurry the poor relation to Forster can ill afford."

According to a council spokesperson, the decision to close the pool and progress the water park was made by the elected council in March 2019.

"This followed a period of community consultation which looked at the complete recreational facility in which the pool area is part of - including the skate park, Lone Pine Memorial Park and the Tuncurry boat ramp.

"The decision to close the pool was made based on the need to spend in excess of $450,000 on the facility, ongoing maintenance costs and concerns from the Royal Lifesaving Society about inherent pool design issues that could compromise public safety."

Stay ahead with local news by signing up for the Great Lakes Advocate newsletter here.