Marion Council seeks funding for $5.5 million Hallett Cove sea pool proposal

Plans for metropolitan Adelaide’s first seaside tidal pool are up for discussion again as a local council seeks government funding for the $5.5 million project.

The Edithburgh tidal pool (pictured) is currently South Australia’s only seaside tidal pool.

Marion Council will seek funding from the State Government to bring plans for metropolitan Adelaide’s first seaside tidal pool to life.

The council has applied for 50 per cent funding for the Hallett Cove pool through the State Government’s Local Government Partnership Program.

Early estimates have the pool – which would be the first of its kind along the metropolitan coastline – costing up to $5.5 million.

Marion Mayor Kris Hanna said the council would front the other half of the cost if the State Government approved the funding application.

“We know that there’s more work to be done, there is no detailed plan of what it’s going to look like,” Mr Hanna said.

“We haven’t fully consulted with the local community, there are issues like parking which do need to be addressed … and those investigations will take place if the State Government joins in with us.

“We know it’s a very popular idea, that people love the idea of a sea pool and if it fits at Hallett Cove and the parking issues can be overcome it’s going to be a huge attraction.”

The Bondi sea pools are some of Australia’s most famous seaside tidal pools. Could Hallett Cove be the next iconic spot? Picture: iStock

South Australia’s only sea pool is located at Edithburgh on the Yorke Peninsula and was built in the 1930s.

The idea for the Hallett Cove pool – which would be located at Heron Way Reserve – was first floated in 2018.

At the time, more than 4500 people signed a petition calling for the possibility of a pool to be investigated.

A $50,000 feasibility study revealed the best option for a Hallett Cove pool would be a walled pool with pumped water and occasional “wave flushing”.

It also revealed the pool could provide some protection to the Heron Way embankment.

Local MP and Environment and Water Minister David Speirs said the pool would bring both environmental and tourism benefits to the area.

“As the local MP for Hallett Cove, I have held a long interest in the creation of a sea pool and know that it has widespread support in the local area and from further afield,” Mr Speirs said.

“The pool has the potential to be transformation for Hallett Cove, becoming an iconic attraction, providing a one-of-a-kind destination in metropolitan Adelaide, enhancing the recreational amenity of the area and adding positively to property values.

“The pool is also likely to deliver positive environmental benefits by helping to retain sand on the beach and control erosion without the need to spend large amounts of money on a heavily engineered revetment walls which are likely to be needed in the future.”