Improvements for Forster's Ocean Baths

Published on 11 August 2020

Forster’s Ocean Baths will be closed for two weeks while substantial improvements to the accessibility ramp are undertaken.

The works, which will require the Bath’s closure from Thursday 27 August, address the community call for the safety of the ramp to be improved.

“During the community consultation for Forster’s Main Beach Masterplan in 2018, the community requested improvements be made to the access ramp for the Baths,” said Council’s Manager of Community Spaces, Recreation and Trades, Dan Aldridge.

The pool will be emptied and the ramp will be resurfaced, removing uneven and cracked joints, and treated with an anti-slip paint. The handrail will be replaced to ensure it complies with updated Australian Standards.

The access ramp improvements are being undertaken as the final part of the Ocean Baths facilities upgrade, which saw the replacement of the amenities block, outdoor shower area and the new barbecue shelter completed earlier this year.

The Ocean Baths facilities upgrade project was funded thanks to a NSW Government Stronger Country Communities grant of $250,000 along with Council contributions of $350,000.

While the Baths is closed, Council will take the opportunity to undertake routine pool cleaning and repainting.

“We will also be re-concreting weathered and coarse concrete paths surrounding the pool,” added Mr Aldridge.

If weather permits the works to progress on schedule, the Baths will be re-opened on Friday 11 September.

While the Baths are closed, swimmers can access the enclosed salt water baths at Little Street or the Tuncurry Rockpool, which are both unsupervised.