Without the capacity to pay for the long-awaited infrastructure project, council has sought funding from other tiers of government on a number of occasions.

The most recent unsuccessful application was through the Public Reserve Management Fund, administered by the Department of Industry – Lands.

The news comes at a time councillor candidates, leading up to the September’s local government election, are lining up to endorse to endorse Urunga’s swimming facility. 

And this timing has not been lost on those involved. 

“It would now appear that the Urunga community and visitors will face another swimming season without a decent swimming facility,” action group spokesperson, Bruce Pettit said.

”We are considering options on how to proceed … but it is important that the community continues to provide support and make the candidates who are standing in the upcoming election aware of the local’s strong views for upgrading of the Lido.” 

In 2014 a feasibility study was conducted by council looking at the restoration of the Urunga Tidal Swimming Facility. This was revised in 2015 and since then council said they have consulted with key stakeholders to obtain their support.

“We have the support of the NSW Crown Holiday Parks Trust, the North Coast Holiday Park and Urunga Mylestom Chamber of Commerce,” council’s general manager, Liz Jeremy said.

“In addition, we have letters from the state and federal members, which are used to support funding applications.

“Council continues to seek other opportunities as they arise noting that funding for this type of project is limited … council currently has an application pending with the Tourism Demand Driver Infrastructure Program.

“Council has a working partnership with the NSW Crown Holiday Parks Trust, and, we both acknowledge the importance of the Urunga Tidal Swimming Facility to our community as well as the value such a facility provides to visitors who stay at the North Coast Holiday Park. 

“Council and the Holiday Park Trust will continue to work together to explore funding options with the objective of moving the project forward.”