General News
14 August, 2026
Rock pool push
HOLLOWAYS Beach residents have launched a campaign for a safe swimming rock pool in the seaside suburb.
While they welcome $7.6 million to be shared by other coastal communities to restore about 600 metres of erosion after the 2025 tropical low post-Cyclone Jasper, they want the Queensland Government and Cairns Regional Council to look at the big picture.
Resident Lila Costaras has started a petition advocating for the rock pool, with 645 signatures to date.
“Holloways Beach is one of Cairns’ most loved communities, but right now, it’s becoming a beach we can’t safely use,” she said.
“Ongoing erosion and coastal works may protect the shoreline, but they don’t give families a safe place to swim, children a place to play or our community a reason to stay and enjoy the beach.
“We are calling for the inclusion of engineered rockpools as part of the long-term solution for Holloways Beach.”
Ms Costaras said a rock pool would:
Provide a safe, protected swimming area for families and children
Enhance the liveability and lifestyle of our community
Support tourism and local businesses
Deliver a solution that was not just protective, but practical and usable.
“Other Australian coastal communities have successfully integrated rock pools alongside coastal protection works. There is no reason Holloways Beach cannot do the same,” Ms Costaras said.
“We are asking Cairns Regional Council and relevant stakeholders to:
Consider rock pools as part of current and future coastal works
Engage with the community on design options
Deliver a beach that is not only protected – but truly usable.
“Holloways Beach, a coastal treasure in Far North Queensland, Australia, attracts both locals and tourists alike for its pristine beauty and family-friendly environment,” Ms Costaras said.
“However, like many beaches in tropical Queensland, it is prone to coastal degradation and a presence of dangerous marine stingers and crocodiles, especially during summer months. This presents a significant hazard for families and tourists seeking a safe, enjoyable swimming experience.
“Post the March 2026 destruction of our foreshore, and to address these safety issues and promote tourism, I urge local authorities and community leaders to support the creation of Holloways rock pools.
“This proposed infrastructure would consist of a large, man-made saltwater pool designed to provide a secure swimming environment by being stinger-resistant and crocodile-safe.
“Not only would this enhance public safety, but it would also boost local tourism by attracting more visitors to the area who seek a safe and enjoyable beach experience.
“Rock pools like the one proposed have proven successful in other parts of Australia. For example, Townsville, the ocean pools in Sydney and the Gold Coast offer secure swimming options and have become popular attractions, drawing tourists and stimulating local economies.
“By intervening now and investing in similar infrastructure at Holloways Beach, we can create a unique destination that ensures public safety while supporting the local economy.”
The Queensland Government says the Holloways Beach park and foreshore is under the control and management of the council.
In a letter to Ms Costaras, environment and heritage policy and programs deputy director-general Ash Bacon said CRC was managing a long-term coastal erosion issue at Holloways Beach, “which involves remedial works such as beach nourishment, sand trapping groynes and detached breakwaters to encourage sand retention on the coast”.
“The long-term objective is to maintain a sandy beach for the recreational use of residents and tourists,” he said.
“Thank you for your advice on community advocacy for engineered rock pools for safer swimming at Holloways Beach. CRC, as the manager of the subject land, is best placed to consider the feasibility of the proposal and its alignment with local erosion management plans.”
A council spokesman said council has not considered a proposal for a rock pool “and there is currently no available funding for such infrastructure”.
“Cairns Regional Council is aware of community interest in the future management of Holloways Beach and welcomes feedback from residents on local recreation and coastal amenity,” she said.
“Council’s current focus is delivering coastal erosion management and beach recovery initiatives at Holloways Beach. This includes major beach nourishment works undertaken in late 2025 and the completion of coastal protection infrastructure in recent years, including groynes and nearshore breakwaters.
“Additional Queensland Government funding has been secured for further sand nourishment works following the 2025 North and Far North tropical low.
“This funding is specifically allocated for beach nourishment and cannot be used for hard infrastructure projects.”
View the petition at www.cnslocal.s.gy/yuOMWy
