A group of residents have handed in a petition signed by 1,600 people to the City of Busselton to request a swimming pool in Dunsborough.
Members of the Naturaliste Pool Action Group addressed the council to request the city start detailed planning for a swimming pool in Dunsborough.
Representing the group, Louise De Chiera said that families and schools in Dunsborough had to travel 20 minutes or more to the attend the Geographe Leisure Centre.
Ms De Chiera said there were 9,000 residents living in the Naturaliste region and the closest pool in Busselton was at full capacity.
She said it took three hours out of a parents' day to take their children swimming in Busselton.
"Our request is that the city prioritises our needs," she said.
City of Busselton chief executive officer Mike Archer said at the meeting there would be an issue with the cost to run and maintain a public pool, which could require a rate rise to operate it.
Mr Archer said there was a recent development application for a pool near the Cornerstone Christian School Campus in Dunsborough but it was knocked back based on submissions from the community.
During the council meeting, City of Busselton mayor Grant Henley said there was a model in Victoria where residents who lived nearby paid a differential rate so they could run a pool in Torquay.
Mr Henley said it would be timely to update the city's recreation strategy and bring sporting clubs together to find ways of making better use of facilities.
Have your say: Would you be willing to pay higher rates for a pool in Dunsborough? Email editorial.bdmail@fairfaxmedia.com.au.