Submissions onthe government's plans to bulldoze the existing fish market before constructing the new building nearby show boaters and rowers fear the project will disrupt their activities,shorten the bay's existing rowing course and increase the risk of collisions between vessels on the water.
One of the groups that uses the bay is Burwood's MLC School. In its submission,the school's Rowing Parent Support Group supported the project but held"some concerns about the construction and development process".
The group said the wharf proposed for the new fish market would extend 65 metres further into the bay,requiring the waterway's rowing course to be shortened by 45 metres. This would force the rowers to muster and turn close to the wharf and ferry stop,creating"an unnecessary safety risk".
The Burwood-based school uses the Sydney University boatsheds to coach up to 50 girls six mornings and four afternoons a week for much of the year,with as many as 15 boats at a time.
"Our primary concern is the safety of our students and coaches,and ensuring that the rowing program can be maintained during construction and once development is completed."
Glebe Rowing Club,which has used the bay since 1879,said the state significant development application for the market's demolition failed"to factor in the needs of recreational water users".