Cities Minister Rob Stokes,who opened the cove alongside independent MP for Sydney Alex Greenwich on Monday,said it was just the start of new swimming opportunities on the once-neglected western side of the Harbour Bridge.
“Our city stopped building ocean and harbour pools more than half a century ago – it’s past time to provide more great,safe public places to swim,” Stokes said.
“Being able to swim at Marrinawi Cove is only possible because we have invested in cleaning up our harbour from industrial wastelands to aquatic playgrounds.
“We’ll continue to explore more ways to increase public access to the harbour for swimming and water sports across urban renewal sites including Barangaroo,Blackwattle Bay and Bays West.”
The government has installed safety nets,signage and a new shower at Marrinawi Cove. Monday’s safety inspection related to the integrity of the shark net,not to water quality,about which there are no concerns. After summer,the government will consider whether decking or ladders are required at the site.
Greenwich said the Gadigal people had used the site to fish,canoe and swim for thousands of years,and the opening of the new swimming hole was a win for community groups who had advocated for lifting the ban.