Delivering for Cook: $1.44M to upgrade Gymea Bay Baths
Read about the Gymea Bay Baths upgrade announcement in The Daily Telegraph
MEDIA RELEASE
Local Cook MP Simon Kennedy has announced a $1.44 million funding commitment to restore Gymea Bay Baths and address critical water quality issues, under a future coalition federal government.
The 2023-2024 State of the Beaches Report ranked Gymea Bay Baths as the worst swimming spot in Sydney, grading it “very poor” and highlighting several urgent concerns:
Worsening microbial water quality over the past five years.
Significant pollution from stormwater runoff and sewer chokes around the Port Hacking river.
Serious health risks from unsafe swimming conditions.
The report says that the water quality at Gymea Bay Baths is susceptible to fecal contamination from stormwater, sewer chokes, and other sources.
https://www.theleader.com.au/story/8822198/gymea-bay-baths-water-quality-rated-very-poor-in-2024/
These issues have made the baths virtually un-swimmable. Mel Gibbons, local resident and Councillor, said “Gymea Bay Baths is a treasured part of our community, but its current state is deeply concerning. The once vibrant swimming community is no more, and the baths are no longer an option for local families during the holidays.”
A petition set up by Mr Kennedy, which now has hundreds of signatures demonstrate the strength of feeling locally.
The federal government funding would go to Sutherland Shire Council which has primary responsibility for managing the stormwater and the infrastructure at the Gymea Bay Baths. While Sydney Water has responsibility for the wastewater in the area and water quality.
A $1.5 Million Restoration Plan
Given the issues facing the Baths, Simon Kennedy is working with Sutherland Shire Councillors to begin restoring the baths. A $1.44M Federal commitment will be made to Council to upgrade infrastructure at and around the baths aimed at cleaning up pollution in the water.
Simon Kennedy said: “During the by-election the local community were very vocal that they wanted to see action taken to restore the Baths. I am delighted therefore to have secured this funding commitment for local Gymea residents. The funding will begin the journey so this much-loved community asset can be cleaned up. This water needs to be made pristine so it can be enjoyed by local swimmers and families again.
Responsibilities of Sydney Water
Simon Kennedy is now urging Sydney Water to work with Council and local stakeholders and community groups such as Baycare Gymea Bay and Gymea Bay Swim Club to ensure sustainable improvements in water quality in the Port Hacking River. Action required includes:
Repair and upgrading of sewer lines to address leaks and chokes contributing to water contamination.
Improvement of emergency overflow containment systems to reduce the risk of untreated sewage entering the river during heavy rainfall.
Simon Kennedy said: “Sydney Water is claiming it wants to make more of Sydney swimmable and open-up new swim sites, but we are yet to see any action in Gymea Bay. Sydney Water needs to address swimming sites it has ruined. Gymea Bay has the worst water quality rating in Sydney. It once used to be pristine, now it is regularly closed due to poor water quality issues and rubbish”
“It is simply not good enough”
“With five consecutive years of a “very poor” water quality rating, they need to up their game. Otherwise, I’ll be calling on the NSW Environment Protection Agency to take action.”
We need Sutherland Council and Sydney Water to work together
Simon Kennedy said “Council and Sydney water need to work together to make the Baths consistently swimmable and hopefully this funding commitment is a step towards that”
Delivering on Commitments
This funding represents another delivery against Mr. Kennedy’s by-election commitments, following his successful push to secure outpatient access to Sutherland Hospital’s MRI machine late last year, as well as a funding commitment for nine new Pickleball courts, which was announced last week.
Simon Kennedy MP said: "Matt Hunt and the dedicated team of community volunteers at Gymea Bay Care came to see me during the byelection about the state of the baths. These volunteers sacrifice their time twice a week to clean the baths, but were fighting a losing battle. I listened to their concerns and am now fighting to address them”
“I am proud we have secured this funding commitment to begin restoring the Baths, should the Coalition win the upcoming election. I hope the project becomes bi-partisan and will be calling on other candidates to match the commitment. I’ll be campaigning right through to election day to see the project through and urge people to keep signing my petition at simonkennedymp.com.au to show their support.”
Kal Glanznig – local resident and Sutherland Shire Councillor said: "Our waterways are an integral part of our way of life in the Shire, and it’s fantastic to see this announcement recognising the need to keep them clean and safe for the community."
Mel Gibbons – local resident and Sutherland Shire Councillor said: "This funding is a crucial first step in restoring the baths and ensuring they remain a safe and accessible place for locals to enjoy. While Sutherland Shire Council has long-term plans for the area, we cannot afford to wait another decade—action is needed now."
Matthew Hunt – Founder of Baycare Gymea said: "Simon Kennedy listened to the community and is delivering on his promise to fight for Gymea Bay Baths. This funding is a fantastic step toward restoring the baths, but we also need ongoing collaboration between all levels of government to ensure lasting improvements. Our community is passionate about protecting this special place, and we’re ready to work with Council and Sydney Water to make it swimmable again."
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