Glebe Rowing Club Fears New Fish Market Ferry Stop Could Sink Sport & Exercise In The Bay

The captain of the Glebe Rowing Club has raised serious concerns about the safety of local rowers and paddlers if a new ferry stop near the Sydney Fish Market goes ahead without proper consultation.

Nick Galea, who leads the 145-year-old club, says the plan could endanger novice rowers and disrupt vital community recreation time on Blackwattle Bay. It is one of the few protected spaces for human-powered watercraft on Sydney Harbour.

“Like how a park provides valuable green space for the community, the Bay is an important ‘blue space’ for exercise and recreation,” said Galea. “If it isn’t planned properly, the community blue space will be lost forever.”

The main issue is ferry traffic. Rowing shells are fragile, low to the water, and operate with athletes facing backward. This makes it hard to anticipate fast-moving vessels or the wake they create.

“Our pontoon is a floating one that is rocked by extra wash. Novices are supervised but sometimes have trouble staying on course,” Galea explained. “More ferries and power boats mean more risks.”

Glebe Rowing Club captain says planning process is “fragmented and ineffective.”

Galea said increased washing and reduced calm water time might force the club to cut back its Learn to Row programs. These programs cater to public high school students and new adult members. “We might not be able to accept new members if we need to reduce the hours of training time as a safety precaution,” he said.

He also expressed frustration with the planning process, describing it as fragmented and ineffective. Although Infrastructure NSW consulted with the club early on, Galea said Transport for NSW did not follow through on recommendations for community engagement. “TfNSW has a plan, but they are ignoring the recommendation to consult with community users,” he said.

The club is not opposed to the ferry altogether. They are asking for scheduling that protects early morning training times, with the first services arriving after 8:30 am.

They also propose extending the existing “No Wash” zone to outside the Bay, before the Glebe Island Bridge, to protect vulnerable water users.

“If the Fish Market brings more industry and life to Pyrmont, people will need somewhere nearby to exercise,” Galea said. “We just hope the government does not leave water safety off the agenda in the rush to make sure the Fish Market is profitable.”