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Works on a new Sydney transport link propose that a large smoke stack be erected just metres from the outdoor children’s pool in the grounds of the Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre.

The proposed works will also see the Centre temporarily closed during the construction of the ventilation stack.

The $20 billion-plus rail line will run between Parramatta and Sydney CBD, aiming to minimise congestion and shorten the travel time for those commuting to and from the city.

Some 116 properties have already been acquired for the project, with the tunnel boring machines expected to start digging the line in 2022, and the project to be completed by 2030.

With a series of ventilation outlets to be built along the railway, one has been proposed for the grass area at the Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre (LPAC) in the section between the Bays Precinct near Rozelle and Five Dock.

Inner West Council Mayor Darcy Byrne has condemned NSW Government proposal which will place the stack in LPAC’s grounds and just metres from the popular Bay Run walking and cycling path.

Advising that the Council has already endorsed plans for the targeted area to be transformed into a new landscaped waterplay park with BBQ facilities and shaded recreation space, Mayor Byrne stated “this is one the most ludicrous proposals that I’ve ever come across. It takes a special kind of ineptitude to come up with a proposal that ruins two of Sydney’s most popular recreational facilities at once.

“Leichhardt Pool had nearly 800,000 visits last year and the Bay Run is enjoyed by thousands of people daily. To propose a smoke stack slap bang in the middle of this area is complete madness.

“Early advice from Council officers is that the air quality, noise and vibration impact from construction will force us to close the pool, which will have a devastating effect on our learn to swim classes, hydrotherapy programs and local sporting clubs.

“Last week, we were looking at temporarily closing Leichhardt Pool due to bushfire smoke, but if this proposal goes ahead, we might have to close the pool permanently due to a Government-owned smoke stack.

“Bizarrely, the (NSW) Government also informed us that the kids and families using the pool won’t need to worry as they are planning to divert emissions from the smoke stack into the path of cyclists, joggers and pedestrians along the Bay Run, instead.

“It’s sink or swim time for Leichhardt Pool. For years, the (NSW) Government has been waging a war on residents by driving its expensive motorway through the heart of the Inner West. Now, it wants to destroy our recreational facilities too.

“If the Government thinks they be able to slip this through over Christmas without community opposition.”

A spokesperson for Sydney Metro told the Sydney Morning Herald “this site is not confirmed and Sydney Metro is investigating alternatives subject to ongoing engagement with council and other stakeholders.”

Images: The ventilation output is proposed for the grass area next to the Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre (top), plans to build a ventilation outlet for Sydney's new Metro West rail line look set to temporarily close the facility (middle and below).

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