The Department of Planning are planning for an extra 4,200 homes in the Rhodes Planned Precinct, which would result in around 10,000 new residents.

The Department is also proposing 40,000 sqm additional commercial floor area, new retail and a new primary school.

When added to the existing population of Rhodes (around 13,000) this will lead to an increased need for recreation and open space.

The proposed land bridge as well as additional pedestrian bridge/s connecting Rhodes East and Rhodes West will ensure Rhodes West residents will access McIlwaine Park, Rhodes East even more easily and frequently.

The City of Canada Bay enjoys 36km of foreshore, and we are committed to providing opportunities for residents to enjoy the Parramatta River more.

This project will deliver key outcomes that will benefit the community in many ways by increasing opportunities to access the foreshore, creating additional passive recreational space, and promote a more environmentally sustainable area due to the naturalisation of the river bank.

As a key initiative in the Parramatta River Catchment Group’s (PRCG) Masterplan, this project will be supported by the group’s focus on improving the quality of and access to the river. The ten-step masterplan is seeking to make the river swimmable by 2025 and can be read here. We will be working closely with them to make sure our community will be informed of their progress.

Community benefits would include:

• Access to local water activities
• Increased aquatic recreation opportunities
• Ecological benefits for flora and fauna with the naturalisation of the riverbank
• Greater access throughout the park with additional pathways and wayfinding opportunities

McIlwaine Park is currently a very popular waterfront recreational open space that is used by local residents and regional visitors alike. The park provides basic amenities such as a toilet block, several picnic tables, a BBQ, children’s play equipment and mini golf.

The River Access and Foreshore Upgrade project will see the foreshore areas of the park upgraded to provide a new accessible pathway along the foreshore, a section of seawall converted to tidal habitat areas from the land into the water, a dry beach area and stepped sandstone wall provide access to water for kayaking, rowing and stand-up paddle boarding.

Given the expected growth of population in the area, and the Rhodes Revised Draft Precinct Plan, creating greater access to a safe, clean and protected entry to Parramatta River will provide significant value to the community and for the environment.

The Parramatta River Masterplan has been developed by the PRCG to help improve the management of water quality and river health and make the river swimmable again by 2025. Updates on how the PRCG are actioning their masterplan, which can be found in the document library here.

This project incorporates the vision and plans found within several key strategic documents including the City of Canada Bay’s 2012 Brays Bay Foreshore Park Plan of Management, the City of Canada Bay’s 2015 Rhodes Peninsula Open Space Plan of Management, the NSW Department of Planning’s Rhodes Revised Draft Precinct Plan, and the Parramatta River Masterplan:

• The 2012 Brays Bay Foreshore Park Plan of Management
  • McIlwaine Park identified as having opportunities for access to water for fishing, kayaking, foreshore walks and cycling
• The 2015 Rhodes Peninsula Open Space Plan of Management
  • Brays Bay outlines plans for the promotion of the foreshore promotion with a deck structure over the water
• The NSW Department of Planning’s Rhodes Planned Precinct & Rhodes Revised Draft Precinct Plan
  • A new pedestrian bridge across Concord Road to McIlwaine Park will provide enhanced access to this existing public open space
  • The City of Canada Bay Council is planning upgrades to McIlwaine Park, funded through the Precinct Support Scheme, to make it more attractive for residents and visitors
  • Increased public access to Parramatta River foreshore and open space at Leeds Street and McIlwaine Park
• The Parramatta River Catchment Group’s Masterplan & Swim Site Activation Framework
  • By 2025, our local communities will be able to enjoy a swim or a splash at three new swimming sites along the Parramatta River:

McIlwaine Park, Rhodes East

McIlwaine Park is located in Rhodes and looks out onto Brays Bay. The park is a very popular recreational spot with picnic tables, barbecues, toilets, play equipment and parking. Kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding and other water-based activities will also soon become a common sight on Brays Bay under plans to activate the riverfront area through upgrades to the adjacent foreshore and construction of tidal habitat areas .

This project focuses on McIlwaine Park Foreshore Upgrade and does not include a pool.

McIlwaine Park is currently not a designated swim site.

McIlwaine Park is currently not a designated swim site.

Council uses a risk management approach in collaboration with Royal Life Saving NSW and our other partners. Appropriate signage alerts park users to supervision and safety.

Sydney Water has been conducting water quality monitoring at the three priority swimming sites identified in the Masterplan – Bayview Park, Concord, McIlwaine Park, Rhodes East and Putney Park, Putney.

Sampling takes place every four to six days, with additional targeted wet weather sampling. This monitoring has formed the initial phase of a broader Riverwatch water quality monitoring program developed by Sydney Water for the Parramatta River.

You can check water quality here:

https://www.ourlivingriver.com.au/our-plan/masterp...

As part of the Revised Rhodes East Plan, a pedestrian bridge across Concord Road is envisaged in the coming years.

Bar-Tailed Godwits sightings have most commonly occurred at the mudflats around Abbotsford, Concord and Five Dock.

Introduction of the proposed environmentally friendly seawall and inter tidal rockpools will encourage habitat to live and feed in the area.

McIlwaine Park is currently not a designated swim site.

As with any waterway, the depth of water varies in the river. Our research indicates that the water depth is 0.5m near the shore during low tide.

Therefore diving into the river is not permitted and we will install signage for safety.

McIlwaine Park is currently not a designated swim site.

Council uses a risk management approach in collaboration for Royal Lifesaving NSW which indicates that lifesavers are not required at this location.

Appropriate signage alerts park users to supervision and safety.

Yes, the amenities and playground will be upgraded as part of Stage 2 works during 2024. The community can have their say until 29 October 2023 at: https://collaborate.canadabay.nsw.gov.au/mcilwaine...