Due to severe storm activity across Sydney this week and the forecast of continuing inclement weather, City of Ryde has made the necessary decision to postpone the official opening of the Putney Park swim site.
The launch of Putney Beach will now take place on Wednesday 22 January from 10.00am-1.00pm.
City of Ryde Mayor Trenton Brown said the decision to postpone the official opening was made in the best interests of the community, with heavy rainfall likely to increase the potential of pollution entering the waterway.
"Council's priority in creating this exciting new swim site is to provide a fun, free and safe environment for our community to cool off," he said.
"Like any other swim site in Sydney – including our magnificent coastal beaches – we do not advise swimming for three days after a major rain event and we want to be able to see people celebrating the opening in style by diving into the refreshing waters of the Parramatta River."
The swim site, which is equipped with a fully netted enclosure for swimmer security, is part of a shared commitment to creating accessible, vibrant open spaces through the NSW Government's Places to Swim program. Jointly funded by the NSW Government in association with City of Ryde, the NSW Government contributed $698,475 to the site as part of its $16.7 million commitment to high quality open space.
In partnership with the Parramatta River Catchment Group (PRCG), Council is working to improve the health of the river long term and is undertaking ongoing water monitoring, which continues to provide positive results, for the safety of swimmers.
"This new swim site – which joins others planned, or already operating, along the sparkling Parramatta River – will provide amazing recreation opportunities for our residents, who will no longer have to endure a long car ride to get to the closest beach," said Mayor Brown.
Opening Ceremony Event Details
When: Wednesday 22 January 2025, 10.00am to 1.00pm
Where: Putney Park, Pellisier Road, Putney
The ceremony will be officiated by Parliamentary Secretary for Planning and Public Spaces Stephen Bali MP and City of Ryde Mayor Trenton Brown.
