Sydney Airport and Bayside Council First Major Project

  • New aviation themed water play area for Botany Aquatic Centre
  • First project to be funded by the joint Community and Environmental Projects Reserve Fund
  • $12 million over 10 years to develop community initiatives

An upgrade to Botany Aquatic Centre is the first major project to benefit from a multi-million-dollar local partnership between Bayside Council and Sydney Airport.

In 2018, Bayside and Sydney Airport established the Community and Environment Projects Reserve Fund, which will fund a variety of community and environmentally focused projects over the next 10 years.

The first project to be funded is an integrated family and water play area with an aviation theme at the Botany Aquatic Centre. It will also include a water slide and a splash pad, for all ages and abilities.

The Mayor of Bayside, Councillor Bill Saravinovski said the establishment of this Fund will support projects that will enrich the local community for many years to come.

“This is perhaps the first time in Australia that a major airport has partnered with a local council to help provide recreational and environmental benefits for the community,” Mayor Bill Saravinovski said.

“It is a big win for Bayside that will help deliver programs and facilities for our community. Not only are we able to upgrade the Botany Aquatic Centre, but Council’s Greening Bayside initiative to boost our tree canopy will also be supported by this fund.

Sydney Airport CEO Geoff Culbert said: “Throughout the ups and downs of COVID-19, we’ve remained focused on our purpose, to make Sydney proud every day. We’re thrilled to partner with Bayside Council and see projects deliver great outcomes for our local community.

“An aquatic centre is a quintessential part of summer in Sydney. A place to learn water-safety skills and spend quality time with family and friends, we’re excited to deliver this project for the people of Bayside and the broader community.”

Council has submitted a DA for the proposal, which is currently under review, and is anticipated to be approved in November when Council will tender the project for construction.

Construction is expected to start in March 2022.

Councillors Liz Barlow, Scott Morrissey and Christina Curry with Bayside Mayor Bill Saravinovski, Sydney Airport CEO Geoff Culbert

Councillors Liz Barlow, Scott Morrissey and Christina Curry with Bayside Mayor Bill Saravinovski, Sydney Airport CEO Geoff Culbert at the Botany Aquatic Centre

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