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Friends of Pyrmont Point

For many years, Pyrmont residents campaigned to preserve the swimming baths; and in the 1980s they had to campaign once more to prevent the Maritime Services Board from turning Pyrmont Point into a container port. The Water Police used the site for several years until 2003, when the State government decided to move the Water Police from Elizabeth Macarthur Bay, and sell the site to property developers. Marcelle Hoff and Charles Perry harnessed the widespread indignation of residents to form the Friends of Pyrmont Point. A highly skilled executive committee was selected, public rallies were held, a Gandhian philosophy agreed, and allies sought in the media, trade unions and political actors.

When Clover Moore was elected Lord Mayor in 2004, and Independents controlled the City of Sydney Council, the City stepped in, bought the site, and eventually built Pirrama Park. Victory deprived the Friends of their rationale and the organisation faded away.

Related Items

• Community Groups

• Marcelle Hoff

• Pirrama Park

• Politics of Urban Renewal

• Pyrmont Point

Further Reading

• Friends of Pyrmont Point, Marcelle Hoff and Charles Perry