Australia news live: new Sydney Harbour pool slated to open in summer; AusAlert warning test to blare siren across phones nationally

Sydney is set to welcome a new harbour swimming pool this summer, located on the banks of Callan Park in Lilyfield. The state government announced construction is underway for the tidal baths on the Iron Cove foreshore, a popular area near sports fields and the Bay Run.

The project aims to draw thousands of visitors to the southern banks of the Parramatta River. Alongside the pool, demolition has begun on nine neglected and unsafe buildings within Callan Park. The government stated this demolition will unlock central parts of the park, returning approximately two football fields of green space for community use. The new baths will feature a shark net, a fixed jetty, a pontoon, and an accessible pathway and ramp.

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The removal of these long cordoned off buildings will unlock central parts of Callan Park, delivering the equivalent of two football fields of green space back to free community use.

Construction of the tidal baths is anticipated to take six months, targeting a summer 2026 opening. The building demolition is expected to be completed by the end of this year. NSW Planning Minister Paul Scully described the Callan Park upgrades as ushering in a "new era," emphasizing the increased community access to parkland. He also advocated for a Parklands bill to facilitate commercial activities around the new pool.

In unrelated sports news, Australian sprinter Cam McEvoy set a new Commonwealth Games record in the 50m freestyle final in Glasgow. McEvoy, who recently broke the world record, was the only finalist to finish under 21 seconds, leading an Australian medal sweep. This marks his first individual Commonwealth Games gold medal.

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The new tidal baths and return of 1.6 hectares, or the equivalent of 4,000 large picnic blankets of green open space, to the community will mean more people can enjoy this great parkland.