What is Legionnaires’ disease and why do cooling towers matter?

Legionnaires’ disease is a lung infection caused by Legionella bacteria. Cooling towers can spread contaminated water droplets if maintenance lapses. NSW rules require registration, routine testing, and treatment. Proper dosing, cleaning, and record-keeping reduce risk. During alerts, owners often increase sampling and perform precautionary disinfection while health authorities investigate sources.

What area and dates did NSW Health identify?

NSW Health linked cases to the Sydney CBD near Wynyard, with a potential exposure window from 9 to 18 December. Authorities urged urgent checks of cooling towers in the area. Building owners and managers should review maintenance logs, confirm testing schedules, and communicate clearly with tenants until the investigation is complete.

How could this alert affect Sydney office REITs?

We see near-term costs for inspections, testing, and any remedial work. Headline risk can slow leasing decisions or tours. If foot traffic dips near specific sites, street-front retail may soften. Strong compliance programs and timely tenant updates can limit financial impact unless authorities identify a persistent source linked to particular assets.

What should facility managers and tenants do now?

Facility managers should verify tower registration, confirm water treatment settings, and bring testing up to date. Document all actions and engage qualified contractors. Tenants should read building notices, follow hygiene guidance, and escalate concerns to management. Clear communication reduces uncertainty while NSW Health continues tracing and environmental sampling in the affected precinct.

Law and Government

Sydney Legionnaires’ Alert December 30: CBD Cooling Tower Checks Eye REIT Risk

ByHuzaifa Zahoor December 30, 2025December 30, 2025

Sydney Legionnaires’ disease o is back in focus after NSW Health confirmed a fourth case linked to the Sydney CBD near Wynyard, with possible exposure dated 9–18 December. Officials urged urgent checks of Sydney CBD cooling towers while the source is investigated. We explain what this NSW Health warning means for compliance, costs, and liability. We also outline near-term risks for office landlords, insurers, and foot traffic–sensitive retail in Australia’s largest CBD.