Asked people around, all say it is ok. As a matter of course one must be aware of random vandalism in summer time, hot days, lots of non water people come to the shores. Once my kayak was rescued by one of the sailors from my bay, just. His boat is almost in line with mine and on the other side of his unit, the kitchen opens on the reserve where my kayak lives. Talk about luck.
Ah, and my full length paddle was twice vandalised. Now l got a two piece one hidden under the kayak and so far so good. This is all in the last three and a half years. And it is Drummoyne West, Rea Reserve, end of Drummoyne Ave.
What l heard about the wharf at 5dock bay, it is very shallow, but l got no personal experience.
Certainly, the best pick up points are either Woolwich wharf or Dawn Fraser Bath wharf at the end of Fitzroy Ave. Birchgrove, Birkenhead Point Wharf, or Callan Park if you fit under the Iron Cove Bridge.
As far as the council is concerned, l have no experience with them living in the Leichhardt council area. They are usually biddable.
Just make sure you invite the right person for dinner!