Yeh the council made the decision to not allow fishing a few years ago. But i have fished there a million times since and never been caught. And if a ranger does come, i will just play dumb and leave.
But having fished some of the ferry wharves in the harbour over the past couple of weeks, they all have signs encouraging fishing. Yes the signs have some rules, but all the wharves have been spotless which is a good sign. Not to mention provide cover when it pisses down.
As for your livies, go to Mosman Ferry Wharf. They are there in plague proportions. Both yakkas and tailor. Will be much easier for you than Balmoral.