Chapter 3 the Beachwatch Program

Home , Bondi Beach, Bronte Beach, Dee Why, Manly Beach

Chapter 3 The Beachwatch Program

Background Beaches report to be released at the start of the 2006–2007 summer season. In the early 1980s there was a public outcry Water quality monitoring and reporting about pollution of Sydney’s ocean beaches. In 1985 the NSW Government responded to Sydney this pressure by establishing ‘Surfline’, a The Beachwatch Program involves the beach pollution monitoring and reporting monitoring and reporting on bacterial water program administered by the (then) quality in Sydney at 35 ocean beaches and Metropolitan Water, Sewerage and Drainage one lagoon swimming site within six local Board. council areas that stretch from Palm Beach In 1989, the State Government allocated the in the north to the Cronulla Peninsula in the responsibility for monitoring and reporting south. on beach pollution to the State Pollution Beachwatch has been testing for faecal Control Commission (SPCC). The result was coliforms since the program commenced in ‘Beachwatch’, which became part of the 1989, and other groups (such as Sydney Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Water) have monitored faecal coliforms in when it was established in March 1992 and Sydney beach water since 1965. Between was subsequently incorporated into DEC in 1989 and 1993 samples were also analysed September 2003. for faecal streptococci. As a result of the The Harbourwatch program, which emerging scientific knowledge on the value commenced in November 1994, is of using enterococci as indicators of faecal responsible for monitoring and reporting on contamination in marine waters, in 1993 water quality in the harbour and estuarine Beachwatch commenced sampling for swimming areas of Sydney. enterococci in addition to faecal coliforms. In November 1996, Beachwatch Prior to October 1995, the Beachwatch daily implemented the State Government’s bulletins included information on the commitment to extend Beachwatch water presence of visual indicators of sewage quality monitoring and reporting to the pollution, such as sewage grease. The daily Hunter and Illawarra. bulletins now focus on pollution sources. As stormwater is now the major pollution issue The Beachwatch Partnership Pilot Program affecting Sydney’s ocean and harbour was funded under the NSW Government’s beaches, daily bulletins are derived from Coastal Protection Package and ran between rainfall information for the previous 24 to 72 2002 and 2004. The aim of the program was hours. to increase the consistency and quality of recreational water quality along the NSW Monthly reports are based on bacterial coast. Fifteen councils took part in the pilot density analyses of water samples. program (DEC 2004a and 2004b). Hunter and Illawarra Beachwatch continues to provide assistance Since November 1996, Beachwatch has also to local councils under the Beachwatch undertaken quality assurance of bacterial Partnership Program. Nine councils took water quality monitoring and, where part in the program over summer 2003–2004 appropriate, the supply and management of (DEC 2006) and summer 2005–2006. The sampling protocols in the Hunter and findings from the 2005–2006 summer season Illawarra regions at: will be reported in a regional State of the

The Beachwatch Program 17 x17 Hunter ocean beaches within three local Chapter structure council areas from Zenith Beach in the The results of the bacterial sampling north to Caves Beach in the south program are presented in this chapter. So x18 Illawarra ocean beaches within three that the characteristics of each beach and the local council areas from Austinmer Beach nature of pollution sources can be readily in the north to Werri Beach in the south. understood the format of this Chapter is During summer (October to April), geographically based and collates relevant Beachwatch publishes a weekly beach ‘star information into region, council and beach rating’ based on monitoring results for the pages. Illawarra in the Illawarra Mercury newspaper Regional reports and reports results for the Hunter region in The region pages provide a summary of the the Newcastle Herald and the Port Stephens levels of compliance for all beaches within Examiner newspapers. Results are also each region (that is, Sydney, Hunter and published on the Hunter Water website all Illawarra), a discussion on general trends year round. within the data and an outline of major Sample collection initiatives aimed at improving water quality Sydney within each region. Council summaries Beachwatch staff collect water samples for the Sydney metropolitan program from the The council summary pages give an northern and city ocean beaches every sixth overview of water quality at all monitored day, in accordance with NHMRC (1990) sites within a council region and a summary guidelines for recreational use of water. of pollution reduction campaigns and Sutherland Council lifeguards collect water programs undertaken by the council. The samples from the Cronulla beaches, also percentage compliance for the summer every sixth day, coinciding with Beachwatch season is tabulated for each council beach, sampling. Sampling by the lifeguards is along with a beach ranking. The ranking is included in the Beachwatch quality determined from the level of compliance of assurance program (Chapter 5). All samples the beach compared with those of all other are transported to one laboratory for beaches within the Beachwatch and microbiological analysis. Harbourwatch program. Hunter and Illawarra The council summary pages also present Hunter Water collects samples in the Hunter bacterial results for each beach for summer region and Sydney Water collects samples in 2005–2006 as a population distribution the Illawarra region. Both agencies are graph (box plot). The beaches in that council included in the Beachwatch quality area are shaded grey for ease of assurance program (Chapter 5). identification and for comparison with other council areas. Sydney Water is not required, under EPA Beach reports licences for discharge of effluent from its Illawarra coastal sewage treatment plants, to Beach pages follow the council page and monitor Austinmer and Thirroul Beaches provide more detailed information on water and Surf Beach, Kiama, as these beaches are quality at each beach. The beach pages give unlikely to be affected by effluent from the a brief description of each beach, sources of plants. During summer (October to April), pollution, and any pollution reduction Sydney Water does, however, monitor for actions taking place since May 2005. Water faecal coliforms at these beaches during the quality data are presented in three sections: summer season for comparison with the xThe first section is an assessment of the other Illawarra beaches monitored under level of compliance over the last five years. EPA licences. Enterococci data are therefore xThe second section examines the effect of not available at Austinmer and Thirroul rainfall on densities of indicator bacteria. Beaches and Surf Beach, Kiama. This information is based on all available

18 State of the Beaches 2005–2006 data from the last 3 years, including winter Availability of Beachwatch results season data. xFinally, individual results, rainfall and the Besides the results presented in this report, rolling compliance with water quality Beachwatch information can also be criteria are presented as time series plots, accessed via the Beachwatch and giving an overview of water quality Harbourwatch telephone information line throughout summer 2005–2006 and the (1800 036 677) and the Beachwatch website preceding winter season (2005). (www.environment.nsw.gov.au/beach). Historical water quality data, monthly compliances and seasonal compliances are also available through the NSW Government’s Community Access to Natural Resources Information (CANRI) website (www.canri.nsw.gov.au).

The Beachwatch Program 19 20 State of the Beaches 2005–2006

Sydney Metropolitan Beaches Sydney Beaches

The Beachwatch Program 21

Sydney Metropolitan Beaches Sydney Beaches

22 State of the Beaches 2005–2006

Sydney Metropolitan Beaches

Summary Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly and Maroubra; and the southern beaches of Greenhills, The results for the 2005–2006 summer Wanda, Elouera, North Cronulla, South season were once again excellent, with a Cronulla and Shelly Beach (Sutherland). large proportion of beaches complying 100% South Steyne, Coogee, Boat Harbour and of the time. Very low rainfall, along with Oak Park all complied more than 80% of the long-term improvements in the time for both indicators. management of stormwater and wastewater, contributed to these results. The results for 2005–2006 compare very favourably with the results from previous Twenty-nine of the 36 swimming sites years. In 2004–2005, 29 beaches also complied with the faecal coliform and complied 100% of the time for both enterococci criteria 100% of the time. A

indicators, and in 2001–2002, 2002–2003 and Sydney Beaches similar result was obtained in summer 2004– 2003–2004, 22 beaches complied 100% of the 2005. time for both indicators. Compliance of less than 80% of the time was Northern beaches recorded at only three beaches. These were Birdwood Park at Narrabeen Lagoon (55%), Faecal coliform compliance Shelly Beach Manly (77%) and Malabar Results were excellent for the Northern Beach (65%). Beaches, where 20 of the 21 swimming sites Improvements in enterococci compliance of recorded 100% compliance with Beachwatch more than 10 percentage points from the water quality criteria for faecal coliforms previous summer season were recorded at (Figure 5). three beaches. Bronte Beach improved by 25 Birdwood Park in Narrabeen Lagoon percentage points, Coogee Beach improved complied with the faecal coliform criteria by 27 percentage points and Boat Harbour 84% of the time. improved by 32 percentage points. Enterococci compliance Enterococci compliance fell by more than 10 percentage points from the previous Eighteen of the 21 northern beaches summer at Shelly Beach Manly (23 recorded 100% compliance with enterococci percentage points) and Malabar Beach criteria for summer 2005–2006. Overall, (13 percentage points). Faecal coliform enterococci compliance for Sydney’s compliance also fell by 26 percentage points Northern Beaches was slightly higher than at Malabar Beach. for the city beaches and similar to that recorded at the southern beaches. Birdwood Park in Narrabeen Lagoon was included in the Beachwatch Program in the Enterococci compliances of less than 100% of 2005–2006 summer season. Although it is the time were recorded at Birdwood Park in not an ocean beach, it has been included in Narrabeen Lagoon (55%), South Steyne this section because of its geographical Beach (90%) and Shelly Beach Manly (77%). location. Faecal coliform compliance at the Enterococci compliance at South Steyne site was 84% and enterococci compliance Beach was six percentage points higher than was 55%. that recorded for the previous summer Sydney’s cleanest beaches season. Whereas enterococci compliance at Shelly Sydney’s cleanest beaches were Palm, Beach Manly fell by 23 percentage points Whale, Avalon, Bilgola, Newport, Bungan, from the previous summer season’s result, it Mona Vale, Warriewood, Turimetta, North should be noted that the enterococci levels Narrabeen, Collaroy, Long Reef, Dee Why, that exceeded the guideline were only just North Curl Curl, South Curl Curl, above the limits and may not be indicative Freshwater, Queenscliff and North Steyne in of sewage contamination. Sydney’s north; the city beaches of Bondi,

The Beachwatch Program 23

City beaches Oak Park complied 90% of the time, a fall of ten percentage points from the previous Faecal coliform compliance year. Six of the seven city beaches recorded 100% compliance with Beachwatch water quality Boat Harbour complied 84% of the time with the enterococci criteria, an increase of 32 criteria for faecal coliforms during summer percentage points from the previous 2005–2006 (Figure 5). Sydney Beaches summer season. Faecal coliform compliance at Malabar The lower level of compliance at Boat Beach fell by 26 percentage points from the previous summer season, to 74%. Harbour compared with other Sutherland Beaches may be the result of elevated Enterococci compliance enterococci levels measured in discharge Bondi, Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly and from a small creek located at the northern Maroubra beaches recorded 100% end of the beach (Beachwatch 2003). compliance with enterococci criteria during The results for the summer 2005–2006 summer 2005–2006. Coogee Beach complied season indicate that the southern beaches 90% of the time and Malabar Beach are now amongst the cleanest in Sydney, complied 65% of the time. with similar levels of compliance to the Bronte Beach recorded a 25-percentage- northern Sydney beaches. point increase in enterococci compliance for Plans for improvement summer 2005–2006 compared with summer 2004–2005, with improvements of nine Upgrades to North Head, Bondi and Malabar ocean percentage points recorded at Clovelly outfall sewage treatment plants Beach and 27 percentage points recorded at Works to ensure reliable performance and Coogee Beach. worker safety at the Bondi Sewage Treatment Plant have been completed, and In contrast, enterococci compliance fell by are planned for North Head. These projects 13 percentage points at Malabar Beach. will ensure that the plants continue to Southern beaches perform well into the future in line with Faecal coliform compliance environmental protection licence conditions set by the Department of Environment and Seven of the eight southern beaches Conservation. recorded 100% compliance with Beachwatch Sewage overflows – SewerFix water quality criteria for faecal coliforms (Figure 5). Sydney Water is required by EPA licence conditions to manage sewerage treatment Faecal coliform compliance at Boat Harbour systems efficiently. This is required to was 90%, a fall of ten percentage points from protect and minimise harm to the the 2004–2005 summer season. environment and public health from sewage The continued high level of faecal coliform treatment plant effluent and sewage compliance at the southern beaches is the overflows by minimising the frequency and result of the upgrade of the Cronulla Sewage volume sewage treatment plant bypasses Treatment Plant. The upgrade, which was and sewage overflows. completed in late April 2001, included the Details on SewerFix, Sydney Water’s 20-year addition of secondary biological treatment, program for maintaining and improving the tertiary sand filtration and ultraviolet sewer system, are presented in Chapter 2 disinfection. Stormwater Enterococci compliance The NSW Government’s Urban Stormwater Six of the eight southern Sydney beaches Program was established in 1997 and was recorded 100% compliance with Beachwatch completed on 30 June 2006. water quality criteria for enterococci. A total of $82 million in seed funding was provided to address stormwater quality hot

24 State of the Beaches 2005–2006 spots and to give the stormwater industry The major outcomes of Urban Stormwater and stormwater managers an opportunity to Program, and details of Sydney Water’s develop new ways of addressing poor investment in the Stormwater stormwater quality and ameleorating its Environmental Improvement Program, are impact on receiving waters. presented in Chapter 2. Sydney Beaches

The Beachwatch Program 25

Figure 5: Compliance of Sydney metropolitan beaches during summer 2005–2006

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci Pittwater Council

Sydney Beaches Palm Beach 100 100

Whale Beach 100 100

Avalon Beach 100 100

Bilgola Beach 100 100

Newport Beach 100 100

Bungan Beach 100 100

Mona Vale Beach 100 100

Warriewood Beach 100 100

Turimetta Beach 100 100 Warringah Council North Narrabeen Beach 100 100

Birdwood Park 84 55

Collaroy Beach 100 100

Long Reef Beach 100 100

Dee Why Beach 100 100

North Curl Curl Beach 100 100

South Curl Curl Beach 100 100

Freshwater Beach 100 100 Manly Council Queenscliff Beach 100 100

North Steyne Beach 100 100

South Steyne Beach 100 90

Shelly Beach (Manly) 100 77 Waverley Council Bondi Beach 100 100

Tamarama Beach 100 100

Bronte Beach 100 100 Randwick City Council Clovelly Beach 100 100

Coogee Beach 100 90

Maroubra Beach 100 100

Malabar Beach 74 65 Sutherland Council Boat Harbour 90 84

Greenhills 100 100

Wanda Beach 100 100

Elouera Beach 100 100

North Cronulla Beach 100 100

South Cronulla Beach 100 100

Shelly Beach 100 100

Oak Park 100 90

0 25 50 75 100 25 50 75 100 200 % Compliance

26 State of the Beaches 2005–2006

Sydney Metropolitan Beaches Sydney Beaches

Pittwater Council

The Beachwatch Program 27

Pittwater Council

Beaches: Palm, Whale, Avalon, Bilgola, Newport, Bungan, Mona Vale, Warriewood and Turimetta Sydney Beaches

28 State of the Beaches 2005–2006

Pittwater Council

Location Pittwater Stormwater Management Plan Pittwater Council covers an area of Pittwater Council is currently implementing 125 square kilometres in the north-east of its stormwater management plan, which Sydney and has a population of encompasses the ocean beaches and beaches approximately 56 000 people. The Pittwater within Pittwater. The plan identifies a beaches occur along a 20-kilometre stretch of number of priority actions for improving coastline from Barrenjoey Headland, south stormwater quality. These include the to Turimetta Beach. Land use within the installation and ongoing maintenance of Pittwater beach catchments includes stormwater management systems; in-house residential, commercial, industrial, training of councillors, professional staff and field staff in stormwater management; recreational and bushland. preparation of a sewage overflow and road Compliance with guidelines pollutant contingency plan in conjunction Sydney Beaches with Sydney Water and the Roads and Traffic Compliance with swimming guidelines was Authority (RTA); and the formulation and excellent in the Pittwater Council area instigation of an integrated strategy of during summer 2005–2006 (Table 3). All community education and awareness. beaches complied with the faecal coliform and enterococci criteria 100% of the time. Grant funding The range of indicator bacteria levels Bungan Beach Littoral Rainforest Regeneration measured at Sydney beaches during Project: Pittwater Council and the Friends of summer 2005–2006 is shown in Figure 6, Bungan Beach received an Envirofund grant with Pittwater beaches highlighted in grey. to undertake littoral rainforest regeneration Levels of both faecal coliforms and works in the Bungan Beach Reserve. enterococci are generally lower than those Other projects measured at other Sydney beaches. Pittwater Plan of Management: The Plan of Ranking of beaches Management is now being drafted in stages. The Newport Beach Management Plan has All monitored harbour and ocean beach been adopted. The plan covers beaches and swimming locations in the Hunter, Sydney coastline along the Pittwater LGA and and Illawarra regions were ranked on the provides a framework for the management of basis of their compliance with swimming beach reserves and addresses issues of guidelines during summer 2005–2006. A environmental and recreation management. total of 14 distinct ranks were observed for the 127 sites monitored for both faecal Waterwatch In Pittwater: Run by the Coastal coliforms and enterococci, with many sites Environment Centre, with links to Sydney Water’s Streamwatch program. It facilitates ranked equally. community water quality monitoring in the All Pittwater Council beaches were ranked Pittwater Council waterways. Monitoring equal first, having 100% compliance for both activities include incident reporting and faecal coliforms and enterococci over the studying the impacts of new catchment 2005–2006 season (Table 3). developments and sewage overflows on the aquatic environment. Actions to improve water quality High School Coastal Education Program: The Actions specific to individual swimming Coastal Environment Centre is continuing its locations are included on the beach pages. regular field excursions for school students to Improvements in water quality will also be catchments and beaches in the Pittwater area. achieved as a result of a stormwater Students learn about key coastal management plan and involvement in other management issues, which include key programs. stormwater pollution, catchment management principles and water quality.

The Beachwatch Program 29

Table 3: Compliance and ranking of Pittwater beaches for summer 2005–2006 Site Compliance (%) Overall rank Faecal Coliforms Enterococci (out of 14) Palm Beach 100 100 1 Whale Beach 100 100 1 Sydney Beaches Avalon Beach 100 100 1 Bilgola Beach 100 100 1 Newport Beach 100 100 1 Bungan Beach 100 100 1 Mona Vale Beach 100 100 1 Warriewood Beach 100 100 1 Turimetta Beach 100 100 1

Figure 6: Range of bacterial levels at Sydney beaches during summer 2005–2006

10000

1000

100

1 ) r h h h h h h h h h h k h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h ls h h h h h k c c c c c c c r c c c c c c c c c ly c c c c c c c u l c c c c c r c c c i a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a n a a a a a a a o a a a a a b h e e e e e e e e e e P e e e e e e e e e a e e e e e e e r n e e e e e P B d B M a e k B B B B B B B B B B l B l B B B i B B B B B B B B B B B B t B n n o y f B y r r r e e ( a r e a a y a e n la r le d e iff B d a te ly e r a a l l l lm l o a tta e o o h u u l n n h l e r a t H r l l l O a l o o a o r e te n m n b G d e a p g o e e w a c y y c e g b a n u u e h a g a C s o a o v u a u n h P l n V b d l R W l C l a r r o l o a n Faecal coliform density (cfu/100 mL) v i w w m r l w te te o u i a i r r n e B a o o a lo o o S W A B e a e r r o g e h e B l r B r r B n i r B e u u S S a W N r u C n s e B m C C M E o r a o D e th y C C a T C C r u th l a M M L r u l N th th F Q o T th th W r o e r u th u N h o o o S o r S N o N S S N

10000

1000

100

1 ) r h h h h h h h h h h k h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h ls h h h h h k c c c c c c c r c c c c c c c c c ly c c c c c c c u l c c c c c r c c c i a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a n a a a a a a a o a a a a a b h e e e e e e e e e e P e e e e e e e e e a e e e e e e e r n e e e e e P B d a e k Enterococci density (cfu/100 mL) B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B M B B B B B B B B B B B B t B o f B l l r i r e a e n a r n e d n y y r r ff B e e ( a y e a r a a la la ly m l l l o e li n d te ll r a r l l l l lo o a a o tta e o h u u te n h n e t H d O a a o g e w r e c y y c m n e b b a G e u u e h a g p o e C a o a o g n l n b d la C s a v o u la o u n n h P v i w V w m r l R W l l w te te r r o a u i a i r r n e B a o o a lo o o S W A B e a e r r o g e h e B l r B r r B n i r B e u u S S a W N r u C n s e B m C C M E o r a o D e th y C C a T C C r u th l a M M L r u l N th th F Q o T th th W r o e r u th u N h o o o S o r S N o N S S N

30 State of the Beaches 2005–2006

Palm Beach

See page 28 for key to map Description The beach is 2.3 kilometres long with rock baths in the southern corner. Beach conditions are safest at the southern end, and lifeguards patrol the beach from October to April.

Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge along the length of the beach. Estuarine plumes from Broken Bay may also affect beach water quality.

Actions There are no actions specific to this beach.

Compliance Seasonal compliance with swimming guidelines for faecal coliforms and enterococci has been 100% over the last five years. Sydney Beaches

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100

75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci densities increased slightly with increasing rainfall but generally remained below the median guideline limit. Bacterial densities occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit when five millimetres of rain or more was recorded in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100 z median threshold z 10 z 10 z Bacterial count/100 mL 1 z 1 z 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 24-h rainfall (mm) 24-h rainfall (mm)

Season data Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 100000 0 ~ rainfall 10000 o individual result 50 rolling median 1000 rolling 80th percentile 100 100 Guidelines 150 10 (see page 7 for details) Daily Rainfall (mm) Bacterial count/100 mL median threshold 1 200 th 80 percentile May-05 Jul-05 Sep-05 Nov-05 Jan-06 Mar-06 May-06 May-05 Jul-05 Sep-05 Nov-05 Jan-06 Mar-06 May-06 threshold

The Beachwatch Program 31

Whale Beach

See page 28 for key to map Description The beach is 600 metres long, with rock baths located on the southern rock platform. Swimming is potentially hazardous because of persistent rips. Lifeguards patrol the beach from October to April.

Sydney Beaches Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge along the length of the beach. Estuarine plumes from Broken Bay may also affect beach water quality.

Actions There are no actions specific to this beach.

Compliance Seasonal compliance with swimming guidelines for faecal coliforms and enterococci has been 100% over the last five years.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100

75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform densities increased slightly with increasing rainfall but remained below median guideline limits. Enterococci densities increased slightly with increasing rainfall and occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit when 20 millimetres of rain or more had been received in previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100 z median threshold 10 z 10 z z

Bacterial count/100 mL z 1 1 z 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 24-h rainfall (mm) 24-h rainfall (mm)

32 State of the Beaches 2005–2006

Avalon Beach

See page 28 for key to map Description The beach is 500 metres long and backed by a park and picnic area. An ocean pool is located at the southern end of the beach. Swimming can be hazardous because of persistent rips. Lifeguards patrol the beach from October to April.

Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge to the beach. Estuarine plumes from Broken Bay may affect beach water quality.

Actions The coastal vegetation on the Avalon Dunes is being actively restored by volunteers with the assistance of grant funding from various sources and with support from Pittwater Council. Sydney Beaches Compliance Faecal coliform and enterococci levels complied with swimming guidelines 100% of the time over the last five years.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100

75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform densities increased slightly with increasing rainfall but remained below the median guideline limit. Enterococci counts tended to increase slightly with increasing rainfall and occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit following ten millimetres or more of rainfall in the previous 24 hours, but on most occasions the densities remained below the median guideline limit.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100 z median threshold z 10 z 10 z Bacterial count/100 mL 1 1 z 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 24-h rainfall (mm) 24-h rainfall (mm)

The Beachwatch Program 33

Bilgola Beach

See page 28 for key to map Description The beach is 500 metres long, with rock baths located at the southern end. Swimming can be hazardous because of shifting and permanent rips. Lifeguards patrol the beach from October to April.

Sydney Beaches Pollution sources Several stormwater drains discharge to the beach.

Actions There are no actions specific to this beach.

Compliance Faecal coliform levels complied with swimming guidelines 100% of the time over the last five years. With the exception of the winter season 2002, enterococci levels also complied 100% of the time.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 90

75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance % 25 25

0 0 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform densities increased with rainfall but stayed below the median guideline limit. Enterococci densities occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit after five millimetres or more of rain was recorded in the previous 24 hours, and often exceeded the median guideline limit after 20 millimetres or more of rainfall in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

z 100 100 z z z median threshold z 10 z 10 Bacterial count/100 mL 1 1 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 24-h rainfall (mm) 24-h rainfall (mm)

34 State of the Beaches 2005–2006

Newport Beach

See page 28 for key to map Description The beach is 1.3 kilometres long, with rock baths located at the southern end. Several rips occur north of the surf club, and as a result beach conditions are safest in the patrolled area and to the south. Lifeguards patrol the beach from October to April.

Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge to the beach.

Actions The Newport Beach Management Plan has been adopted. This plan addresses issues of environmental and recreation management.

Compliance Seasonal compliance with swimming guidelines for faecal coliforms and enterococci has been 100% over the last five years. Sydney Beaches

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100

75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06

Response to rainfall Bacterial densities tended to increase with increasing rainfall, and often exceeded the median guideline limit when five millimetres or more of rain was recorded in the previous 24 hours. These trends are also apparent in the season data plots below.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100 median threshold 10 10 Bacterial count/100 mL 1 1 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 24-h rainfall (mm) 24-h rainfall (mm)

The Beachwatch Program 35

Bungan Beach

See page 28 for key to map Description Bungan Beach is 600 metres long and backed by a steep escarpment. Swimming can be hazardous because of several shifting rips. Lifeguards patrol the beach from late December to the end of January.

Sydney Beaches Pollution sources Stormwater drains and creeks flow to the beach during wet weather.

Actions The Bungan Beach Littoral Rainforest Regeneration Project is being implemented in the Bungan Beach Reserve by Pittwater Council and ‘The Friends of Bungan Inc.’ Bushcare group.

Compliance Faecal coliforms and enterococci levels complied with swimming guidelines 100% of the time for the last five years.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100

75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06

Response to rainfall Bacterial densities increased after ten millimetres or more of rain was received in the previous 24 hours, but faecal coliform densities generally remained below the median guideline limit across all rainfall categories. Enterococci densities often exceeded the median guideline limit after 20 millimetres or more of rainfall had been received in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100 median threshold 10 10 Bacterial count/100 mL 1 1 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 24-h rainfall (mm) 24-h rainfall (mm)

36 State of the Beaches 2005–2006

Mona Vale Beach

See page 28 for key to map Description The beach is one kilometre long. Swimming is potentially hazardous because of a number of rips. Lifeguards patrol the beach from October to April.

Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge to the beach. Warriewood STP discharges secondary treated disinfected effluent via a cliff-face outfall at Turimetta Head, two kilometres to the south of Mona Vale beach.

Actions There are no specific actions for this beach.

Compliance Seasonal compliance with swimming guidelines for faecal coliforms and enterococci was 100% over the last five years. Sydney Beaches

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100

75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform densities increased after 20 millimetres or more of rain had been received in the previous 24 hours, but generally remained below the median guideline limit across all rainfall categories. Enterococci densities tended to increase with increasing rainfall and sometimes exceeded median guideline limits after 20 millimetres or more of rain had fallen in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100 median threshold 10 10 Bacterial count/100 mL 1 1 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 24-h rainfall (mm) 24-h rainfall (mm)

The Beachwatch Program 37

Warriewood Beach

See page 28 for key to map Description Warriewood Beach is 500 metres long and is situated below a steep bluff. Swimming can be hazardous because of rips. Lifeguards patrol the beach from December to February.

Sydney Beaches Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge to the beach. Warriewood STP discharges secondary treated disinfected effluent via the cliff-face outfall at Turimetta Head, just south-east of the beach.

Actions There are no actions specific to this beach.

Compliance Seasonal compliance with swimming guidelines for faecal coliforms was 100% over the last five years. With the exception of summer 2003–2004, enterococci compliance has also been 100%.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 94

75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06

Response to rainfall Bacterial densities tended to increase with increasing rainfall. Enterococci densities above the median guideline limit were often recorded after 20 millimetres or more of rain had been received in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100 median threshold 10 10 Bacterial count/100 mL 1 1 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 24-h rainfall (mm) 24-h rainfall (mm)

38 State of the Beaches 2005–2006

Turimetta Beach

See page 28 for key to map Description Turimetta Beach is 350 metres long and is backed by steep bluffs. Swimming can be hazardous because of rips that usually form at the centre and both ends of the beach. The beach is not patrolled by lifeguards.

Pollution sources Warriewood STP discharges secondary treated disinfected effluent via the cliff-face outfall at Turimetta Head to the north of the beach.

Actions Regeneration work on Turimetta Head and the beach track entrance is continuing. Works have been implemented to redirect water flow, control erosion, improve access, introduce native plant species and remove weed colonies. Sydney Beaches Compliance Seasonal compliance with swimming guidelines for faecal coliform and enterococci levels was 100% over the last five years.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100

75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06

Response to rainfall Bacterial densities increased with increasing rainfall. Faecal coliform levels occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit when 20 millimetres or more of rain had fallen in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci levels regularly exceeded the median guideline limit after 20 millimetres of rainfall in the previous 24 hours. These trends are also apparent in the season data plots below.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100 median threshold 10 10 Bacterial count/100 mL 1 1 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 24-h rainfall (mm) 24-h rainfall (mm)

The Beachwatch Program 39

Sydney Metropolitan Beaches Sydney Beaches

Warringah Council

The Beachwatch Program 41

Warringah Council

Beaches: North Narrabeen, Birdwood Park, Collaroy, Long Reef, Dee Why, North Curl Curl, South Curl Curl and Freshwater Sydney Beaches

42 State of the Beaches 2005–2006

Location The Warringah Council ocean beaches were all ranked equal first (Table 4). Birdwood Warringah Council covers an area of Park on Narrabeen Lagoon was ranked 138 square kilometres on the north-eastern 13th. seaboard of Sydney and has a population of Actions to improve quality approximately 133 900 people. Actions specific to individual swimming The Warringah beaches lie along a locations are included on the beach pages. 14-kilometre stretch of coastline from Improvements in water quality will also be Narrabeen Headland in the north to achieved as a result of a stormwater Freshwater Beach in the south. The Long management plan and many other key Reef Aquatic Reserve runs along the projects. coastline between Collaroy Basin and Long Reef Beach. Stormwater Management Plan & Program

Land uses within the Warringah beach The stormwater management plan for the Sydney Beaches catchments include residential, commercial, Northern Beaches includes a range of industrial, recreational and bushland. prioritised actions to improve stormwater management and quality within the Compliance with guidelines Warringah Council area. These include the Compliance with swimming guidelines was maintenance and assessment of existing excellent in the Warringah Council area stormwater treatment measures and the in- during summer 2005–2006 (Table 4). house training of councillors, professional staff and field staff in stormwater Bacterial levels at all ocean beaches management. complied with the guidelines 100% of the time. Birdwood Park in Narrabeen Lagoon Stormwater Technical Manual: Warringah complied with the guidelines 84% of the Council has developed a Stormwater time for faecal coliforms and 55% of the Technical manual to increase awareness in time for enterococci. the community and commercial sectors of best practice water management, decrease The range of indicator bacteria levels urban flooding and improve water quality measured at Sydney beaches during in Warringah waterways. The manual is to summer 2005–2006 is shown in Figure 7, be used for most new developments, when with Warringah Council locations designing stormwater management for highlighted in grey. With the exception of sites, and when carrying out works near Birdwood Park in Narrabeen Lagoon, levels Warringah watercourses. of both faecal coliforms and enterococci tended to be lower than levels measured at Environmental Audit and Industry city beaches but slightly higher than those Environmental Management Systems programs: measured at Pittwater beaches. Bacterial Council operates an Environmental Audit levels at Birdwood Park were notably Program to encourage businesses to adopt higher than at the ocean beaches. practices that reduce stormwater pollution of lagoons and beaches. Particular targets Ranking of beaches include unauthorised connections to All monitored harbour and ocean beach stormwater, site maintenance, and storage swimming locations in the Hunter, Sydney area runoff. and Illawarra regions were ranked on the Council has also initiated a program to help basis of their compliance with swimming industries located near beaches to develop guidelines during summer 2005–2006. A site-specific Environmental Management total of 14 distinct ranks were observed for Systems. The aim is to have these industries the 127 sites monitored for both faecal employ best practice environmental coliforms and enterococci. All beaches with management of issues such as stormwater the exception of Birdwood Park were management and wastewater reuse. ranked equal first.

The Beachwatch Program 43

Other projects plan will improve the overall Warringah Council has responsibility for environmental quality of Narrabeen Lagoon managing four coastal lagoons: Narrabeen and its surrounds. (jointly with Pittwater Council), Dee Why, Curl Curl Lagoon Rehabilitation: The Curl Curl, and Manly (jointly with Manly Statement of Environmental Effects for Council). Estuary Management Plans have stage 4 of the rehabilitation project is

Sydney Beaches been prepared for each of the lagoons. This currently on exhibition. Should the project includes management of lagoon entrance go ahead, it will include dredging the openings. lagoon to form a permanently ponded Council opens the lagoons only when there water body, bush regeneration works, the is a heightened risk of localised flooding. construction of bird roosting poles and a This can occur after continuous rainfall surf-viewing platform. which tends to discharge polluted runoff Warringah Creek Management Study: This into the lagoons. The runoff then flows into study has helped Council to identify the the ocean, affecting water quality at the scale of development and other pressures beach. Council is currently reviewing its confronting Warringah’s creeks and entrance-opening procedures with a view to prioritises actions to improve creek enhancing the ecological health in the management. Council is now using these lagoons and reducing the number of beach actions to assess development applications closures associated with entrance openings. in a more creek-friendly way. The entrance to Narrabeen Lagoon Water Quality Monitoring Program:In accumulates significant quantities of sand partnership with Department of Natural resulting in extended periods of lagoon Resources, Council is in the process of closure. When the entrance is closed, the finalising a new water quality monitoring water quality in the lagoon is lower than it program for the entire council area that will would be when the entrance is open. The provide information on ecological health; sand at the entrance to the lagoon will be measure the effectiveness of on-ground cleared later in 2006 to increase tidal flow works; and provide sound information on into the lagoon and improve water quality. which to base management decisions. This will also reduce the need for beach Mobile Business Education Program: closures at North Narrabeen. This program involves conducting information Dee Why Lagoon Estuary Management Study sessions with local plumbers, pressure and Plan: This project is funded by the NSW washers and garden maintenance personnel Government’s Estuary Management and informing them of the latest Program and involves pre-conservation environmentally responsible operation activities associated with the rehabilitation practices. of Dee Why Creek. The plan has been Environmental Education Programs adopted by Council and details management actions to be undertaken in Council has been involved with Sydney the next few years to reduce the sediment Water’s Streamwatch program. Across load to Dee Why Lagoon. Dredging is not Warringah a total of ten Streamwatch favoured, whereas large-scale rehabilitation groups participated in testing at 20 different of Dee Why Creek is supported. sites over the last financial year. In conjunction with Manly Council and Narrabeen Lagoon Foreshore Management Plan: Streamwatch, Council organised a Warringah Council is continuing to “Catchment Crawl” of the catchment areas implement regeneration and habitat- of Curl Curl and Dee Why lagoons, and enhancement works outlined under the Manly Dam. plan. This has included bush regeneration, and erosion-control works such as The Keeping Our Dam Alive Program has stabilising eroding banks with coir logs and allocated $1.5 million for the 2005–2008 reeds and formalising access points to the period to be spent on the restoration of lagoon. Works undertaken as part of this bushland above Manly Dam, as well as

44 State of the Beaches 2005–2006 water quality improvements and a pavilion, where residents learned about comprehensive education program with water pollution and tips to prevent it. Also, local residents. 2300 Manly and Warringah students participated in a three-day event on On World Environment Day approximately environmental management (including 10000 residents attended Council’s World catchment management and coastal and Environmental Day Community Expo. The marine management). Expo featured a catchment management

Table 4: Compliance and ranking of Warringah beaches for summer 2005–2006 Site Compliance (%) Overall rank Faecal Coliforms Enterococci (out of 14) North Narrabeen Beach 100 100 1 Birdwood Park 84 55 13 Sydney Beaches Collaroy Beach 100 100 1 Long Reef Beach 100 100 1 Dee Why Beach 100 100 1 North Curl Curl Beach 100 100 1 South Curl Curl Beach 100 100 1 Freshwater Beach 100 100 1

Figure 7: Range of bacterial levels at Sydney beaches during summer 2005–2006

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h h h h h h h h h k h h h h h h h h h ) h h h h h h h r s h h h h h k h r y u l r c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c l c c c c c c c il c c c c c a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a n a a a a a a a o a a a a a a b h e e e e e e e e e e P e e e e e e e e e a e e e e e e e r n e e e e e P B d a e k Enterococci density (cfu/100 mL) B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B M B B B B B B B B B B B B t B o f B l l r i r e a e n a r n e d n y y r r ff B e e ( a y e a r a a la la ly m l l l o e li n d te ll r a r l l l l lo o a a o tta e o h u u te n h n e t H d O a a o g e w r e c y y c m n e b b a G e u u e h a g p o e C a o a o g n l n b d la C s a v o u la o u n n h P v i w V w m r l R W l l w te te r r o a u i a i r r n e B a o o a lo o o S W A B e a e r r o g e h e B l r B r r B n i r B e u u S S a W N r u C n s e B m C C M E o r a o D e th y C C a T C C r u th l a M M L r u l N th th F Q o T th th W r o e r u th u N h o o o S o r S N o N S S N

The Beachwatch Program 45

North Narrabeen

See page 42 for key to map Description Rock baths are located on the northern rock platform. Strong rips can create hazardous swimming conditions at this beach. Lifeguards patrol the beach from October to April.

Sydney Beaches Pollution sources Stormwater drains and Narrabeen Lagoon discharge to the beach. Secondary treated and disinfected effluent from Warriewood STP is discharged from a cliff-face outfall to the north of the beach.

Actions The sand at the entrance to Narrabeen Lagoon is scheduled to be cleared in late 2006. This clearance will allow for improved entrance openings and associated tidal flow. This will improve the water quality near the entrance to Narrabeen Lagoon and reduce the need for beach closures at North Narrabeen.

Compliance A high level of compliance has been recorded over the last five years, with faecal coliform and enterococci levels complying with swimming guidelines 100% of the time in all but one season.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100 10097 100100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100

75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform densities increased with increasing rainfall but generally remained below the median guideline limits, only occasionally exceeding the guideline limit when 20 millimetres or more of rain had been received in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci densities also increased with increasing rainfall and often exceeded median guideline limits when ten millimetres or more of rain had been received in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100 median threshold 10 10 Bacterial count/100 mL 1 1 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 24-h rainfall (mm) 24-h rainfall (mm)

46 State of the Beaches 2005–2006

Birdwood Park

See page 42 for key to map Description A sandy stretch of beach located on the southern side of the lagoon entrance, backed by a park and picnic area.

Pollution sources Many stormwater drains, as well as Deep Creek, Middle Creek and South Creek, discharge to the lagoon.

Actions Habitat and water quality improvement works being conducted in the Narrabeen Lagoon catchment aim to improve environmental quality in the local area. Council periodically mechanically opens the entrance to the lagoon to allow it to drain and receive tidal flushing. The sand at the entrance of the lagoon will be cleared in late 2006; this will allow for improved Sydney Beaches entrance openings and associated tidal flow.

Compliance Monitoring at Birdwood Park began at the start of the 2005–2006 summer season. Compliance was 84% for faecal coliforms and 55% for enterococci during this period.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100 84

75 75 55 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci densities increased with increasing rainfall and often exceeded the median guideline limits in response to low levels of rainfall. Bacterial densities occasionally exceeding the guideline limits after little or no rainfall indicated a possible dry-weather contamination problem.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci z z z z 1000 1000 z 100 100 z median threshold 10 10 Bacterial count/100 mL 1 1 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 24-h rainfall (mm) 24-h rainfall (mm)

Season data Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 100000 0 ~ rainfall 10000 o individual result 50 rolling median 1000 rolling 80th percentile 100 100 Guidelines 150 10 (see page 7 for details) (mm) Rainfall Daily Bacterial count/100 mL median threshold 1 200 th 80 percentile May-05 Jul-05 Sep-05 Nov-05 Jan-06 Mar-06 May-06 May-05 Jul-05 Sep-05 Nov-05 Jan-06 Mar-06 May-06 threshold

The Beachwatch Program 47

Collaroy Beach

See page 42 for key to map Description The beach is backed by a park and picnic area. Rock baths are located at the southern end. Beach conditions are relatively safe south of the large stormwater drain. Lifeguards patrol the beach from October to April. Sydney Beaches Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge to the beach.

Actions Council is redesigning the stormwater outlet that discharges to the beach.

Compliance With the exception of summer 2002–2003, seasonal compliance with swimming guidelines for faecal coliforms and enterococci has been 100% over the last five years.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 91 100 88

75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06

Response to rainfall Bacterial densities generally increased with increasing rainfall. Faecal coliform densities mostly remained below the median guideline limit, occasionally exceeding the guideline limit when ten millimetres or more of rain had been received in the previous 24 hours, whereas enterococci densities often exceeded the median guideline when ten millimetres of rain or more was received in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

z z 100 100 z z median threshold 10 10 z Bacterial count/100 mL 1 1 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 24-h rainfall (mm) 24-h rainfall (mm)

48 State of the Beaches 2005–2006

Long Reef Beach

See page 42 for key to map Description The beach is backed by a golf course and a reserve. Strong rips create hazardous swimming conditions at this beach. Lifeguards patrol the beach from October to April.

Pollution sources A stormwater drain discharges to the beach, and Dee Why Lagoon is a source of pollution when open following heavy rainfall.

Actions The Dee Why Lagoon Estuary Management Plan details management actions for the protection the lagoon’s ecosystem’s health. This should ultimately improve water quality at Long Reef Beach at times when the lagoon is open to the ocean. Sydney Beaches Compliance Seasonal compliance with swimming guidelines for faecal coliforms and enterococci has been 100% over the last five years.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100

75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci densities increased slightly with increasing rainfall, and generally remained below the median guideline limits across all rainfall categories. Enterococci densities occasionally exceeded the guideline limit after five millimetres or more of rain had been received in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100

median threshold z z 10 z 10 z

Bacterial count/100 mL z 1 z 1 z 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 24-h rainfall (mm) 24-h rainfall (mm)

The Beachwatch Program 49

Dee Why Beach

See page 42 for key to map Description The beach is backed in part by a park and picnic area. An ocean pool is located at the southern end. Swimming can be hazardous because of strong and persistent rips. Lifeguards patrol the beach from October to April. Sydney Beaches Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge to the beach. Dee Why Lagoon can be a source of beach pollution when open to the ocean.

Compliance Faecal coliform and enterococci levels have complied with swimming guidelines 100% of the time over the last five years.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100

75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06

Response to rainfall Bacterial densities increased slightly with increasing rainfall, but generally remained below the median guideline limits. Enterococci densities occasionally exceeded the guideline limit when ten millimetres or more of rain had been received in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100 median threshold 10 10 Bacterial count/100 mL 1 1 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 24-h rainfall (mm) 24-h rainfall (mm)

50 State of the Beaches 2005–2006

North Curl Curl Beach

See page 42 for key to map Description Rock baths are located on the northern rock platform. Beach conditions are safest in the northern corner. Lifeguards patrol the beach from December to March on weekdays and from October to April on weekends.

Pollution sources Curl Curl Lagoon is a source of beach pollution when open following heavy rain.

Actions The Curl Curl Lagoon Estuary Management Plan details management actions for protection of the estuarine health of the lagoon. This should ultimately improve water quality at Dee Why Beach at times when the lagoon is open to the ocean.

Compliance With the exception of summer 2001–2002, 100% Sydney Beaches compliance with swimming guidelines has been recorded for faecal coliforms and enterococci over the last five years.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 88 100 88

75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci densities generally remained below the median guideline limit until 20 millimetres of rain or more had been received in 24 hours. These trends are also apparent in the season data plots below.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100 median threshold 10 10 Bacterial count/100 mL 1 1 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 24-h rainfall (mm) 24-h rainfall (mm)

The Beachwatch Program 51

South Curl Curl Beach

See page 42 for key to map Description Rock baths are located on the southern rock platform. Swimming can be hazardous because of rips. Lifeguards patrol the beach from October to April.

Pollution sources A stormwater drain discharges to the beach. Curl Curl Sydney Beaches Lagoon is a source of beach pollution when open following heavy rain.

Actions There are no actions specific to this beach this year.

Compliance Seasonal compliance with swimming guidelines for faecal coliforms and enterococci was 100% over the last five years.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100

75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06

Response to rainfall Bacterial densities increased slightly with increasing rainfall. Faecal coliform levels generally remained below the median guideline limits, whereas enterococci levels occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit after ten millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100 median threshold 10 10 Bacterial count/100 mL 1 1 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 24-h rainfall (mm) 24-h rainfall (mm)

52 State of the Beaches 2005–2006

Freshwater Beach

See page 42 for key to map Description Freshwater Beach is approximately 350 metres long. Rock baths are located on the northern rock platform. Lifeguards patrol the beach from October to April.

Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge to the beach.

Actions There are no actions specific to this beach.

Compliance Faecal coliform levels complied with swimming guidelines 100% over the last five years. With the exception of the 2003–2004 summer season, enterococci levels have also complied 100% of the time. Sydney Beaches

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 10097 100100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 84

75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06

Response to rainfall Bacterial densities increased with increasing rainfall. Faecal coliform densities generally remained below the median guideline limit, whereas enterococci densities often exceeded the median guideline limits after ten millimetres of rain or more had fallen in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100 median threshold 10 10 Bacterial count/100 mL 1 1 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 24-h rainfall (mm) 24-h rainfall (mm)

The Beachwatch Program 53

Sydney Metropolitan Beaches Sydney Beaches

Manly Council

The Beachwatch Program 55

Manly Council

Beaches: Queenscliff, North Steyne, South Steyne and Shelly Sydney Beaches

56 State of the Beaches 2005–2006

Manly Council

Location the 127 sites monitored for both faecal coliforms and enterococci, with many sites Manly Council covers an area of 16 square ranked equally. kilometres and has a population of The Manly Council beaches were generally approximately 38 300 people. ranked highly, with two sites ranked equal The Manly beaches occur along a two first, one site ranked fifth and one site kilometre stretch of coastline from ranked eighth. Queenscliff Head in the north to Shelly Actions to improve water quality Beach in the south. Actions specific to individual swimming Land uses within the Manly beach locations are included on the beach pages. catchments include residential, commercial, Improvements in water quality will also be

industrial, recreational and bushland. Sydney Beaches achieved as a result of trust grants and other Compliance with guidelines key projects. Compliance with swimming guidelines was Grant funding high at beaches in the Manly Council area Sea Change Manly: This project, in during summer 2005–2006 (Table 5). association with Manly Council, the All four beaches complied with the faecal University of Western Sydney and NSW coliform criteria 100% if the time. Stormwater Trust has been under way for Enterococci compliance was also high, with four years and has achieved significant Queenscliff and North Steyne beaches stormwater pollution reduction for Manly’s complying 100% of the time and South waterways. The program adopts pollution Steyne Beach complying 90% of the time. monitoring and assessment, and targets structural interventions (such as gross Shelly Beach complied with the enterococci pollution traps) and non-structural criteria 77% of the time, a fall of 23 intervention (such as environmental percentage points from the previous education and regulation) and scientific summer season. It should be noted that the evaluation. The program has involved enterococci levels that exceeded the companies from Manly’s Balgowlah guideline limits were still quite low, and are Industrial Estate and The Corso area in not necessarily indicative of either sewage identifying where improvements can be contamination or a significant health risk to made to prevent stormwater pollution at the swimmers under the new NHMRC source. Sea Change is now being developed guidelines (NHMRC 2005). into a total catchment water cycle The range of indicator bacteria levels management strategy for the Manly area, measured at Sydney beaches during with the model now in operation in the summer 2005–2006 is shown in Figure 8, Ivanhoe Park, Cemetery Creek and Totem with Manly Council beaches highlighted in Shopping Centre catchments. grey. Levels of faecal coliforms and Manly Beach Water Cycle Management enterococci were slightly higher than those Program: This program seeks to disconnect measured at other northern Sydney ocean impervious surfaces from the stormwater beaches, but were comparable to the levels pipes discharging onto Manly Ocean Beach, measured at city beaches. with the ultimate goal of removing Ranking of beaches stormwater pipes from Manly Beach. The program involves stormwater harvesting, All monitored harbour and ocean beach aquifer injection and recovery, pollution swimming locations in the Hunter, Sydney prevention, and flood alleviation. and Illawarra regions were ranked on the basis of their compliance with swimming An associated program will harvest guidelines during summer 2005–2006. A stormwater for the irrigation of Balgowlah total of 14 distinct ranks were observed for Golf Course and Balgowlah Oval. This will

The Beachwatch Program 57

provide for stormwater cleansing, minimise Council is conducting surveys of fish and water extraction from Burnt Bride Creek, fish habitat within the Cabbage Tree Bay improve environmental flows to Manly Aquatic Reserve as a means of assessing the Lagoon, and reduce stormwater pollution validity of the area as a ‘No Take’ Aquatic entering Manly Beach. Reserve. Manly Ocean Beach Coastline Management Other projects

Sydney Beaches Study and Coastline Management Plan: Manly Revive the Reeds: This has been an ongoing Council obtained a $60,000 grant, under the initiative of Manly Council since 2003, Department of Natural Resource’s Coastal aimed at rehabilitating the Manly Lagoon Management Program, to develop this plan. Catchment. The project has seen, and will The aim is to provide the best possible continue to see, a multitude of works carried management of Manly Beach in the short, out around Manly’s catchments, focusing medium and long term through the primarily on water quality, bush examination of coastal processes and their regeneration and revegetation, event current and potential future impacts on management and education programs for adjacent infrastructure, including the community, schools and businesses. seawall. Bricks & Water: Council continues to Manly Lagoon Rehabilitation Works: Manly implement its stormwater pollution and Warringah Councils received a $240000 prevention program for construction sites. grant under the NSW Government’s Estuary The information base has been revised, and Management Program. Works at five sites continuing education efforts with are in advanced planning, or are due to tradespersons aim to ensure sound commence. environmental practices are being In addition, aeration of Manly Lagoon has undertaken on site. been trialled as a means of facilitating Manly Lagoon and Catchment Integrated oxygenation and cleansing lagoon water. Catchment Management Strategy (ICMS): This will ultimately improve the quality of Manly and Warringah councils, with water discharging onto Queenscliff Beach. assistance from all Manly Lagoon Cabbage Tree Bay Management Plan: The plan Catchment stakeholders, recently adopted was adopted during 2000, and considerable the ICMS as an umbrella strategy that progress has been made on its combines all existing plans and actions into implementation, with approximately 90% of a single strategy for implementation. On- actions met. Manly Council received grant ground actions include replanting native funding assistance from the ‘Sharing Sydney vegetation, Streamwatch water quality Harbour Access Program’ 2003–2004 for monitoring, installation of sedimentation recycling facilities, interpretive signage and basins, removal of sediment and erosion-control measures in Cabbage Tree stabilisation of creek banks. Bay. In conjunction with the NSW Department of Primary Industries, Manly

Table 5: Compliance and ranking of Manly beaches for summer 2005–2006 Site Compliance (%) Overall rank Faecal Coliforms Enterococci (out of 14) Queenscliff Beach 100 100 1 North Steyne Beach 100 100 1 South Steyne Beach 100 90 5 Shelly Beach (Manly) 100 77 8

58 State of the Beaches 2005–2006

Figure 8: Range of bacterial levels at Sydney beaches during summer 2005–2006

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1000

100

1 ) r h h h h h h h h h h k h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h ls h h h h h k c c c c c c c r c c c c c c c c c ly c c c c c c c u l c c c c c r c c c i a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a n a a a a a a a o a a a a a b h e e e e e e e e e e P e e e e e e e e e a e e e e e e e r n e e e e e P B d a e k Enterococci density (cfu/100 mL) B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B M B B B B B B B B B B B B t B o f B l l r i r e a e n a r n e d n y y r r ff B e e ( a y e a r a a la la ly m l l l o e li n d te ll r a r l l l l lo o a a o tta e o h u u te n h n e t H d O a a o g e w r e c y y c m n e b b a G e u u e h a g p o e C a o a o g n l n b d la C s a v o u la o u n n h P v i w V w m r l R W l l w te te r r o a u i a i r r n e B a o o a lo o o S W A B e a e r r o g e h e B l r B r r B n i r B e u u S S a W N r u C n s e B m C C M E o r a o D e th y C C a T C C r u th l a M M L r u l N th th F Q o T th th W r o e r u th u N h o o o S o r S N o N S S N

The Beachwatch Program 59

Queenscliff Beach

See page 56 for key to map Description Queenscliff Beach is the northern end of the 1.4 km stretch of Manly beach. Rock baths are located on the northern rock platform. Swimming may be hazardous because of rips. Lifeguards patrol the beach from October to April. Sydney Beaches Pollution sources Two stormwater drains and Manly Lagoon discharge to the beach. There are numerous sewer overflows in Manly Lagoon catchment.

Actions Manly Council is implementing the Manly Beach Water Cycle Management Program, which seeks to manage stormwater through varies technologies with the aim of removing stormwater pipes from Manly Beach. Actions being implemented under the Manly Lagoon Integrated Catchment Management Strategy aim at improving the health of the Manly Lagoon System and should ultimately result in improved water quality at Manly’s ocean beaches.

Compliance Over the last five years, faecal coliform levels have complied with swimming guidelines 97% of the time or more. Enterococci compliances have been more varied, ranging from 56% to 100%.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100 10097 100 97 100100 100 100 100 100 95 100100 100 100 100 100 94 94

75 75 56 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06

Response to rainfall Bacterial densities increased with increasing rainfall, and often exceeded the median guideline limit after five to ten millimetres of rain or more had been recorded in the previous 24 hours. These trends are also apparent in the season data plots below.

100000 100000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 10000 10000

1000 1000

100 100 median threshold 10 10 Bacterial count/100 mL 1 1 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 24-h rainfall (mm) 24-h rainfall (mm)

60 State of the Beaches 2005–2006

North Steyne Beach

See page 56 for key to map Description North Steyne Beach is the middle section of the 1.4 kilometre stretch of Manly beach. Swimming can be hazardous, as rips occur along the beach. Lifeguards patrol the beach from October to April.

Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge to the beach. Manly Lagoon is also a source of pollution following heavy rain.

Actions Manly Council is implementing the Manly Beach Water Cycle Management Program, which seeks to manage stormwater through varies technologies with the aim of removing stormwater pipes from Manly Beach. Actions being implemented under the Manly Lagoon Integrated Catchment Management Strategy Sydney Beaches aim at improving the health of the Manly Lagoon System and should ultimately result in improved water quality at Manly’s ocean beaches.

Compliance Seasonal compliance with swimming guidelines for faecal coliforms was 100% over the last five years. Enterococci compliance has also been high, 97% or more, for the last five years.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 10097 100100 10097 100100 100 100 100 100

75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06

Response to rainfall Bacterial densities increased with increasing rainfall, and often exceeded the median guideline limits after ten millimetres of rain or more had been received in the previous 24 hours. These trends are also apparent in the season data plots below.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100 median threshold 10 10 Bacterial count/100 mL 1 1 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 24-h rainfall (mm) 24-h rainfall (mm)

The Beachwatch Program 61

South Steyne Beach

See page 56 for key to map Description South Steyne Beach is the southern end of the 1.4- kilometre stretch of Manly beach. Waves at South Steyne Beach tend to be a little lower than at the rest of the Manly beaches, but rips still persist. Lifeguards patrol the beach year round. Sydney Beaches Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge to the beach.

Compliance Seasonal compliance with swimming guidelines for faecal coliforms was 100% over the last five years. Enterococci compliance has varied with 100% compliance recorded in all winter seasons and between 84% and 90% compliance recorded in summer seasons.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 10097 100 97 100 97 100 100 100 100 90 84

75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06

Response to rainfall Bacterial levels increased with increasing rainfall. Faecal coliform densities often exceeded the median guideline limit in response to ten millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci densities often exceeded the median guideline limit after five millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100 median threshold 10 10 Bacterial count/100 mL 1 1 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 24-h rainfall (mm) 24-h rainfall (mm)

62 State of the Beaches 2005–2006

Shelly Beach (Manly)

See page 56 for key to map Description The beach is backed by a picnic area and reserve. The beach offers no surf and is relatively safe for swimming, apart from the deep water close to shore. The beach is not patrolled by lifeguards.

Pollution sources A stormwater drain discharges to the beach and a large sewer overflow is located within the catchment.

Actions Progress is continuing on implementing The Cabbage Tree Bay Management Plan. Shelly Beach received the runner-up award in the 2005 Keep Australia Beautiful Clean Beach Challenge State Awards.

Compliance Seasonal compliance with swimming guidelines for faecal coliforms was 100% over the last five years. Sydney Beaches Enterococci compliance ranged from 77% to 100% over the last five years.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 10097 100100 100 100 100 100 100 88 77 75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06

Response to rainfall Bacterial densities generally increased with increasing rainfall. Faecal coliform densities generally remained below the median guideline limit, whereas enterococci densities frequently exceeded the median guideline limit in response to ten millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100 median threshold 10 10 Bacterial count/100 mL 1 1 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 24-h rainfall (mm) 24-h rainfall (mm)

The Beachwatch Program 63

Sydney Beaches

64 State of the Beaches 2005–2006