Shoalhaven Local Government Area

Funded by the NSW Government under the NSW Water Safety watersafety.nsw.gov.au Black Spots Fund A NSW Government water safety initiative Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment Shoalhaven Local Government Area

June 2014 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Shoalhaven Local Government Area

Disclaimer This work is copyright. However, material form this publication may be copied or published by State Government agencies without the permission of SLSNSW on the condition that the meaning of the material is not altered and SLSNSW is acknowledged as the source of the material. Any other persons or bodies wishing to use the material must seek permission. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the NSW Government.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... VII 2 INTRODUCTION, SCOPE & CONTEXT ...... 16

2.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 16 2.2 CONTEXT AND SCOPE ...... 18 2.3 LIMITATIONS ...... 19 2.4 DEFINITION OF TERMS ...... 20 2.5 PROJECT TEAM / AUTHORS ...... 22 3 ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY ...... 23

3.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 23 3.2 SITE IDENTIFICATION ...... 23 3.3 SITE INSPECTION ...... 25 3.4 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND RISK ASSESSMENT ...... 28 3.5 BEACH HAZARD RATINGS AND OVERVIEW ...... 29 3.6 ABSAMP TYPES AND RATINGS ...... 30 3.7 ABSAMP BEACH TYPE CHARACTERISTIC OVERVIEW AND HAZARDS ...... 37 3.7.1 Longshore Bar and Trough ...... 37 3.7.2 Rhythmic Bar and Beach ...... 37 3.7.3 Transverse Bar and Rip ...... 38 3.7.4 Low Tide Terrace ...... 39 3.7.5 Reflective...... 40 3.7.6 Reflective plus Tidal Sand Flats ...... 41 3.7.7 Reflective plus rock flats ...... 41 3.7.8 Rock Platforms and Rocky Coasts ...... 42 3.8 FACILITY VISITATION RATES (FVR) ...... 43 3.8.1 Facility Visitation Rating (FVR) Reference Tables ...... 43 3.9 FACILITIES AUDIT ...... 50 3.10 POPULATION, DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM...... 51 3.10.1 Population Statistics ...... 51 3.10.2 Development Plans in Shoalhaven ...... 52 3.10.3 Tourism Information ...... 53 3.10.4 Beach Usage Statistics ...... 57 3.10.5 Drowning Incidents ...... 64 3.10.6 Emergency Callouts ...... 67 3.11 COMMUNICATION AND CONSULTATION ...... 70 4 RISK ASSESSMENT FINDINGS ...... 73

4.1 ACTION PLANNING PRIORITY (INHERENT GROSS RISK) ...... 73 4.1.1 Action Planning Priority Index ...... 73 4.1.2 Australian Beach Safety and Management Program ...... 74 4.1.3 Local Population Rating ...... 78 4.1.4 Human/Activity Interaction Rating ...... 81 4.1.5 Access Rating ...... 85 4.1.6 Action Planning Priority Score ...... 89 4.2 OVERVIEW OF PRINCIPAL RISK TREATMENTS ...... 106 4.2.1 Introduction ...... 106 4.2.2 Hierarchy of Risk Treatments (Controls) ...... 106 4.2.3 Education and Awareness Programs ...... 107 4.2.4 Safety Signage ...... 115 4.2.5 Emergency Marker System ...... 125 4.2.6 Access Infrastructure and Ongoing Capital Works/Maintenance Programs ...... 126 4.2.7 Public Rescue Equipment ...... 131 4.2.8 System of Supervision ...... 134

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5 EMERGENCY RESPONSE ...... 141

5.1 EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS/REPORTING - TRIPLE ZERO (000) ...... 141 5.2 EMERGENCY RESPONSE BEACONS ...... 142 5.3 EMERGENCY SERVICE RESPONSE ...... 143 5.4 RADIO COVERAGE ...... 146 5.5 JOINT EMERGENCY RESPONSE (LIFESAVERS AND LIFEGUARDS) ...... 149 6 MONITOR AND REVIEW ...... 150 REFERENCES ...... 151

APPENDICES APPENDIX A - Access and Signage Schedule APPENDIX B - Risk Register and Treatment Plan APPENDIX C - Public Rescue Equipment APPENDIX D - Facilities Audit APPENDIX E - Coverage Maps APPENDIX F - Stakeholder Engagement APPENDIX G - Life Saving Service Level Calculator APPENDIX H - Data Collection

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LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE 2.1.1: THE INTERNATIONAL LIFE SAVING FEDERATION DROWNING CHAIN...... 17 FIGURE 3.2.1: SHOALHAVEN LGA – ASSESSED LOCATIONS...... 24 FIGURE 3.4.1: RISK MANAGEMENT PROCESS (STANDARDS AUSTRALIA, 2009) ...... 28 FIGURE 3.6.1: SHOALHAVEN BEACHES, ABSAMP HAZARD RATINGS AND DROWNINGS...... 36 FIGURE 3.7.1: ILLUSTRATION OF A LONGSHORE BAR AND TROUGH BEACH...... 37 FIGURE 3.7.2: ILLUSTRATION OF A RHYTHMIC BAR & BEACH BEACH...... 37 FIGURE 3.7.3: ILLUSTRATION OF A TRANSVERSE BAR AND RIP BEACH...... 38 FIGURE 3.7.4: ILLUSTRATION OF A LOW TIDE TERRACE BEACH...... 39 FIGURE 3.7.5: ILLUSTRATION OF A REFLECTIVE BEACH...... 40 FIGURE 3.7.6: ILLUSTRATION OF A BEACH PLUS TIDAL SAND FLATS...... 41 FIGURE 3.7.7: ILLUSTRATION OF A BEACH FRONTED BY INTERTIDAL ROCK FLATS...... 41 FIGURE 3.10.1:SHOALHAVEN VOLUNTEER SURF LIFE SAVING CLUBS AVERAGE DAILY BEACH ATTENDANCE STATISTICS FROM JULY 2008 TO JUNE 2013. .. 57 FIGURE 3.10.2:SHOALHAVEN LIFEGUARD SERVICE AVERAGE DAILY BEACH ATTENDANCE STATISTICS FROM JULY 2008 TO APRIL 2014...... 58 FIGURE 3.10.3:SHOALHAVEN VOLUNTEER SURF LIFE SAVING CLUBS ANNUAL RESCUE STATISTICS FROM JULY 2008 TO JUNE 2013...... 59 FIGURE 3.10.4: SHOALHAVEN LIFEGUARD SERVICE ANNUAL RESCUE STATISTICS FROM JULY 2008 TO APRIL 2014...... 60 FIGURE 3.10.5: SHOLAHVEN VOLUNTEER SURF LIFE SAVING CLUBS TOTAL RESCUES, PREVENTIONS AND FIRST AID STATISTICS FROM JULY 2008 TO JUNE 2013...... 61 FIGURE 3.10.6:SHOALHAVEN LIFEGUARD SERVICE RESCUES, FIRST AID AND PREVENTION STATISTICS FOR 2008 TO 2013...... 62 FIGURE 3.10.7: SHOALHAVEN DROWNING LOCATIONS AND POSTCODE OF VICTIM RESIDENCE...... 66 FIGURE 3.10.8:SURF RESCUE EMERGENCY RESPONSE BY LOCATION (SLSNSW, 2014)...... 67 FIGURE 3.10.9: SURF RESCUE EMERGENCY RESPONSE BY SEASON AND DAY (SLSNSW, 2014)...... 68 FIGURE 3.10.10: SURF RESCUE EMERGENCY RESPONSE BY TIME AND DAY (SLSNSW, 2014)...... 68 FIGURE 3.10.11: SURF RESCUE EMERGENCY RESPONSE BY ACTIVITY (SLSNSW, 2014)...... 69 FIGURE 3.11.1: PROJECT BLUEPRINT FLYER...... 70 FIGURE 4.2.1 EXAMPLE OF THE SURF SAFETY INFOMRTAION AVAILABLE THROUGH THE ANU COASTAL CAMPUS WEBSITE ...... 107 FIGURE 4.2.2: EXAMPLE OF EDUCATION MATERIAL ABOUT ROCK FISHING AT HONEYMOON BAY...... 108 FIGURE 4.2.3:ROCK FISHING SAFETY WARNING SIGNAGE AT OUTER TUBES...... 108 FIGURE 4.2.4: EXAMPLE OF A SURF SAFETY INFORMATION POSTER AT TATHRA BEACH...... 109 FIGURE 4.2.5: EXAMPLE OF A NATIONAL PARKS VISITOR INFORMATION BOARD WHERE WATER SAFETY INFORMATION COULD BE DISPLAYED BY THE USE OF A QR CODE...... 109 FIGURE 4.2.6: EXAMPLE OF HOW A HIGHWAY BILLBOARD COULD LOOK PROMOTING SURF SAFETY IN THE SHOALHAVEN...... 110 FIGURE 4.2.7: SURF SAFETY PRESENTATION AT NEWPORT BEACH (PITTWATER LGA)...... 111 FIGURE 4.2.8: RECREATIONAL FISHING ALLIANCE ROCK FISHING SCHOOL...... 112 FIGURE 4.2.9: DON’T PUT YOUR LIFE ON THE LINE...... 113 FIGURE 4.2.10: SURVIVE A RIP CURRENT...... 113 FIGURE 4.2.11: BEACH SAFETY FOR TOURISTS / MIGRANTS...... 113 FIGURE 4.2.12: SWIM BETWEEN THE FLAGS...... 113 FIGURE 4.2.13: SAFETY SIGNAGE AT COUNCIL BEACHES...... 115 FIGURE 4.2.14: RIP EDUCATION AT COUNCIL BEACHES ...... 115 FIGURE 4.2.15: GUIDE TO RESCUSCITATION SIGNAGE AT COUNCIL BEACHES...... 115 FIGURE 4.2.16: SAFETY SIGNAGE AT NATIONAL PARKS...... 116 FIGURE 4.2.17: SAFETY SIGNAGE AT NATIONAL PARKS...... 116 FIGURE 4.2.18: ROCK FISHING SAFETY SIGNAGE...... 116 FIGURE 4.2.19: ROCK FISHING SAFETY SIGNAGE...... 116 FIGURE 4.2.20: BREAKWATER SAFETY SIGNAGE...... 116 FIGURE 4.2.21: SIGNAGE AT BURRILL LAKE...... 117 FIGURE 4.2.22: SIGNAGE AT BURRILL LAKE...... 117 FIGURE 4.2.23: SIGNAGE THAT HAS THE OPPORTUNITY FOR CONSOLIDATION...... 118 FIGURE 4.2.24: OPTIONS FOR SIGNAGE REMOVAL...... 118 FIGURE 4.2.25: EXAMPLE OF THE TYPE OF TEMPORARY SIGNAGE THAT COULD BE USED IN NATIONAL PARKS AREAS...... 119 FIGURE 4.2.26: MAP OF TEMPORARY SIGNAGE WARNING OF DANGEROUS SURF...... 119 FIGURE 4.2.27: EXAMPLE OF EMERGENCY MARKER SIGN...... 125 FIGURE 4.2.28: EXISTING EMERGENCY MARKER SIGN AT MOLLYMOOOK...... 125 FIGURE 4.2.29: FORMAL ACCESS AT RACECOURSE BEACH...... 126 FIGURE 4.2.30: INFORMAL ACCESS AT WARRAIN SOUTH...... 126 FIGURE 4.2.31: RESCUE TUBE LOCATED AT BURRILL LAKE...... 132 FIGURE 4.2.32: BURRILL LAKE ENTRANCE OVERVIEW...... 138 FIGURE 4.2.33: HAZARDOUS SURF WARNINGS PER MONTH - JANUARY TO DECEMBER (BUREAU OF METEOROLOGY , 2014)...... 139 FIGURE 5.2.1: EXAMPLE OF A MOBILE EMERGENCY RESPONSE BEACON ON A BEACH...... 142 FIGURE 5.3.1: EMERGENCY SERVICES WITHIN THE SHOALHAVEN LGA...... 145 FIGURE 5.4.1 SADDLEBACK RADIO REPEATER...... 146 FIGURE 5.4.2: POINT PERPINDICULAR REPEATER...... 146 FIGURE 5.4.3: SUSSEX INLET TRANSLATOR...... 147 FIGURE 5.4.4: EXPECTED RADIO COVERAGE FOR ULLADULLA AREA...... 147

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LIST OF TABLES

TABLE 2.4.1: DEFINITIONS OF KEY TERMS...... 20 TABLE 3.3.1: ASSESSED LOCATIONS AND ASSESSMENT DATES...... 25 TABLE 3.5.1 ABSAMP BEACH HAZARD RATINGS...... 29 TABLE 3.5.2 BEACH HAZARD RATING CALCULATION MATRICES FOR WAVE DOMINATE BEACHES...... 29 TABLE 3.6.1 ABSAMP BEACH HAZARD RATINGS – SHOALHAVEN LGA...... 30 TABLE 3.8.1 TYPICAL DEVELOPMENT AND NATURAL HAZARDS RATING FOR RESERVES – NON BEACH ENVIRONMENTS...... 43 TABLE 3.8.2 TYPICAL DEVELOPMENT RATINGS FOR BEACHES...... 43 TABLE 3.8.3 TYPICAL POPULATION USE RATING FOR A FACILITY...... 44 TABLE 3.8.4 SUGGESTED FREQUENCY USE RATING FOR A FACILITY...... 44 TABLE 3.8.5 FACILITY VISITATION RATES – FOR ASSESSED LOCATIONS...... 44 TABLE 3.9.1: THE 20 MOST COMMON FACILITIES ALONG THE SHOALHAVEN LGA COASTLINE...... 50 TABLE 3.9.2: THE TOP TEN LOCATIONS FOR FACILITIES WITHIN THE SHOALHAVEN LGA...... 50 TABLE 3.10.1 SHOALHAVEN POPULATION DATA (ABS, 2013)...... 51 TABLE 3.10.2 POPULATION COUNT OF COASTAL STATE SUBURBS IN THE SHOALHAVEN LGA (ABS, 2011)...... 51 TABLE 3.10.3 TOURISM DATA AND VISITOR INFORMATION FOR SHOALHAVEN LGA (‘DESTINATION NSW’, 2014)...... 53 TABLE 3.10.4 DOMESTIC OVERNIGHT TRAVEL DATA AND VISITOR INFORMATION FOR SHOALHAVEN LGA (‘DESTINATION NSW’, 2014)...... 53 TABLE 3.10.5 DAY TRIP TRAVEL DATA AND VISITOR INFORMATION FOR SHOALHAVEN LGA (‘DESTINATION NSW’, 2014)...... 53 TABLE 3.10.6 INTERNATIONAL OVERNIGHT TRAVEL DATA AND VISITOR INFORMATION FOR SHOALHAVEN LGA (‘DESTINATION NSW’ 2014)...... 54 TABLE 3.10.7 ACCOMMODATION PROVIDERS WITH DIRECT COASTAL ACCESS IN THE SHOALHAVEN LGA...... 55 TABLE 3.10.8 VOLUNTEER SURF LIFE SAVING TOTAL PREVENTIONS AND RESCUES FOR BEACHES IN THE SHOALHAVEN...... 63 TABLE 3.10.9 SHOALHAVEN CITY COUNCIL LIFEGUARD SERVICE TOTAL PREVENTIONS AND RESCUES...... 63 TABLE 3.10.10 DROWNING INCIDENTS WITHIN SHOALHAVEN LGA (SLSA, 2014)...... 64 TABLE 4.1.1 ABSAMP AND INDICATIVE RATINGS APPLIED TO ASSESSED LOCATIONS...... 74 TABLE 4.1.2 LOCAL POPULATION RATING DESCRIPTORS...... 78 TABLE 4.1.3 LOCAL POPULATION RATINGS APPLIED TO ASSESSED LOCATIONS...... 78 TABLE 4.1.4 HUMAN/ACTIVITY INTERACTION DESCRIPTORS...... 81 TABLE 4.1.5 HUMAN/ACTIVITY INTERACTION RATINGS APPLIED TO ASSESSED LOCATIONS...... 81 TABLE 4.1.6 ACCESS RATING DESCRIPTORS...... 85 TABLE 4.1.7 ACCESS RATINGS APPLIED TO ASSESSED LOCATIONS...... 85 TABLE 4.1.8 SUMMARY OF ACTION PLANNING PRIORITY CALCULATIONS FOR EACH ASSESSED LOCATION...... 89 TABLE 4.1.9: KEY TO LAND MANAGEMENT OF LOCATIONS...... 93 TABLE 4.1.10 ACTION PLANNING PRIORITY SCORES FOR ASSESSED LOCATIONS...... 93 TABLE 4.2.1 EXAMPLES OF EDUCATION AND AWARENESS PROGRAMS...... 112 TABLE 4.2.2 SUMMARY TABLE OF AQUATIC AND RECREATIONAL SIGNAGE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE SHOALHAVEN LGA...... 120 TABLE 4.2.3 ACCESS PROVISION WITHIN ASSESSED LOCATIONS IN SHOALHAVEN...... 127 TABLE 4.2.4 AN OVERVIEW OF PUBLIC RESCUE EQUIPMENT (PRE) (BRADSTREET, ET AL., 2012)...... 131 TABLE 4.2.5 PROPOSED LIFE RING LOCATIONS...... 132 TABLE 4.2.6 VOLUNTEER LIFESAVING SERVICES IN THE SHOALHAVEN LGA...... 135 TABLE 4.2.7 PAID LIFEGUARD SERVICES IN THE SHOALHAVEN LGA...... 136 TABLE 4.2.8 AVERAGE MONTHLY WATER TEMPERATURES FOR BATEMANS BAY (HYDRO METOC, 2014)...... 137 TABLE 5.3.1 COASTAL EMERGENCY SERVICE LOCATIONS FOR SHOALHAVEN LGA...... 143

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1 Executive Summary This report contains findings and treatment options which align with current International and Australian standards, guidelines and best practice risk management processes. The report contains information specific to locations under the authority of Shoalhaven City Council, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of Defence (Australian Government).

These locations include (north to south):

1. Seven Mile Beach 37. Long Beach 73. Bendalong / 109. Bawley Beach Inyadda 2. Comerong Island 38. Cabbage Tree Beach 74. Inyadda Point 110. Bawley Point 3. Crookhaven Heads 39. Chainman’s/Green 75. Manyana 111. Cormorant Point 4. Crookhaven/Culburra 40. Hare Bay 76. Cunjurong 112. Jewin Head 5. Tilbury Cove 41. Red Point 77. Green Island 113. Gannet 6. Penguin Head 42. Callala Bay 78. Conjola 114. Murramarang 7. Warrain North 43. Callala Point 79. Buckleys 115. Cat & Kitten 8. Kinghorn Point 44. Callala Beach 80. Narrawallee Head 116. Wilfords Point 9. Warrain South 45. Huskisson Point/Inlet 81. Narrawallee 117. Bull Pup 10. Currarong 46. Shark Net Beach/ 82. Bannister Point 118. Racecourse Tapalla Point 11. Currarong Point 47. Huskisson 83. Jones Beach 119. Shelly 12. Abrahams Bosom 48. Collingwood Beach 84. Mollymook 120. Avenue 13. Whale Point 49. Orion Beach 85. Golf Course Reef 121. Kioloa 14. Wilson 50. Barfleur Beach 86. Collers 122. Boat Ramp 15. Abrahams Head / 51. Plantation Point 87. Ulladulla Head 123. O'Hara Head Honeysuckle Point 16. Lobster Bay 52. Nelson Beach 88. Ulladulla Harbour 124. Merry Beach North 17. Little Beecroft Head 53. Blenheim Beach 89. Ulladulla Harbour 125. Snapper Point 18. Mermaids Inlet 54. Greenfield Beach 90. Ulladulla Harbour 126. Pretty Beach Sea Pool 19. Beecroft Head 55. Duck Gully 91. Warden Head North 127. Island 20. Moores Inlet 56. Chainman’s Beach 92. Warden Head South 128. O'Hara (S1) 21. Crocodile Head/Three 57. Hyams Point 93. Ulladulla Bommie 129. O'Hara (S2) Graves 22. Point Perpendicular 58. Hyams Beach / 94. Rennies 130. O'Hara (S3) Seamans 23. Outer Tubes 59. Sussex Inlet 95. Racecourse 131. Dawson Island North 24. The Docks 60. Farnham Headland 96. Racecourse 132. Dawson Island South South/Supertubes 25. Inner Tubes 61. Cudmirrah 97. Burrill 133. Snake Bay 26. Boat Harbour 62. Berrara/Kirby’s 98. Dolphin Point 134. Snake Bay South 27. Target 1/Fisherman’s 63. Berrara Point 99. Lagoon Head/Pot 135. Clear Point Beach Holes 28. Target 2/Little Target 64. Berrara South 100. Wairo Beach 136. Burns Bay Beach 29. Target 65. Bangalay 101. Tabourie 137. Pebbly Beach 30. Longnose Point 66. Monument 102. Stokes Island 138. Pebbly Coast 31. Silica Cove 67. Flat Rock 103. Sunburnt 139. Depot Beach 32. Dart Point 68. Dee 104. Termeil Lake 140. Tranquillity Bay 33. Groper Coast 69. Washerwoman 105. Meroo Head 141. Point Upright 34. Honeymoon Bay 70. Boat Harbour 106. Meroo 142. Durras North 35. Bindijine Beach 71. Red Head Point 107. Nuggan Point 36. Figtree Inlet 72. Red Head/One Tree 108. North Beach Beach

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Activities/Facilities The Shoalhaven Local Government Area (LGA) is a popular destination which sees year round public usage and recreational activity, including swimming, surfing (including all surfcraft), fishing, snorkelling/diving, boating, and walking.

A number of facilities support coastal usage and activities including well maintained car parks and beach access, lifeguard and lifesaving supervision, coastal walks, a number of public amenity blocks, BBQ’s, playgrounds and picnic tables.

Hazards/Risks The Shoalhaven LGA has a number of consistent hazards due to the geography and high energy nature of the area. These are outlined in detail in the report body and Appendix B.

Based on the risk assessment in Appendix B, the following hazards that have been rated with the greatest inherent risk for the Shoalhaven LGA:

Strong currents/rip currents: As a result of wave action and beach type Waves/waves overwashing: As a result of model wave height and exposure to ocean swells Inshore holes/drop off/deep water: As a result of coastal processes, wave action and beach type Slippery rocks/uneven surfaces: As a result of coastal geography/break walls and wave action Shallow sandbanks/shore dump: As a result of coastal process, wave action and beach type Submerged rocks: As a result of coastal geography and sand movement Cliffs/dangerous access: As a result of coastal geography Boating traffic: As a result of human interaction

It has been identified that the above listed hazards pose risk to the following types of recreational users:

Strong currents/rip currents: Swimmers, surf craft users, fishermen, rock platform users Waves/waves overwashing: Swimmers, surf craft users, fishermen, rock platform users Inshore holes/drop off/deep water: Swimmers, fishermen Slippery rocks/uneven surfaces: Fishermen, rock platform users Shallow sandbanks/shore dump: Swimmers, surf craft users Submerged rocks: Swimmers, surf craft users, fishermen Cliffs/dangerous access: Fishermen, walkers, sight seers Boating traffic: Swimmers, surf craft users, boaters

Existing Risk Treatments Land Managers in partnership with a number of other organisations have implemented the following risk treatment initiatives within the Shoalhaven LGA: o System of supervision o Education and awareness programs o Safety signage o Public rescue equipment

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Summary of Recommendations

Please note: o The below recommendations are provided as options for guidance only and will not be binding to the Land Manager o The below recommendations are in no particular order in regards to prioritisation o Further explanation to the recommendations should also be referenced and can be found on the corresponding pages o Some treatment options may be relevant for two or more agencies

Recommendation 1 Shoalhaven City Council should consider implementing the following risk treatment options:

Strategic Coordination:

1.1 Existing and future coastal development plans scheduled for the Shoalhaven Local Government Area, should consider the impact of increased coastal usage, discussing possible treatment options such as education, signage, access, public rescue equipment and supervision. (p.52)

1.2 Coastal usage and incident data (e.g. drowning incidents, emergency callouts, lifesaving and lifeguard statistics) should be used when making informed decisions about the implementation of risk treatments for coastal safety. (p.69)

1.3 Land Managers in the Shoalhaven Local Government Area should meet with Surf Life Saving South Coast as an effective forum which raises safety issues and implements coastal safety strategies. It is encouraged that the treatment options found in this report be addressed as part of this meeting. After an initial meeting, participants are encouraged to meet at least twice a year (before and after) the surf life saving season. (p.72)

1.4 As funding becomes available, treatment options outlined in this report should be implemented using a staged/prioritisation approach, based on evidence. (p.105)

Education:

1.5 Education and awareness programs within the Shoalhaven Local Government Area should continue to be implemented, reviewed and supported. Land Managers and key stakeholder groups who may not have the expertise to implement educational programs should work with peak water safety organisations to assist in delivery. (p.113)

1.6 Education and awareness programs should include standardised key safety messages which are recognised by the aquatic industry (e.g. http://www.watersafety.nsw.gov.au/). (p.113)

1.7 Develop relationships with tourism agencies with the aim of distributing standardised surf safety collateral (e.g. brochures and flyers) to all coastal accommodation providers in the Shoalhaven Local Government Area. (p.113)

1.8 Surf safety information, should be strategically placed in visual form at various coastal locations. Specific examples can be referenced in the report. (p.113)

1.9 Shoalhaven City Council in conjunction with peak water safety organisations and local cinema providers have the opportunity to screen advertisements which promote key surf safety messages. (p.113)

1.10 Shoalhaven City Council in conjunction with peak water safety organisations have the opportunity to advertise surf safety messages on roadside billboards, particular along highways. (p.113)

1.11 Shoalhaven City Council could work with South Coast Tourism to ensure that bus and coach companies operating within the LGA improve the safety of passengers that are transported to coastal locations. Specific examples are referenced in the report. (p.113)

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1.12 Shoalhaven City Council in conjunction with peak water safety organisations and caravan/tourist parks that have direct access to coastal waters, should organise an education day with their guests to learn about basic surf safety awareness. (p.114)

1.13 Continue to promote and encourage rock fishermen and recreational boaters to wear lifejackets. (p.114)

Safety Signage:

1.14 Standardised water safety signage that aligns to Australian standards and best-practice ‘style’ should be implemented at the locations listed in ‘Appendix A’. This may include the maintenance and upgrade of existing signage through planned works schedules, the consolidation of multiple existing signs into a single sign (less signs) or the removal of unnecessary signage. (p.124)

1.15 As outlined in the Facilitation Visitation Rating, all potential hazards identified within the facility that have a risk rating of high ‘Appendix B’ should appear on existing signs as warning symbols. (p.124)

1.16 Temporary signage should be used at accommodation providers that have direct coastal access to inform people of when beach conditions warrant the ‘closing of a beach’. Surf Life Saving NSW will be able to alert park operators when dangerous swell events are predicted through the dangerous surf advisory process. (p.124)

Access:

1.17 Formal access paths identified in ‘Appendix A’ should continue to be regularly maintained through ongoing infrastructure and capital works programs. This will encourage formal access use (rather than informal), enhance the effectiveness of water safety signage and minimise the quantity of signage needed. (p.130)

1.18 Informal access paths identified in ‘Appendix A’ should be considered for redirection or consolidation, in order to promote/facilitate the use of formal access. (p.130)

Public Rescue Equipment:

1.19 Based on the available evidence outlined in the report, rescue tubes are not recommended for use as Public Rescue Equipment and therefore the rescue tube located at the Burrill Lake car park should be removed. (p.133)

Supervision and Surveillance:

1.20 Explore the means to fund the lifeguard service at South Mollymook to cover weekdays from the start of December to the end of the NSW autumn school holidays. (p.140)

1.21 Explore the means to fund a lifeguard service at Burrill Lake during the 6 week summer school holiday period. (p.140)

1.22 Explore the means to fund a lifeguard service at Conjola Beach (in front of the tourist park) during the 6 week summer school holiday period. (p.140)

1.23 Explore the means to fund a lifeguard service at Tabourie (in front of the tourist park) during the 6 week summer school holiday period. (p.140)

1.24 Explore the means to fund all existing services to be extended to provide coverage over the autumn school holiday / Easter period. (p.140)

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Emergency Response:

1.25 The Shoalhaven Local Emergency Management Committee should discuss options to ensure that local emergency resources do not respond to the incorrect location where duplicate names exist within the Shoalhaven Local Government area e.g. Racecourse Beach, Boat Harbour and Chinamen’s. (p.149)

Monitor and Review:

1.26 In consultation with relevant stakeholders, this document should be reviewed annually to measure the effectiveness of any risk mitigation strategies and drowning prevention initiatives that have been implemented and where future funding opportunities can be directed. (p.150)

1.27 All drowning prevention strategies have the opportunity to be documented and incorporated into the relevant strategic and management plans. This will ensure consistency throughout the management area and a structured approach to maintenance. (p.150)

Recommendation 2 The National Parks and Wildlife Service – Office of Environment and Heritage should consider implementing the following risk treatment options:

Strategic Coordination:

2.1 Existing and future coastal development plans scheduled for the Shoalhaven Local Government Area, should consider the impact of increased coastal usage, discussing possible treatment options such as education, signage, access, public rescue equipment and supervision. (p.52)

2.2 Coastal usage and incident data (e.g. drowning incidents, emergency callouts, lifesaving and lifeguard statistics) should be used when making informed decisions about the implementation of risk treatments for coastal safety. (p.69)

2.3 Land Managers in the Shoalhaven Local Government Area should meet with Surf Life Saving South Coast as an effective forum which raises safety issues and implements coastal safety strategies. It is encouraged that the treatment options found in this report be addressed as part of this meeting. After an initial meeting, participants are encouraged to meet at least twice a year (before and after) the surf life saving season. (p.72)

2.4 As funding becomes available, treatment options outlined in this report should be implemented using a staged/prioritisation approach, based on evidence. (p.105)

Education:

2.5 Education and awareness programs within the Shoalhaven Local Government Area should continue to be implemented, reviewed and supported. Land Managers and key stakeholder groups who may not have the expertise to implement educational programs should work with peak water safety organisations to assist in delivery. (p.113)

2.6 Education and awareness programs should include standardised key safety messages which are recognised by the aquatic industry (e.g. http://www.watersafety.nsw.gov.au/). (p.113)

2.7 Surf safety information, should be strategically placed in visual form at various coastal locations. Specific examples can be referenced in the report. (p.113)

2.8 Continue to promote and encourage rock fishermen and recreational boaters to wear lifejackets. (p.113)

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Safety Signage:

2.9 Standardised water safety signage that aligns to Australian standards and best-practice ‘style’ should be implemented at the locations listed in ‘Appendix A’. This may include the maintenance and upgrade of existing signage through planned works schedules, the consolidation of multiple existing signs into a single sign (less signs) or the removal of unnecessary signage. (p.124)

2.10 As outlined in the Facilitation Visitation Rating, all potential hazards identified within the facility that have a risk rating of high ‘Appendix B’ should appear on existing signs as warning symbols. (p.124)

2.11 Investigate the use of temporary signage at the main vehicle entry points to the Murramarang National Park during Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) issued dangerous surf warnings – warning the public of large/hazardous waves. (p.124)

Access:

2.12 Formal access paths identified in ‘Appendix A’ should continue to be regularly maintained through ongoing infrastructure and capital works programs. This will encourage formal access use (rather than informal), enhance the effectiveness of water safety signage and minimise the quantity of signage needed. (p.130)

2.13 Informal access paths identified in ‘Appendix A’ should be considered for redirection or consolidation, in order to promote/facilitate the use of formal access. (p.130)

Supervision and Surveillance:

2.14 The National Parks and Wildlife Service should hold discussions with the Eurobodalla Shire Council about co-funding a lifeguard service during the peak summer school holidays (2 week period). (p.140)

Monitor and Review:

2.15 In consultation with relevant stakeholders, this document should be reviewed annually to measure the effectiveness of any risk mitigation strategies and drowning prevention initiatives that have been implemented and where future funding opportunities can be directed. (p.150)

2.16 All drowning prevention strategies have the opportunity to be documented and incorporated into the relevant strategic and management plans. This will ensure consistency throughout the management area and a structured approach to maintenance. (p.150)

Recommendation 3 The Department of Defence should consider implementing the following risk treatment options:

Strategic Coordination:

3.1 Land Managers in the Shoalhaven Local Government Area should meet with Surf Life Saving South Coast as an effective forum which raises safety issues and implements coastal safety strategies. It is encouraged that the treatment options found in this report be addressed as part of this meeting. After an initial meeting, participants are encouraged to meet at least twice a year (before and after) the surf life saving season. (p.69)

3.2 Land Managers in the Shoalhaven Local Government Area should meet with Surf Life Saving South Coast as an effective forum which raises safety issues and implements coastal safety strategies. It is encouraged that the treatment options found in this report be addressed as part of this meeting. After an initial meeting, participants are encouraged to meet at least twice a year (before and after) the surf life saving season. (p.72)

3.3 As funding becomes available, treatment options outlined in this report should be implemented using a staged/prioritisation approach, based on evidence. (p.105)

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Education:

3.4 Education and awareness programs within the Shoalhaven Local Government Area should continue to be implemented, reviewed and supported. Land Managers and key stakeholder groups who may not have the expertise to implement educational programs should work with peak water safety organisations to assist in delivery. (p.113)

3.5 Education and awareness programs should include standardised key safety messages which are recognised by the aquatic industry (e.g. http://www.watersafety.nsw.gov.au/). (p.113)

3.6 Continue to promote and encourage rock fishermen and recreational boaters to wear lifejackets. (p.114)

Safety Signage:

3.7 Standardised water safety signage that aligns to Australian standards and best-practice ‘style’ should be implemented at the locations listed in ‘Appendix A’. This may include the maintenance and upgrade of existing signage through planned works schedules, the consolidation of multiple existing signs into a single sign (less signs) or the removal of unnecessary signage. (p.124)

3.8 As outlined in the Facilitation Visitation Rating, all potential hazards identified within the facility that have a risk rating of high ‘Appendix B’ should appear on existing signs as warning symbols. (p.124)

Access:

3.9 Formal access paths identified in ‘Appendix A’ should continue to be regularly maintained through ongoing infrastructure and capital works programs. This will encourage formal access use (rather than informal), enhance the effectiveness of water safety signage and minimise the quantity of signage needed. (p.130)

3.10 Informal access paths identified in ‘Appendix A’ should be considered for redirection or consolidation, in order to promote/facilitate the use of formal access. (p.130)

Monitor and Review:

3.11 In consultation with relevant stakeholders, this document should be reviewed annually to measure the effectiveness of any risk mitigation strategies and drowning prevention initiatives that have been implemented and where future funding opportunities can be directed. (p.150)

3.12 All drowning prevention strategies have the opportunity to be documented and incorporated into the relevant strategic and management plans. This will ensure consistency throughout the management area and a structured approach to maintenance. (p.150)

Recommendation 4 The Water Safety Advisory Council should consider implementing the following risk treatment options:

Education:

4.1 Develop relationships with tourism agencies with the aim of distributing standardised surf safety collateral (e.g. brochures and flyers) to all coastal accommodation providers in the Shoalhaven Local Government Area. (p.113)

Emergency Marker Signage:

4.2 With guidance from the Ministry for Police and Emergency Services and Lands and Property Information, a state aligned emergency marker system at all identified access locations should be considered. (p.125)

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Public Rescue Equipment:

4.3 Explore the means to fund the expansion and continued maintenance of the ‘Angel Ring Project’ in consultation with the Australian National Sports Fishing Association (NSW Branch), the Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW and Shoalhaven City Council at the locations outlined in ‘Appendix C’. Final positioning should be determined by these fishing associations. (p.133)

Recommendation 5 Surf Life Saving (State, Branch & Club) and the Australian Lifeguard Service should consider implementing the following risk treatment options:

Strategic Coordination:

5.1 Research currently being conducted by the University of Melbourne, University of Wollongong and Surf Life Saving Australia into a rocky coast classification model and hazard rating system for rocky coast should be commended and supported. Once this research is completed the calculations related to rocky coasts in this report should be reviewed. (p.35)

5.2 For the upcoming 2014/15 season it is recommended that Surf Life Saving NSW work with Mollymook SLSC to be able to capture individual statistics from South Mollymook, North Mollymook and Narrawallee. (p.63)

5.3 Land Managers in the Shoalhaven Local Government Area should meet with Surf Life Saving South Coast as an effective forum which raises safety issues and implements coastal safety strategies. It is encouraged that the treatment options found in this report be addressed as part of this meeting. After an initial meeting, participants are encouraged to meet at least twice a year (before and after) the surf life saving season. (p.72)

Education

5.4 Surf Life Saving Clubs in the Shoalhaven Local Government Area should participate in the annual Rip Current Awareness Day. (p.114)

Safety Signage:

5.5 Temporary signage should be used at accommodation providers that have direct coastal access to inform people of when beach conditions warrant the ‘closing of a beach’. Surf Life Saving NSW will be able to alert park operators when dangerous swell events are predicted through the dangerous surf advisory process. (p.124)

5.6 Temporary signage should continue to be used at access locations near patrolled areas to direct patrons to a supervised swimming area and where here is a higher risk of injury due to temporary hazards such as strong currents, creek openings and pollution. (p.124)

Emergency Marker Signage:

5.7 To reduce the likelihood of confusion which may lead to delays in an emergency response, Australian CoastSafe will supply the Emergency Information Coordination Unit (EICU) (NSW LPI) with data and information collected referencing the existing localised marker system for inclusion in the Spatial Information and Mapping System (SIMS). (p.125)

Supervision and Surveillance:

5.8 Branch and club procedures should continue to ensure that roving patrols are performed on a regular basis to cover a nearby beach/section of a beach that is not patrolled. (p.140)

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Emergency Response:

5.9 Surf Life Saving should continue to hold discussions with Surf Life Saving South Coast to raise any current issues and opportunities which could see further radio infrastructure installed to improve communication. (p.148)

5.10 An emergency response training scenario should be conducted with South Coast Branch Duty Officers/Support Operations, senior Shoalhaven Lifeguards and the local emergency services once a year before the commencement of the surf life saving season. (p.149)

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2 Introduction, Scope & Context

2.1 Introduction

Project Background Surf Life Saving New South Wales is undertaking a significant state-wide drowning prevention project, known as Project Blueprint. As a core component of the project, every accessible coastal beach and rock platform in New South Wales are being assessed using industry leading systems and processes. The outcomes will include evidence based drowning prevention treatment options to stakeholders and government, both at a local, regional and state level.

Project Blueprint is being delivered by Australian CoastSafe, as the leading coastal public safety risk management authority in Australia. Australian CoastSafe is the strategic and intelligence beach safety unit of Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) – visit www.coastsafe.org.au for more information.

This document is a coastal public safety risk assessment and treatment plan specific to water safety related issues identified at every beach/rock platform located on the coast of the Shoalhaven LGA. The Land Managers of this area include Shoalhaven City Council, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) – Office of Environment and Heritage and the Department of Defence.

The Drowning Issue Tragically, NSW accounts for 50% of the national coastal drowning toll annually. As of 30 June 2013, there have been 338 coastal drowning deaths in NSW since 1 July 20041. The vast majority of these can be attributed to swimming/rip-currents and rock-fishing, with almost all occurring at unpatrolled locations/times, where no expert assistance is immediately available.

Accidental drowning deaths in the coastal aquatic environment can be accounted for through a number of factors known as the ‘drowning chain’ (Figure 2.1.1) These are: o Lack of knowledge, disregard or misunderstanding of the hazard o Uninformed or unrestricted access to the hazard o Lack of supervision or surveillance o An inability to cope once in difficulty

The strategies that have been identified to address the drowning chain are: o Education and information o Denial of access, improvement of infrastructure and/or provision of warnings o Provision of supervision o Acquisition of survival skills

1 Surf Life Saving Incident Reporting Database

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Figure 2.1.1: The International Life Saving Federation Drowning Chain. Source: International Life Saving Federation (2008)

Treatment Options This report will be fundamental in addressing the coastal drowning issue in NSW both in the short, mid and long term. The report will do this by providing a sustainable and effective drowning prevention strategy with clear supporting evidence/data, engagement of relevant stakeholders, and the application of effective risk mitigation and drowning prevention initiatives where and when they are required.

It is acknowledged that Land Managers have many competing priorities and limited resources. Land Managers should balance water safety land management activities within the context of their broader role to provide services and facilities to meet the current future needs of their local communities as a whole, all within a limited budget.

This report recognises that there are many inherent risks associated with the NSW coastline and that in most instances these risks associated with the NSW coastline cannot be eliminated and can only be managed within the operations contexts of the land manager, taking into account all of their responsibilities and available resources. This report also recognises that visitors to these areas also have a personal responsibility for their own safety and those they are responsible for.

The treatment options found in the report are representative of Australian CoastSafe’s opinion in relation to risk management at the locations assessed.

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2.2 Context and Scope

Context Surf Life Saving New South Wales recently received funding as part of a NSW Government water safety initiative through the Water Safety Black Spots Fund to commence coastal public safety risk assessments on the NSW coastline (beaches and rock platforms). The program will be staged over several years with phase two to include the Pittwater, Warringah, Manly, Shoalhaven and Bega Valley LGAs.

The report provides risk treatment options about how to improve risk and safety management in line with current industry standards: o AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 Risk management – Principles and Guidelines o AS/NZS2416.1:2010 Water Safety Signs and Beach Safety Flags o AS 2899(.1&.2) – 1986 Public Information Symbols Part 1 and 2 o ISO 7001:2007 Graphical symbols – Public information symbols o AS2342 – 1992 Development, Testing and Implementing of Information and Safety Symbols and Symbolic Signs o ISO9001:2008 Quality Management Systems – Requirements

Scope This coastal risk assessment and treatment plan has been prepared following an on-site risk assessment undertaken by Australian CoastSafe of the Shoalhaven LGA which commenced on Tuesday 11th March and concluded on Wednesday 30th April, 2014.

The assessment identifies hazards and the associated risks of the coastal environment, including but not limited to; signage, car parks, access tracks, service provision, geographical hazards, geological hazards, user groups, conflicting activities and usage. The report also identifies facilities and activities that encourage people to visit the location.

Aquatic areas which are excluded from this assessment include all bodies of water which are not ‘coastal’ in nature under SLSA definitions, and all hazards not directly associated with the use and immediate access to the coastal aquatic environment. While recreational and commercial boating may occur in these waters the detailed assessment of hazards and their treatments specific to boating activities falls outside the scope of this report. Information on boating safety can be found at www.maritime.nsw.gov.au

The engagement of Land Managers and other key local stakeholders was also a vital part of this risk assessment.

Australian CoastSafe assessed the following in detail: o Access locations, classifying these as formal or informal access tracks and recommending treatment options. Signage that should be implemented, in conjunction with an audit of current signage Appendix A. o Hazards, their potential risks, risk groups, risk scores and treatment options Appendix B. o Public rescue equipment that should be implemented, in conjunction with an audit of current public rescue equipment Appendix C. o Facilities and points of interest that may attract members of the public to coastal locations Appendix D.

Other appendices include: o Coverage maps of assessed locations Appendix E. o Stakeholder Engagement Appendix F. o Life Saving Service Level Calculator Appendix G. o Data Collection Appendix H.

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At no time during the inspection was the water entered. The assessments were performed from the land, along the edges of the water, along rocky outcrops, headlands, access tracks and car park access points.

2.3 Limitations

The following are acknowledged as limitations of this coastal public safety risk assessment. o The absence of an agreed and recognised methodology for rating the hazardousness of rock platforms. o Difficulty in gaining feedback from all identified stakeholders. o Limited timeframes allowed for stakeholders to provide feedback on consultative draft versions of the main report and appendices (particularly Appendix A) as a result of the project timeframes.

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2.4 Definition of Terms

Definitions of the key terms used within this report are provided below.

Table 2.4.1: Definitions of Key Terms.

ABSAMP Australian Beach Safety and Management Program

Attendance A snapshot of the on-beach and in-water attendance taken every two hours on a daily basis

ATV All-terrain vehicle

CALD Culturally And Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Communities

Coastal The foreshore, seabed, coastal water, and airspace above a large body of water (harbour/bay/inlet), including areas up to 2NM offshore and of which the landward boundary is the line of mean high water, except that where that line crosses a river/inlet, the landward boundary at that point shall be the point upstream that is calculated by multiplying the width of the river/inlet mouth by 5 (Adapted from the Resource Management Amendment Act 1991 – New Zealand).

Coastal Waterway A coastal body of water e.g. river/creek opening

Consequence Outcome or impact of an event

Control An existing process, policy, device, practice or other action that acts to minimise negative risk or enhance positive opportunities

Emergency Action Plan A plan that outlines the procedures to be used in the event of an emergency

First Aid A lifesaver/lifeguard treating either a minor or major first aid incident, which may require further assistance from NSW Ambulance e.g. broken bones or stings/bites

Formal Access Formal, well maintained access ways are effective in promoting and facilitating the use of a generally safer ‘track’, effectively exposing people to the relevant safety signage/information, reducing the quality of signage required and enhancing emergency reporting/location identification.

Frequency A measure of the number of occurrences per unit of time

Geomorphology Is the scientific study of landforms and the processes that shape them

Hazard A source of potential harm

Hazard Symbols A graphical symbol used together with a safety colour and safety shape to form a safety sign

Inaccessible A location that is not able to be accessed from land by standard reasoning and/or entry is prohibited by private access

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Informal Access Informal access ways may create higher risk through use (uneven ground/hazards), may expose people to dangerous locations (cliffs/sink-holes), may require duplicate/multiple signage (inefficient/costly) and may make emergency location reporting difficult (location awareness).

Inherent Risk The risk that an activity would pose if no controls or other mitigating factors were in place

IRB Inflatable Rescue Boat

LGA Local Government Area – for the purposes of this report this area is used to determine the scope of the assessment (i.e. the coastal boundary of the Local Government Area). This may include lands managed by Councils, Crown and National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Lifesaving Service An organised and structured service comprised of paid lifeguards and/or volunteer lifesavers and appropriate rescue and first aid equipment supported by a coordinated backup team

Likelihood Used as a general description of probability or frequency

Modal The conditions that occur most frequently, or more often than other conditions.

Monitor To check, supervise, observe critically or measure the progress of an activity, action or system on a regular basis in order to identify change from the performance level required or expected

Peak Water Safety A peak body is defined as a state, territory or national non-profit organisation Agencies established to cater for the needs, interests and aspirations of its members. Members may include individuals or organisations, but they will all have a common interest. Peak bodies in the water safety sector may include agencies such as Surf Life Saving, Royal Life Saving, Surf Educators Australia, Austswim, Australian Professional Ocean Lifeguard Association, Surfing NSW and the Office of Boating Safety who represent the NSW Water Safety Advisory Council as a committee member.

Prevailing The conditions existing in a particular place or at a particular time

Preventative Action / A lifesaver/lifeguard simply providing proactive direction or advice to beachgoers Prevention in a ‘preventative action’ for the beachgoer to avoid finding themselves in a position beyond their capability

Probability A measure of the chance of occurrence expressed as a number

Rescue A lifesaver/lifeguard rendering direct assistance to a beachgoer in difficulty in the water

Residual Risk Risk remaining after implementation of risk treatments

Rip Current Channelled currents of water flowing away from shore, typically extending from the shoreline, through the surf zone, and past the line of breaking waves

Risk Standards Australia defines risk as the effect of uncertainty on objects (AS/NZS 31000:2009)

Risk Analysis Systematic process to understand the nature of and to the level of risk

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Risk Assessment Standards Australia defines a risk assessment as the overall process of risk identification, risk analysis and risk evaluation (AS/NZS 31000:2009)

Risk Evaluation Process of comparing the level of risk against criteria

Risk Identification The process of determining what, where, when, why and how something should happen

Risk Management Standards Australia defines risk management as coordinated activities to direct and control an organisation with regard to risk (AS/NZS 31000:2009).

Risk Register A table summarising the identified risks, the location, why it has been identified as a risk, and what current treatments are in place to lessen the risk and an overall hazard rating.

Risk Treatment Process of selection and implementation of measures to modify risk

Risk Treatment Plan A table summarising how to deal with the identified risks, including a list of potential risk treatments, the risk treatments currently and any residual risk.

RWC Rescue water craft (jet ski)

SLS Branch Surf Life Saving Branch, a regional body of Surf Life Saving formed to further the objects of surf lifesaving in a particular geographic area.

Stakeholders Those people and organisations who may affect, be affected, or perceive themselves to be affected by a decision, activity or risk

2.5 Project Team / Authors

Project Team: Adam Weir, Coastal Risk Manager, [email protected] Camilla Green, Coastal Risk Officer, [email protected] Luke Stigter, Coastal Risk Officer, [email protected] Chris Twine, Coastal Administration Officer, [email protected]

Australian CoastSafe Surf Life Saving New South Wales Ph: 02-9471 8000| F: 02-9471 8001 W: www.coastsafe.org.au/blueprint

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3 Assessment Methodology

3.1 Introduction The methodology included site identification, site inspection, hazard identification, data analysis, beach hazard ratings, beach identification, facility visitation ratings, facilities, beach usage, tourism data, incident data, communication and consultation.

3.2 Site Identification The map in (Figure 3.2.1) provides an overview of the locations of beaches and rock platforms within the Shoalhaven LGA subject to the coastal risk assessment2. The specific locations can be referenced in Appendix E. All together the Australian CoastSafe team assessed approximately 160km of coastline in the Shoalhaven LGA.

The area includes locations and/or facilities under the administration of: o Shoalhaven City Council o National Parks and Wildlife Service o Department of Defence o Department of Lands (Crown Lands)

The assessment identifies hazards and the associated risks of the coastal environment and is not limited to signage, car parks, access tracks, service provision, geographical hazards, geological hazards, user groups, conflicting activities and usage. The report also identifies facilities and activities that encourage people to visit the location.

The geographical scope of this assessment has been determined by the northern and southern boundaries of the Shoalhaven LGA. All accessible coastal environments within these boundaries have been included in this report. Coastal locations within the Booderee National Park were not assessed as this land is part of the Australian Capital Territory and is federally governed.

2 Several of the coastal location names on the following map are overlapped due to the size of the LGA. A digital map with all locations will be made available on an accompanying CD with the final report.

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Figure 3.2.1: Shoalhaven LGA – Assessed Locations.

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3.3 Site Inspection

Table 3.3.1: Assessed locations and assessment dates.

Location Land Management Authority Date

Seven Mile Beach Shoalhaven City Council / Seven Tuesday 11 March, 2014 Mile Beach National Park Comerong Island Comerong Island Nature Reserve Tuesday 11 March, 2014 Crookhaven Heads Shoalhaven City Council Tuesday 11 March, 2014 Crookhaven/Culburra Shoalhaven City Council Thursday 13 March, 2014 Tilbury Cove Shoalhaven City Council Thursday 13 March, 2014 Penguin Head Shoalhaven City Council Thursday 13 March, 2014 Warrain North Shoalhaven City Council / Jervis Thursday 13 March, 2014 Bay National Park Kinghorn Point Shoalhaven City Council Thursday 13 March, 2014 Warrain South Shoalhaven City Council / Jervis Thursday 13 March, 2014 Bay National Park Currarong Shoalhaven City Council Friday 14 March, 2014 Currarong Point Shoalhaven City Council Sunday 16 March, 2014 Abrahams Bosom Crown Lands Sunday 16 March, 2014 Whale Point Crown Lands Sunday 16 March, 2014 Wilson Crown Lands Sunday 16 March, 2014 Abrahams Head / Honeysuckle Point Crown Lands Sunday 16 March, 2014 Lobster Bay Crown Lands Sunday 16 March, 2014 Little Beecroft Head Crown Lands Sunday 16 March, 2014 Mermaids Inlet Crown Lands Sunday 16 March, 2014 Beecroft Head Crown Lands Sunday 16 March, 2014 Moores Inlet Crown Lands Sunday 16 March, 2014 Crocodile Head/Three Graves Department of Defence Saturday 15 March, 2014 Point Perpendicular Department of Defence Saturday 15 March, 2014 Outer Tubes Department of Defence Saturday 15 March, 2014 The Docks Department of Defence Not assessed (inaccessible) Inner Tubes Department of Defence Not assessed (inaccessible) Boat Harbour Department of Defence Saturday 15 March, 2014 Target 1 / Fisherman’s Beach Department of Defence Saturday 15 March, 2014 Target 2 / Little Target Beach Department of Defence Saturday 15 March, 2014 Target Department of Defence Saturday 15 March, 2014 Longnose Point Department of Defence Saturday 15 March, 2014 Silica Cove Department of Defence Saturday 15 March, 2014 Dart Point Department of Defence Not assessed (inaccessible) Groper Coast Department of Defence Friday 14 March, 2014 Honeymoon Bay Department of Defence Friday 14 March, 2014 Bindijine Beach Department of Defence Friday 14 March, 2014 Figtree Inlet Department of Defence Friday 14 March, 2014 Long Beach Department of Defence Friday 14 March, 2014 Cabbage Tree Beach Department of Defence Friday 14 March, 2014 Chainman’s / Green Point Department of Defence Friday 14 March, 2014 Hare Bay Jervis Bay National Park Sunday 16 March, 2014 Red Point Shoalhaven City Council / Jervis Sunday 16 March, 2014 Bay National Park Callala Bay Shoalhaven City Council Sunday 16 March, 2014 Callala Point Shoalhaven City Council Sunday 16 March, 2014 Callala Beach Shoalhaven City Council Monday 17 March, 2014 Huskisson Point/Inlet Shoalhaven City Council Monday 17 March, 2014

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Shark Net Beach / Tapalla Point Shoalhaven City Council Monday 17 March, 2014 Huskisson Shoalhaven City Council Monday 17 March, 2014 Collingwood Beach Shoalhaven City Council Monday 17 March, 2014 Orion Beach Shoalhaven City Council Wednesday 12 March, 2014 Barfleur Beach Shoalhaven City Council Wednesday 12 March, 2014 Plantation Point Shoalhaven City Council Wednesday 12 March, 2014 Nelson Beach Shoalhaven City Council Wednesday 12 March, 2014 Blenheim Beach Jervis Bay National Park Wednesday 12 March, 2014 Greenfield Beach Jervis Bay National Park Wednesday 12 March, 2014 Duck Gully Jervis Bay National Park Wednesday 12 March, 2014 Chainman’s Beach Shoalhaven City Council / Jervis Wednesday 12 March, 2014 Bay National Park Hyams Point Shoalhaven City Council Wednesday 12 March, 2014 Hyams Beach / Seamans Shoalhaven City Council / Jervis Wednesday 12 March, 2014 Bay National Park Sussex Inlet Shoalhaven City Council Wednesday 26 March, 2014 Farnham Headland Shoalhaven City Council Wednesday 26 March, 2014 Cudmirrah Shoalhaven City Council Wednesday 26 March, 2014 Berrara/Kirby’s Shoalhaven City Council Wednesday 26 March, 2014 Berrara Point Conjola National Park Wednesday 26 March, 2014 Berrara South Conjola National Park Wednesday 26 March, 2014 Bangalay Conjola National Park / Wednesday 26 March, 2014 Shoalhaven City Council Monument Shoalhaven City Council Wednesday 26 March, 2014 Flat Rock Shoalhaven City Council Wednesday 26 March, 2014 Dee Shoalhaven City Council Wednesday 26 March, 2014 Washerwoman Shoalhaven City Council Wednesday 26 March, 2014 Boat Harbour Shoalhaven City Council Thursday 27 March, 2014 Red Head Point Shoalhaven City Council Thursday 27 March, 2014 Red Head/One Tree Beach Shoalhaven City Council Thursday 27 March, 2014 Bendalong / Inyadda Shoalhaven City Council Thursday 27 March, 2014 Inyadda Point Shoalhaven City Council Thursday 27 March, 2014 Manyana Shoalhaven City Council Thursday 27 March, 2014 Cunjurong Shoalhaven City Council Thursday 27 March, 2014 Green Island Shoalhaven City Council Thursday 27 March, 2014 Conjola Shoalhaven City Council / Thursday 27 March, 2014 Narrawallee Creek Reserve Buckleys Narrawallee Creek Reserve Thursday 27 March, 2014 Narrawallee Head Shoalhaven City Council Friday 28 March, 2014 Narrawallee Shoalhaven City Council Friday 28 March, 2014 Bannister Point Shoalhaven City Council Friday 28 March, 2014 Jones Beach Shoalhaven City Council Friday 28 March, 2014 Mollymook Shoalhaven City Council Friday 28 March, 2014 Golf Course Reef Shoalhaven City Council Friday 28 March, 2014 Collers Shoalhaven City Council Friday 28 March, 2014 Ulladulla Head Shoalhaven City Council Saturday 29 March, 2014 Ulladulla Harbour North Shoalhaven City Council/Crown Saturday 29 March, 2014 Lands Ulladulla Harbour Shoalhaven City Council/Crown Saturday 29 March, 2014 Lands Ulladulla Harbour Sea Pool Shoalhaven City Council Saturday 29 March, 2014 Warden Head North Shoalhaven City Council Saturday 29 March, 2014 Warden Head South Shoalhaven City Council Saturday 29 March, 2014 Ulladulla Bommie Shoalhaven City Council Saturday 29 March, 2014 Rennies Shoalhaven City Council Saturday 29 March, 2014

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Racecourse Shoalhaven City Council Sunday 30 March, 2014 Racecourse South/Supertubes Shoalhaven City Council Sunday 30 March, 2014 Burrill Shoalhaven City Council Sunday 30 March, 2014 Dolphin Point Shoalhaven City Council Sunday 30 March, 2014 Lagoon Head/Pot Holes Shoalhaven City Council Sunday 30 March, 2014 Wairo Beach Shoalhaven City Council / Meroo Sunday 30 March, 2014 National Park Tabourie Shoalhaven City Council / Meroo Monday 31 March, 2014 National Park Stokes Island Meroo National Park Monday 31 March, 2014 Sunburnt Meroo National Park Monday 31 March, 2014 Termeil Lake Meroo National Park Monday 31 March, 2014 Meroo Head Meroo National Park Monday 31 March, 2014 Meroo Meroo National Park Monday 31 March & Monday 7 April, 2014 Nuggan Point Meroo National Park Monday 7 April, 2014 North Beach Shoalhaven City Council/ Meroo Monday 7 April, 2014 National Park Bawley Beach Shoalhaven City Council Monday 7 April, 2014 Bawley Point Shoalhaven City Council Monday 7 April, 2014 Cormorant Shoalhaven City Council Monday 7 April, 2014 Jewin Head Shoalhaven City Council Monday 7 April, 2014 Gannet Shoalhaven City Council Monday 7 April, 2014 Murramarang Shoalhaven City Council / Monday 7 April & Tuesday 29 Murramurrang Aboriginal Area April, 2014 Cat & Kitten Murramurang Aboriginal Area Tuesday 29 April, 2014 Wilfords Point Murramurang Aboriginal Area Tuesday 29 April, 2014 Bull Pup Murramurang Aboriginal Area Tuesday 29 April, 2014 Racecourse Murramurang Aboriginal Area Tuesday 29 April, 2014 Shelly Shoalhaven City Council Tuesday 29 April, 2014 Avenue Shoalhaven City Council Tuesday 29 April, 2014 Kioloa Shoalhaven City Council Tuesday 29 April, 2014 Boat Ramp Shoalhaven City Council Tuesday 29 April, 2014 O'Hara Head Shoalhaven City Council Tuesday 29 April, 2014 Merry Beach Murramarang National Park Tuesday 29 April, 2014 Snapper Point Murramarang National Park Tuesday 29 April, 2014 Pretty Beach Murramarang National Park Tuesday 29 April, 2014 Island Murramarang National Park Wednesday 30 April, 2014 O'Hara (S1) Murramarang National Park Wednesday 30 April, 2014 O'Hara (S2) Murramarang National Park Wednesday 30 April, 2014 O'Hara (S3) Murramarang National Park Wednesday 30 April, 2014 Dawson Island North Murramarang National Park Wednesday 30 April, 2014 Dawson Island South Murramarang National Park Wednesday 30 April, 2014 Snake Bay Murramarang National Park Wednesday 30 April, 2014 Snake Bay South Murramarang National Park Wednesday 30 April, 2014 Clear Point Murramarang National Park Wednesday 30 April, 2014 Burns Bay Murramarang National Park Wednesday 30 April, 2014 Pebbly Beach Murramarang National Park Wednesday 30 April, 2014 Pebbly Coast Murramarang National Park Wednesday 30 April, 2014 Depot Beach Murramarang National Park Wednesday 30 April, 2014 Tranquillity Bay Murramarang National Park Wednesday 30 April, 2014 Point Upright Murramarang National Park Wednesday 30 April, 2014 Durras North Murramarang National Park Wednesday 30 April, 2014

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3.4 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment During the site inspection hazards were identified within the area inspected and assessed in terms of their individual risk to public safety (extreme, high, medium, low) using a risk assessment matrix Appendix B.

The risk assessment matrix considers both the type of harm that could be sustained as a result of an individual hazard and the likelihood of this harm actually occurring.

Hazards/Risks The Shoalhaven LGA has a number of consistent hazards due to the geography and high energy nature of the beaches in the area.

Based on the risk assessment in Appendix B, the following hazards that have been rated with the greatest inherent risk for the Shoalhaven LGA:

Strong currents/rip currents: As a result of wave action and beach type Waves/waves over washing: As a result of model wave height and exposure to ocean swells Inshore holes/drop-off/deep water: As a result of coastal processes, wave action and beach type Slippery rocks/uneven surfaces: As a result of coastal geography/break walls and wave action Shallow sandbanks/shore dump: As a result of coastal process, wave action and beach type Submerged rocks: As a result of coastal geography and sand movement Cliffs/dangerous access: As a result of coastal geography Boating traffic: As a result of human interaction

It has been identified that the above listed hazards pose risk to the following types of recreational users:

Strong currents/rip currents: Swimmers, surf craft users, fishermen, rock platform users Waves/waves over washing: Swimmers, surf craft users, fishermen, rock platform users Inshore holes/drop-off/deep water: Swimmers, fishermen Slippery rocks/uneven surfaces: Fishermen, rock platform users Shallow sandbanks/shore dump: Swimmers, surf craft users Submerged rocks: Swimmers, surf craft users, fishermen Cliffs/dangerous access: Fishermen, walkers, sight seers Boating traffic: Swimmers, surf craft users, boaters

This coastal public safety risk assessment aligns with the international standard of risk management ‘AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 Risk Management Principles and Guidelines’ (Standards Australia, 2009).

Figure 3.4.1: Risk management process (Standards Australia, 2009)

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3.5 Beach Hazard Ratings and Overview The ABSAMP (Australian Beach Safety and Management Program) was developed by Professor Andrew Short from the University of Sydney Coastal Studies Unit in conjunction with Surf Life Saving Australia. The program has identified coastal hazards that affect bathers and rates the safety of the beach on a scale of one to ten, where one (1) is the least hazardous and ten (10) is the most hazardous. The beach hazard ratings and definitions are provided in Table 3.5.1.

Table 3.5.1 ABSAMP Beach Hazard Ratings.

Hazard Rating Details

Least Hazardous: Low danger posed by water depth and/or weak currents; however, 1 - 3 supervision still required, in particular for children and poor swimmers.

Moderately Hazardous: The level of hazard depends on wave and weather conditions, 4 - 6 with the possibility of strong rips and currents posing a moderate risk.

Highly Hazardous: Experience in strong surf, rips and currents required, with beaches 7 - 8 in this category considered dangerous.

Extremely Hazardous: Identifies beaches that are considered extremely dangerous 9 - 10 due to strong rips and currents, and large breakers.

The beach hazard rating is calculated by determining the beach type and wave height. This can be done under either modal (average) or prevailing (current) conditions. The beach hazard rating is then calculated by using the following table.

Table 3.5.2 Beach hazard rating calculation matrices for wave dominate beaches.

Wave < 0.5 0.5 (m) 1.0 (m) 1.5 (m) 2.0 (m) 2.5 (m) 3.0 (m) > 3.0 Height (m) (m)

Beach Type Dissipative 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 10 Long Shore Bar 4 5 6 7 7 8 9 10 Trough Rhythmic Bar 4 5 6 6 7 8 9 10 Beach Transverse Bar 4 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Rip Low Tide Terrace 3 3 4 5 6 7 8 10

Reflective 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10

The beach hazard ratings used in risk based calculation throughout the report relate to modal beach conditions and as such the hazard rating of a beach may increase when conditions alter e.g. with increasing wave height, winds, strong tides and high tide. Furthermore, a hazard rating is also applied to an average person and therefore the hazard may in fact be greater or less, depending upon an individual's own skill, and understanding and competence in relation to a certain area. The ABSAMP hazard ratings for the inspected areas of the Shoalhaven LGA are detailed within the next section of the report.

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3.6 ABSAMP Types and Ratings The ABSAMP Hazard Rating for the assessed locations listed in Table 3.6.1 below. The table provides both a modal and a prevailing ABSAMP rating. The modal ABSAMP rating represents the average conditions for each location, which has been extracted from the Australian Beach Safety and Management Program. The prevailing ABSAMP rating represents the conditions observed by Australian CoastSafe on the day each audit took place.

Table 3.6.1 ABSAMP Beach Hazard Ratings – Shoalhaven LGA.

Location Name ABSAMP ABSAMP ABSAMP Type ABSAMP ABSAMP Type No. Rating (Modal) Rating (Prevailing) (Modal) (Prevailing) Seven Mile Beach nsw400b 6 Transverse Bar & Rip / 6 Transverse Bar & Longshore Bar & Rip Trough Comerong Island nsw401 6 Transverse Bar & Rip 6 Transverse Bar & Rip Crookhaven Heads nsw402RPa 6* Rock Platforms 6* Rock Platforms Crookhaven / nsw402 6 Transverse Bar & Rip 5 Transverse Bar & Culburra Rip Tilbury Cove nsw402S 2 Low Tide Terrace 4 Low Tide Terrace Penguin Head nsw402RPb 4* Rock Platforms 5* Rock Platforms Warrain North nsw403 6 Low Tide Terrace / 5 Transverse Bar & Transverse Bar & Rip Rip Kinghorn Point nsw403RPa 6* Rock Platforms 5* Rock Platforms Warrain South nsw404 6 Transverse Bar & Rip 5 Transverse Bar & Rip Currarong nsw405 4 Low Tide Terrace 4 Low Tide Terrace Currarong Point nsw405RPa 4* Rock Platforms 4* Rock Platforms Abrahams Bosom nsw406 3 Reflective 4 Low Tide Terrace Whale Point nsw406RPa 4* Rock Platforms 5* Rock Platforms Wilson nsw407 5 Reflective + Rocks 5 Reflective + Rocks Abrahams Head / nsw407RPa 5* Reflective + Rocks 5* Reflective + Rocks Honeysuckle Point Lobster Bay nsw408 5 Reflective + Rocks 5 Reflective + Rocks Little Beecroft nsw408RPa 4* Rock Platforms 4* Rock Platforms Head Mermaids Inlet nsw408RPb 4* Rock Platforms 4* Rock Platforms Beecroft Head nsw408RPc 4* Rock Platforms 4* Rock Platforms Moores Inlet nsw408RPd 4* Rock Platforms 4* Rock Platforms Crocodile Head / nsw408RPp 4* Rock Platforms 4* Rock Platforms Three Graves Point nsw408RPr 4* Rock Platforms 4* Rock Platforms Perpendicular Outer Tubes nsw408RPs 4* Rock Platforms 4* Rock Platforms The Docks nsw408RPt 4* Rock Platforms Not assessed (inaccessible) Inner Tubes nsw408RPu 4* Rock Platforms Not assessed (inaccessible) Boat Harbour nsw409 2 Reflective Not assessed (inaccessible)

Page 30 of 152 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Shoalhaven Local Government Area

Location Name ABSAMP ABSAMP ABSAMP Type ABSAMP ABSAMP Type No. Rating (Modal) Rating (Prevailing) (Modal) (Prevailing) Target 1 / nsw410 3 Reflective 3 Reflective Fisherman’s Beach Target 2 / Little nsw411 4 Low Tide Terrace 4 Low Tide Terrace Target Beach Target nsw412 5 Transverse Bar & Rip 4 Low Tide Terrace Longnose Point nsw412RPa 5* Rock Platforms 4* Rock Platforms Silica Cove nsw413 4 Reflective 3 Reflective Dart Point NSW413RPa 4* Rock Platforms Not assessed (inaccessible) Groper Coast nsw413RPb 4* Rock Platforms 3* Rock Platforms Honeymoon Bay nsw414 3 Reflective 3 Reflective Bindijine Beach nsw415 3 Low Tide Terrace 3 Reflective Figtree Inlet nsw416 2 Reflective 3 Reflective Long Beach nsw417 3 Reflective 3 Reflective Cabbage Tree nsw418 2 Reflective 3 Reflective Beach Chainman’s / nsw419 2 Reflective + Tidal Sand 3 Reflective + Tidal Green Point Flats Sand Flats Hare Bay nsw420 2 Reflective + Tidal Sand 3 Reflective + Tidal Flats Sand Flats Red Point nsw420RPa 2* Rock Platforms 3* Rock Platforms Callala Bay nsw421 2 Reflective 3 Reflective Callala Point nsw421RPa 3* Rock Platforms 4* Rock Platforms Callala Beach nsw422 3 Low Tide Terrace 4 Low Tide Terrace Huskisson nsw422RPa 3* Rock Platforms 4* Rock Platforms Point/Inlet Shark Net Beach / nsw423 3 Reflective + Rocks 4 Reflective + Rocks Tapalla Point Huskisson nsw424 3 Reflective 4 Low Tide Terrace Collingwood Beach nsw425 3 Reflective 4 Low Tide Terrace Orion Beach nsw426 2 Reflective 3 Reflective Barfleur Beach nsw427 3 Reflective + Rocks 3 Reflective + Rocks Plantation Point nsw427RPa 3* Rock Platforms 4* Rock Platforms Nelson Beach nsw428 3 Reflective 4 Low Tide Terrace Blenheim Beach nsw429 3 Reflective 4 Low Tide Terrace Greenfield Beach nsw430 3 Reflective 4 Low Tide Terrace Duck Gully nsw430RPa 3* Rock Platforms 4* Rock Platforms Chainman’s Beach nsw431 3 Reflective 4 Low Tide Terrace Hyams Point nsw432 3 Reflective 4 Low Tide Terrace Hyams Beach / nsw433 3 Reflective 4 Low Tide Terrace Seamans Sussex Inlet nsw450 4 Low Tide Terrace + 4 Low Tide Terrace Inlet + Inlet Farnham Headland nsw450RPa 6* Rock Platforms 6* Rock Platforms

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Location Name ABSAMP ABSAMP ABSAMP Type ABSAMP ABSAMP Type No. Rating (Modal) Rating (Prevailing) (Modal) (Prevailing) Cudmirrah nsw451 7 Transverse Bar & Rip / 7 Rhythmic Bar & Rhythmic Bar & Beach Beach Berrara / Kirby’s nsw452 5 Transverse Bar & Rip 7 Transverse Bar & Rip Berrara Point nsw453 3 Reflective + Rocks 7 Transverse Bar & Rip + Rocks Berrara South nsw454 6 Transverse Bar & Rip 7 Transverse Bar & Rip Bangalay nsw455 4 Low Tide Terrace 7 Rhythmic Bar & Beach Monument nsw456 6 Transverse Bar & Rip 7 Transverse Bar & Rip Flat Rock nsw457 3 Low Tide Terrace 5 Low Tide Terrace Dee nsw458 4 Low Tide Terrace 5 Low Tide Terrace Washerwoman nsw459 4 Low Tide Terrace 5 Low Tide Terrace Boat Harbour nsw460 3 Reflective 3 Reflective Red Head Point nsw460RPa 4* Rock Platforms 4* Rock Platforms Red Head/One nsw461 5 Reflective + Rocks 4 Reflective + Rocks Tree Beach Bendalong / nsw462 7 Transverse Bar & Rip / 7 Transverse Bar & Inyadda Rhythmic Bar & Beach Rip / Rhythmic Bar & Beach Inyadda Point nsw462RPa 7* Rock Platforms 7* Rock Platforms Manyana nsw463 7 Transverse Bar & Rip / 7 Transverse Bar & Rhythmic Bar & Beach Rip Cunjurong nsw463S 7 Low Tide Terrace 5 Low Tide Terrace Green Island nsw464 7 Rhythmic Bar & Beach 7 Rhythmic Bar & + Inlet Beach Conjola nsw465 7 Transverse Bar & Rip / 6 Transverse Bar & Rhythmic Bar & Beach Rip Buckleys nsw466 7 Transverse Bar & Rip 6 Transverse Bar & Rip Narrawallee Head nsw467RPa 7* Rock Platforms 6* Rock Platforms Narrawallee nsw467 6 Transverse Bar & Rip / 5 Transverse Bar & Low Tide Terrace Rip / Low Tide Terrace Bannister Point nsw467RPb 5* Rock Platforms Rock Platforms Jones Beach nsw467E 4 Boulder 4 Boulder Mollymook nsw468 6 Transverse Bar & Rip / 6 Transverse Bar & Low Tide Terrace Rip Golf Course Reef nsw469N 2 Reflective + Rocks 3 Reflective + Rocks Collers nsw469 3 Reflective 3 Reflective Ulladulla Head nsw469RPa 4* Rock Platforms 3* Rock Platforms Ulladulla Harbour nsw470N 4 Reflective + Rock Flats 3 Reflective + Rock North Flats Ulladulla Harbour nsw470 3 Reflective 3 Reflective Ulladulla Harbour nsw470S 2 Reflective + Rock Flats 3 Reflective + Rock Sea Pool Flats

Page 32 of 152 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Shoalhaven Local Government Area

Location Name ABSAMP ABSAMP ABSAMP Type ABSAMP ABSAMP Type No. Rating (Modal) Rating (Prevailing) (Modal) (Prevailing) Warden Head nsw471 4 Reflective + Rock Flats 4 Reflective + Rock North Flats Warden Head nsw472 6 Low Tide Terrace + 7 Rhythmic Bar & South Rocks Beach + Rocks Ulladulla Bommie nsw473 6 Low Tide Terrace + 7 Rhythmic Bar & Rocks Beach + Rocks Rennies nsw474 7 Transverse Bar & Rip + 7 Transverse Bar & Rocks Rip + Rocks Racecourse nsw475 7 Reflective + Rock Flats 7 Rhythmic Bar & Beach + Rock Flats Racecourse South / nsw476 7 Rhythmic Bar & Beach 7 Rhythmic Bar & Supertubes Beach Burrill nsw477 7 Rhythmic Bar & Beach 7 Rhythmic Bar & Beach + Inlet Dolphin Point nsw477RPa 7* Reflective + Rock Flats 5 Reflective + Rock Flats Lagoon Head/Pot nsw477RPb 7* Reflective + Rock Flats 5 Reflective + Rock Holes Flats Wairo Beach nsw478 7 Transverse Bar & Rip / 6 Transverse Bar & Rhythmic Bar & Beach Rip Tabourie nsw479 7 Transverse Bar & Rip / 7 Rhythmic Bar & Rhythmic Bar & Beach Beach Stokes Island nsw480 6 Transverse Bar & Rip / 5 Transverse Bar & Rhythmic Bar & Beach Rip Sunburnt nsw481 6 Transverse Bar & Rip / 5 Transverse Bar & Rhythmic Bar & Beach Rip Termeil Lake nsw482 7 Rhythmic Bar & Beach 7 Rhythmic Bar & Beach Meroo Head nsw482RPa 7* Rock Platforms 6* Rock Platforms Meroo nsw483 6 Transverse Bar & Rip 5 Transverse Bar & Rip Nuggan Point nsw484 4 Low Tide Terrace + 4 Low Tide Terrace Rocks + Rocks North Beach nsw485 5 Low Tide Terrace / 6 Transverse Bar & Transverse Bar & Rip Rip Bawley Beach nsw486 4 Low Tide Terrace 4 Low Tide Terrace Bawley Point nsw486RPa 5* Rock Platforms 5* Rock Platforms Cormorant nsw487 5 Low Tide Terrace / 6 Transverse Bar & Transverse Bar & Rip Rip Jewin Head nsw487RPa 5* Rock Platforms 6* Rock Platforms Gannet nsw488 5 Low Tide Terrace / 6 Transverse Bar & Transverse Bar & Rip Rip Murramarang nsw489 6 Transverse Bar & Rip 6 Transverse Bar & Rip Cat & Kitten nsw490 6 Low Tide Terrace 4 Low Tide Terrace Wilfords Point nsw490RPa 5* Rock Platforms 4* Rock Platforms Bull Pup nsw491 4 Reflective 4 Reflective Racecourse nsw492 6 Transverse Bar & Rip 6 Transverse Bar & Rip

Page 33 of 152 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Shoalhaven Local Government Area

Location Name ABSAMP ABSAMP ABSAMP Type ABSAMP ABSAMP Type No. Rating (Modal) Rating (Prevailing) (Modal) (Prevailing) Shelly nsw493 5 Transverse Bar & Rip 5 Transverse Bar & Rip Avenue nsw494 4 Low Tide Terrace 4 Low Tide Terrace Kioloa nsw495 4 Low Tide Terrace 4 Low Tide Terrace Boat Ramp nsw496 3 Reflective + Rocks 3 Reflective + Rocks O'Hara Head nsw496RPa 4* Rock Platforms 4* Rock Platforms Merry Beach nsw497 5 Low Tide Terrace / 4 Low Tide Terrace Transverse Bar & Rip Snapper Point nsw497RPa 6* Rock Platforms 5* Rock Platforms Pretty Beach nsw498 6 Transverse Bar & Rip 5 Transverse Bar & Rip Island nsw499 5 Transverse Bar & Rip 5 Transverse Bar & Rip O'Hara (S1) nsw500 6 Transverse Bar & Rip 5 Transverse Bar & Rip O'Hara (S2) nsw501 6 Transverse Bar & Rip 5 Transverse Bar & Rip O'Hara (S3) nsw503 6 Transverse Bar & Rip 5 Transverse Bar & Rip Dawson Island nsw503 4 Low Tide Terrace 5 Transverse Bar & North Rip Dawson Island nsw504 4 Low Tide Terrace 5 Transverse Bar & South Rip Snake Bay nsw505 3 Reflective - Cobble 3 Reflective - Cobble Snake Bay South nsw506 3 Reflective - Cobble 3 Reflective - Cobble Clear Point nsw506RPa 3* Rock Platforms 3* Rock Platforms Burns Bay nsw507 3 Reflective - Cobble 3 Reflective - Cobble Pebbly Beach nsw508 6 Transverse Bar & Rip 5 Transverse Bar & Rip Pebbly Coast nsw508RPa 5* Rock Platforms 5* Rock Platforms Depot Beach nsw509 4 Low Tide Terrace 4 Low Tide Terrace Tranquillity Bay nsw510 3 Reflective 3 Reflective Point Upright nsw510RPa 5* Rock Platforms 4* Rock Platforms Durras North nsw511 6 Transverse Bar & Rip 5 Transverse Bar & Rip

* Shoalhaven LGA Rock Platform Ratings

Currently there is no method of rating the hazardousness of the rocky coast, in an equivalent manner to the ABSAMP beach hazard rating system for sandy beaches. Research is currently underway; Dr. David Kennedy has utilised a grant from Melbourne University to pilot the methods for the development of a risk classification study on rocky coasts (Kennedy, et al., 2013). This research has now received funding under an Australian Research Council linkage grant. Professor Colin Woodroffe (University of Wollongong) presented the methodology for this project at the NSW Coastal Conference in Kiama (November, 2012).

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As an interim method of providing an indication of the hazardousness of rock platforms the ABSAMP beach hazard ratings for the beaches on either side of the each rock platform have been averaged. Since the beaches on either side of a rock platform would be exposed to similar prevailing and modal wind, wave and weather conditions and these sandy beaches have a recognised and accepted method of rating the associated hazardousness taking the average of the beaches bordering a rock platform will provide an indication as to the potential hazard associated with the modal conditions affecting the rock platform.

It is a limitation of the report that there is no available method of calculating the specific hazard rating of a rock platform. In order to allow the risk calculations used in this report to be processed the interim solution, which takes into account the local conditions and geomorphology detailed above, has been applied. Once the research being conducted by Dr. David Kennedy and Prof. Colin Woodroffe is completed then these calculations should be revisited.

The map on the following shows a visual representation of ABSAMP rating (modal) for each beach location in the Shoalhaven LGA together with the locations of coastal drowning deaths. The map indicates that open coast beaches have a higher ABSAMP hazard rating than beaches in Jervis Bay. Hazardousness is one part of the overall risk equation (Kennedy, et al., 2013) and does not take into account factors relating to exposure or other human based elements. All aquatic locations have a degree of risk associated with them. A relatively low hazard rating does not indicate that the location is ‘safe’.

Treatment Option 5.1 Research currently being conducted by the University of Melbourne, University of Wollongong and Surf Life Saving Australia into a rocky coast classification model and hazard rating system for rocky coast should be commended and supported. Once this research is completed the calculations related to rocky coasts in this report should be reviewed.

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Figure 3.6.1: Shoalhaven beaches, ABSAMP hazard ratings and drownings.

Page 36 of 152 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Shoalhaven Local Government Area

3.7 ABSAMP Beach Type Characteristic Overview and Hazards

The modal beach characteristics and associated hazards for each location are as follows:

3.7.1 Longshore Bar and Trough Longshore bar and trough beaches are characterised by waves averaging 1.5-2 m, which break over a near continuous longshore bar located between 100- 150 m seaward of the beach, with a 50-100 m wide, 2-3 m deep longshore trough separating it from the beach. The beach face is straight alongshore and depending on sand size may have a low tide terrace (fine sand) and/or a reflective beach with beach cusps (medium sand). The bar is usually crossed by rips every 250-500 m. The deep trough and the presence rips make this a particularly hazardous swimming beach. In Australia longshore bar and trough more Figure 3.7.1: illustration of a Longshore Bar and Trough beach. commonly occurs as an outer second bar.

The following beach within the Shoalhaven LGA is classified as longshore bar and trough:

Seven Mile Beach

3.7.2 Rhythmic Bar and Beach Rhythmic bar and beach type commonly occurs around the southern Australian coast. They usually consist of relatively fine-medium (0.3 mm) sand and exposure to waves averaging more than 1.5 m. They are characterised by an outer bar which is separated from the beach by a deep trough, however unlike the longshore bar and trough type, the bar varies in width and elevation alongshore, and it is rhythmic.

Waves break more heavily on the shoreward- protruding rhythmic bar sections with the broken wave and white water flowing shoreward as a wave bore. The bore then flows Figure 3.7.2: Illustration of a Rhythmic Bar & Beach beach. off the bar into the deeper tough, where it moves shoreward and longshore as a rip feeder current. Part of the wave reforms in the trough and breaks again on the shore.

The water from both the wave bore and the swash piles up in the rip feeder channel and moves sideways toward the adjacent rip embayment. The converging feeder currents turn and flow seaward as a rip current through the trough and across the deeper seaward-protruding sections of the rhythmic bar.

The following beaches within the Shoalhaven LGA are classified as rhythmic bar and beach:

Racecourse South/Supertubes Manyana Burrill Conjola Termeil Lake Wairo Beach Green Island Tabourie Cudmirrah Stokes Island Bendalong / Inyadda Sunburnt

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3.7.3 Transverse Bar and Rip Transverse bar and rip (TBR) type is the most common and extensive of Australia’s wave- dominated beach types. They occur primarily on beaches composed of fine to medium sand (0.3 mm) and exposed to waves averaging 1.5 m. This beach type received its name from the fact that the bars are transverse or perpendicular to and attached to the beach, separated by deeper rip channels.

The bars and rips are usually regularly spaced and range from 150 m on the lower energy sea- dominated northern Australian beaches to 250 m along the higher energy southeast coast and Figure 3.7.3: Illustration of a Transverse Bar and Rip beach. 350 m along the exposed southern coast. Waves break heavily on the shallower bars and less in the deeper rip channels resulting in lower energy swash in lee of the bars and higher energy swash/shore break in lee of the rips. The shoreline is rhythmic building a few metres seaward behind the attached bars as deposition occurs forming the mega cusp horns and being scoured out and often scarped in lee of the rips forming the embayment’s. The surf zone has a cellular circulation pattern. Waves tend to break more on the bars and move shoreward as wave bores. This water flows both directly into the adjacent rip channel and, closer to the beach, into the rip feeder channels located at the base of the beach. The water in the rip feeders converge and return seaward as a strong rip current.

The following beaches within the Shoalhaven LGA are classified as transverse bar and rip:

Seven Mile Beach Pretty Beach Warrain North Island North Beach O'Hara (S1) Cormorant O'Hara (S2) Gannet O'Hara (S3) Merry Beach Pebbly Beach Comerong Island Durras North Crookhaven/Culburra Cudmirrah Warrain South Bendalong / Inyadda Target Manyana Berrara/Kirby’s Narrawallee Berrara South Mollymook Monument Conjola Buckleys Wairo Beach Meroo Tabourie Murramarang Stokes Island Racecourse Sunburnt Shelly Rennies

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3.7.4 Low Tide Terrace Low tide terrace beaches tend to occur when waves average about 1m and sand is fine to medium. They are characterised by a moderately steep beach face, which is joined at the low tide level to an attached bar or terrace, hence the name - low tide terrace. The bar usually extends between 20-50m seaward and continues alongshore, attached to the beach. It may be flat and featureless, have a slight central crest, called a ridge, and may be cut every several tens of metres by small shallow rip channels, called mini rips.

Figure 3.7.4: Illustration of a Low Tide Terrace beach. At high tide when waves are less than 1m, they may pass right over the bar and not break until the beach face, which behaves much like a reflective beach. At spring low tide, however, the entire bar is usually exposed as a ridge or terrace running parallel to the beach and waves break by plunging heavily on the outer edge of the bar.

At mid tide, waves usually break right across the shallow bar, when they are most likely to generate rip currents. The water is returned seaward, both by reflection off the beach face, especially at high tide, and via the mini rips, even if no rip channels are present. The rips, however, are usually shallow, ephemeral or transient meaning they will flow strongly for a few minutes then dissipate.

The following beach within the Shoalhaven LGA is classified as low tide terrace:

Tilbury Cove Dawson Island North Currarong Dawson Island South Target 2/Little Target Beach Depot Beach Bindijine Beach Warrain North Callala Beach North Beach Bangalay Cormorant Flat Rock Gannet Dee Merry Beach Washerwoman Sussex Inlet Cunjurong Warden Head South Bawley Beach Ulladulla Bommie Cat & Kitten Nuggan Point Avenue Narrawallee Kioloa Mollymook

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3.7.5 Reflective Reflective sandy beaches lie at the lower energy end of the wave-dominated beach spectrum. They are characterised by relatively steep, narrow beaches usually composed of coarser sand (0.4 mm). On the open Australian coast, sandy beaches require waves to be less than 0.5 m to be reflective. For this reason they are also found inside the entrance to bays, at the lower energy end of some ocean beaches and in lee of the reefs and islets that front many beaches.

Reflective beaches are Australia's most common beach type occurring in every state though they Figure 3.7.5: Illustration of a Reflective beach. are more common around the southern half of the continent. Reflective beach morphology consists of the steeper, narrow beach and swash zone, with beach cusps commonly present in the upper high tide swash zone. They have no bar or surf zone as waves move unbroken to the shore, where they collapse or surge up the beach face.

The following beaches within the Shoalhaven LGA are classified as reflective:

Wilson Blenheim Beach Abrahams Head / Honeysuckle Point Greenfield Beach Lobster Bay Chainman’s Beach Abrahams Bosom Hyams Point Boat Harbour Hyams Beach / Seamans Target 1/Fisherman’s Beach Berrara Point Silica Cove Boat Harbour Honeymoon Bay Jones (Boulder) Figtree Inlet Collers Long Beach Red Head/One Tree Beach Cabbage Tree Beach Golf Course Reef Callala Bay Ulladulla Harbour Shark Net Beach / Tapalla Point Boat Ramp Huskisson Bull Pup Collingwood Beach Tranquillity Bay Orion Beach Snake Bay (cobble) Barfleur Beach Snake Bay South (cobble) Nelson Beach Burns Bay (cobble)

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3.7.6 Reflective plus Tidal Sand Flats Beach plus tidal sand flats differ from the sand flats in that they receive lower waves (mean=0.16 m) though similar tides (mean=5 m). They usually have a small, steep reflective coarse-grained high tide beach, fronted by intertidal sand flats averaging 350 m width (range 50-2500 m). The tidal energy is sufficiently high for the tidal currents to imprint themselves on the tidal flats, and in some locations for mangroves to colonise the upper intertidal zone. Many of these flats grade from inner sand flats to outer mud flats, Figure 3.7.6: Illustration of a Beach plus Tidal Sand Flats. with the sand averaging 300 m wide and the mud extending out on average to 500 m.

The following beaches within the Shoalhaven LGA are classified as reflective plus tidal sand flats:

Chainman’s/Green Point Hare Bay

3.7.7 Reflective plus rock flats Beaches fronted by intertidal rock flats, and in Some cases supertidal rock platforms are scattered right round the Australian coast, with those in northern Australia tending to be fronted by laterite, while local bedrock dominates the southern Australian beaches. This beach type is dependent more on local geology than wave-tide processes and they can occur in low through high wave and tide environments.

The intertidal rock flats average 270 m in width and range from 50-3000 m wide. They usually consist of a steep high tide beach with the rocks extending seaward from the base of the beach. Figure 3.7.7: Illustration of a beach fronted by intertidal rock flats. The beaches tend to the relatively short ranging between 400-800 m in length, and are usually bounded by rock headlands or reefs. At high tide waves break heavily across the rock flats producing treacherous surf conditions and some of Australia’s most hazardous beaches, particularly along the high energy southern coast. At low tide, depending on the elevation of the flats, the waves may only break on the outer edge of the rocks, with a bare intertidal rock surface and no wave reaching the beach.

The following beaches within the Shoalhaven LGA are classified as reflective plus rock flats:

Ulladulla Harbour North Racecourse Ulladulla Harbour Sea Pool Dolphin Point Warden Head North Lagoon Head/Pot Holes

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3.7.8 Rock Platforms and Rocky Coasts Rock platforms and rocky coasts are wave eroded regions that exist at the base of rocky cliffs and headlands. They are typically influenced by tides and waves. For coastal hazards, rocky coasts can therefore be considered static features unable to adjust their morphology during storms unlike sandy beaches (Kennedy, et al., 2013).

The following regions within the Shoalhaven LGA are classified as Rock Platforms or Rocky Coast:

Crookhaven Heads Callala Point Penguin Head Huskisson Point / Inlet Kinghorn Point Plantation Point Currarong Point Duck Gully Whale Point Farnham Headland Little Beecroft Head Red Head Point Mermaids Inlet Inyadda Point Beecroft Head Narrawallee Head Moores Inlet Bannister Point Crocodile Head/Three Graves Ulladulla Head Point Perpendicular Meroo Head Outer Tubes Bawley Point The Docks Jewin Head Inner Tubes Wilfords Point Longnose Point O'Hara Head Dart Point Snapper Point Groper Coast Clear Point Red Point Pebbly Coast Crookhaven Heads Point Upright

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3.8 Facility Visitation Rates (FVR) The Facility Visitation Rate (FVR) is a quantitative assessment system developed by Statewide Mutual as ‘Best Practice’ for Signage As Remote Supervision (2007). The FVR can be used by NSW Local Government to determine the most appropriate signage schedule for a facility (venue or location).

The FVR is calculated using data collected during the assessment process and includes site population use and frequency of use. Since the FVR calculation is used to determine aquatic recreational warning signage requirements, the figures used are those of the peak period of beach usage.

The following information is used to calculate the FVR:

1. Observational data collected during the site assessment; 2. Stakeholder observation, consultation and feedback; and, 3. Historical statistical data

The Facility Visitation Rate is calculated using the following formula:

FVR = (Development x Population) + Frequency Where: Development* = The level of facilities and infrastructure that exist within or about the facility Population = The average number of people that use the facility at any point in time Frequency = The number of times that the facility is used by patrons

* Note: Only beach environments were assessed so the ABSAMP hazard rating for each location was used to determine the Development rating

3.8.1 Facility Visitation Rating (FVR) Reference Tables Table 3.8.1 provides the Development ratings that apply to a reserve or other non-beach environment provided by council. Table 3.8.2 provides the equivalent AMSAMP hazard rating for each Development rating. The Population and Frequency rating classifications are provided in

Table 3.8.3 and Table 3.8.4, respectively.

Table 3.8.1 Typical Development and Natural Hazards Rating for Reserves – non beach environments.

Rating Development Natural Hazards 1 Virginal bush, cleared land, no infrastructure No hazardous features 2 Cleared land, static infrastructure e.g. grass area with Sloping ground; no natural water; tables and chairs, toilet block, lookout walking track around reserve 3 Cleared land with mobile infrastructure e.g. grassed area Reserve contains natural waterway that with play equipment, cycle way, market, leash free dog runs during wet weather, drops less areas than 1 metre 4 Land manager owned infrastructure with no artificial Creeks, ponds and ledges between 1 lighting e.g. golf course, football field, recreational metre and 3 metres ground, caravan park 5 Extensively developed infrastructure with artificial Contains rivers, dams and cliffs greater lighting e.g. sporting complex, artificially lit courts than 3 metres

Table 3.8.2 Typical development ratings for beaches.

Rating ABSAMP Beach Rating 1 Beach hazard rating 1 and 2 2 Beach hazard rating 3 and 4 3 Beach hazard rating 5 and 6 4 Beach hazard rating 7 and 8 5 Beach hazard rating 9 and 10

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Table 3.8.3 Typical population use rating for a facility.

Rating Population Use 1 Less than 5 people at a time 2 5 to 50 people at a time 3 50 to 100 people at a time 4 100 to 500 people at a time 5 Greater than 500 people at a time

Table 3.8.4 Suggested Frequency use rating for a Facility.

Rating Frequency of Use 1 An annual activity or event is held at the facility 2 An activity event takes place in the facility on a monthly basis 3 An activity event takes place in the facility on a weekly basis 4 An activity event takes place in the facility on a daily basis 5 The facility is in continuous use for the majority of the day

The FVR values for assessed locations in the Shoalhaven LGA are provided in Table 3.8.5. Since only beach environments were assessed, the ABSAMP hazard rating for each location was converted to a Development rating using Table 3.8.2.

Table 3.8.5 Facility Visitation Rates – for assessed locations.

LOCATION NAME DEVELOPMENT * POPULATION + FREQUENCY = FVR RATING Seven Mile Beach 3 * 5 + 4 = 19 Comerong Island 3 * 2 + 3 = 9 Crookhaven Heads 3 * 3 + 4 = 13 Crookhaven/Culburra 3 * 5 + 4 = 19 Tilbury Cove 1 * 4 + 4 = 8 Penguin Head 2 * 2 + 4 = 8 Warrain North 3 * 5 + 3 = 18 Kinghorn Point 3 * 2 + 3 = 9 Warrain South 3 * 3 + 4 = 13 Currarong 2 * 4 + 4 = 12 Currarong Point 2 * 3 + 4 = 10 Abrahams Bosom 2 * 3 + 4 = 10 Whale Point 2 * 2 + 3 = 7 Wilson 3 * 2 + 3 = 9 Abrahams Head / Honeysuckle 3 * 2 + 3 = 9 Point Lobster Bay 3 * 2 + 3 = 9 Little Beecroft Head 2 * 2 + 3 = 7 Mermaids Inlet 2 * 1 + 3 = 5 Beecroft Head 2 * 1 + 3 = 5 Moores Inlet 2 * 1 + 2 = 4 Crocodile Head/Three Graves 2 * 1 + 3 = 5 Point Perpendicular 2 * 4 + 4 = 12 Outer Tubes 2 * 2 + 2 = 6 The Docks Not assessed (Inaccessible) Inner Tubes Not assessed (Inaccessible) Boat Harbour Not assessed (Inaccessible)

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LOCATION NAME DEVELOPMENT * POPULATION + FREQUENCY = FVR RATING Target 1/Fisherman’s Beach 2 * 1 + 2 = 4 Target 2/Little Target Beach 2 * 1 + 2 = 4 Target 3 * 3 + 4 = 13 Longnose Point 3 * 2 + 4 = 10 Silica Cove 2 * 2 + 4 = 8 Dart Point Not assessed (Inaccessible) Groper Coast 2 * 1 + 3 = 5 Honeymoon Bay 2 * 4 + 5 = 13 Bindijine Beach 2 * 3 + 4 = 10 Figtree Inlet 1 * 1 + 3 = 4 Long Beach 2 * 2 + 4 = 8 Cabbage Tree Beach 1 * 2 + 4 = 6 Chainman’s/Green Point 1 * 2 + 3 = 5 Hare Bay 1 * 2 + 4 = 6 Red Point 1 * 2 + 4 = 6 Callala Bay 1 * 4 + 4 = 8 Callala Point 2 * 2 + 4 = 8 Callala Beach 2 * 4 + 4 = 12 Huskisson Point / Inlet 2 * 3 + 4 = 10 Shark Net Beach / Tapalla Point 2 * 3 + 5 = 11 Huskisson 2 * 5 + 5 = 15 Collingwood Beach 2 * 5 + 5 = 15 Orion Beach 1 * 2 + 4 = 6 Barfleur Beach 2 * 2 + 4 = 8 Plantation Point 2 * 2 + 4 = 8 Nelson Beach 2 * 4 + 3 = 11 Blenheim Beach 2 * 3 + 4 = 10 Greenfield Beach 2 * 4 + 3 = 11 Duck Gully 2 * 2 + 3 = 7 Chainman’s Beach 2 * 4 + 3 = 11 Hyams Point 2 * 3 + 5 = 11 Hyams Beach / Seamans 2 * 4 + 5 = 13 Sussex Inlet 2 * 2 + 4 = 8 Farnham Headland 3 * 2 + 3 = 9 Cudmirrah 4 * 4 + 4 = 20 Berrara/Kirby’s 3 * 3 + 4 = 13 Berrara Point 2 * 2 + 4 = 8 Berrara South 3 * 2 + 4 = 10 Bangalay 2 * 2 + 3 = 7 Monument 3 * 2 + 3 = 9 Flat Rock 2 * 2 + 4 = 8 Dee 2 * 2 + 4 = 8 Washerwoman 2 * 3 + 4 = 10 Boat Harbour 2 * 3 + 3 = 9 Red Head Point 2 * 1 + 4 = 6 Red Head/One Tree Beach 3 * 3 + 3 = 12 Bendalong / Inyadda 4 * 4 + 3 = 19 Inyadda Point 4 * 2 + 3 = 11 Manyana 4 * 3 + 3 = 15 Cunjurong 4 * 4 + 3 = 19 Green Island 4 * 4 + 3 = 19 Conjola 4 * 4 + 4 = 20

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LOCATION NAME DEVELOPMENT * POPULATION + FREQUENCY = FVR RATING Buckleys 4 * 1 + 3 = 7 Narrawallee Head 4 * 2 + 4 = 12 Narrawallee 3 * 5 + 5 = 20 Bannister Point 3 * 2 + 4 = 10 Jones Beach 2 * 2 + 4 = 8 Mollymook 3 * 5 + 5 = 20 Golf Course Reef 1 * 2 + 4 = 6 Collers 2 * 2 + 4 = 8 Ulladulla Head 2 * 1 + 3 = 5 Ulladulla Harbour North 2 * 2 + 4 = 8 Ulladulla Harbour 2 * 4 + 5 = 13 Ulladulla Harbour Sea Pool 2 * 2 + 4 = 8 Warden Head North 2 * 2 + 4 = 8 Warden Head South 3 * 3 + 4 = 13 Ulladulla Bommie 3 * 3 + 4 = 13 Rennies 4 * 2 + 4 = 12 Racecourse 4 * 2 + 4 = 12 Racecourse South / Supertubes 4 * 4 + 3 = 19 Burrill 4 * 4 + 3 = 19 Dolphin Point 4 * 3 + 4 = 16 Lagoon Head/Pot Holes 4 * 2 + 3 = 11 Wairo Beach 4 * 4 + 3 = 19 Tabourie 4 * 4 + 3 = 19 Stokes Island 3 * 2 + 3 = 9 Sunburnt 3 * 2 + 3 = 9 Termeil Lake 4 * 2 + 3 = 11 Meroo Head 4 * 2 + 4 = 12 Meroo 3 * 2 + 4 = 10 Nuggan Point 2 * 2 + 4 = 8 North Beach 3 * 2 + 4 = 10 Bawley Beach 2 * 3 + 4 = 10 Bawley Point 3 * 2 + 4 = 10 Cormorant 3 * 2 + 4 = 10 Jewin Head 3 * 2 + 3 = 9 Gannet 3 * 3 + 4 = 13 Murramarang 3 * 2 + 4 = 10 Cat & Kitten 3 * 1 + 3 = 6 Wilfords Point 3 * 2 + 3 = 9 Bull Pup 2 * 2 + 4 = 8 Racecourse 3 * 4 + 4 = 16 Shelly 3 * 2 + 4 = 10 Avenue 2 * 2 + 4 = 8 Kioloa 2 * 4 + 4 = 12 Boat Ramp 2 * 4 + 4 = 12 O'Hara Head 2 * 2 + 3 = 7 Merry Beach 3 * 4 + 4 = 16 Snapper Point 3 * 2 + 4 = 10 Pretty Beach 3 * 4 + 4 = 16 Island 3 * 2 + 3 = 9 O'Hara (S1) 3 * 2 + 3 = 9 O'Hara (S2) 3 * 1 + 3 = 6 O'Hara (S3) 3 * 1 + 3 = 6 Dawson Island North 2 * 1 + 3 = 5

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LOCATION NAME DEVELOPMENT * POPULATION + FREQUENCY = FVR RATING Dawson Island South 2 * 1 + 3 = 5 Snake Bay 2 * 2 + 3 = 7 Snake Bay South 2 * 2 + 3 = 7 Clear Point 2 * 2 + 3 = 7 Burns Bay 2 * 2 + 3 = 7 Pebbly Beach 3 * 3 + 4 = 13 Pebbly Coast 3 * 2 + 3 = 9 Depot Beach 2 * 2 + 4 = 8 Tranquillity Bay 2 * 2 + 3 = 7 Point Upright 3 * 2 + 3 = 9 Durras North 3 * 4 + 4 = 16

Given the FVR scores listed in Table 3.8.5, the most appropriate signage characteristics for each location are listed below.

FVR Score between 4 and 6 Locations include:

o Moores Inlet o Dawson Island South o Target 1/Fisherman’s Beach o Outer Tubes o Target 2/Little Target Beach o Cabbage Tree Beach o Figtree Inlet o Hare Bay o Mermaids Inlet o Red Point o Beecroft Head o Orion Beach o Crocodile Head/Three Graves o Red Head Point o Groper Coast o Golf Course Reef o Chainman’s/Green Point o Cat & Kitten o Ulladulla Head o O'Hara (S2) o Dawson Island North o O'Hara (S3)

This score would generally indicate that where access cannot be controlled, entrances to the beach provided by Land Manager have signage and spaced no greater than 1000 metres apart around the beach perimeter. Additionally the signage should contain the following: o The name of the facility o A general warning message o Ordinances that apply to the facility should appear on the sign as prohibition pictograms o Any information symbols relevant to the facility

NB: The sign does not require the depiction of warning symbols

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FVR Score between 7 and 10

o Whale Point o Kinghorn Point o Little Beecroft Head o Wilson o Duck Gully o Abrahams Head / Honeysuckle Point o Bangalay o Lobster Bay o Buckleys o Farnham Headland o O'Hara Head o Monument o Snake Bay o Boat Harbour o Snake Bay South o Stokes Island o Clear Point o Sunburnt o Burns Bay o Jewin Head o Tranquillity Bay o Wilfords Point o Tilbury Cove o Island o Penguin Head o O'Hara (S1) o Silica Cove o Pebbly Coast o Long Beach o Point Upright o Callala Bay o Currarong Point o Callala Point o Abrahams Bosom o Barfleur Beach o Longnose Point o Plantation Point o Bindijine Beach o Sussex Inlet o Huskisson Point / Inlet o Berrara Point o Blenheim Beach o Flat Rock o Berrara South o Dee o Washerwoman o Jones Beach o Bannister Point o Collers o Meroo o Ulladulla Harbour North o North Beach o Ulladulla Harbour Sea Pool o Bawley Beach o Warden Head North o Bawley Point o Nuggan Point o Cormorant o Bull Pup o Murramarang o Avenue o Shelly o Depot Beach o Snapper Point o Comerong Island

This score would generally indicate that where access cannot be controlled, entrances to the beach provided by Land Managers have signage and are spaced no greater than 500 metres apart around the beach perimeter. Additionally the signage should contain the following: o The name of the facility o A general warning message o Ordinances that apply to the facility should appear on the sign as prohibition pictograms o All potential hazards identified within the facility that have a risk rating of HIGH should appear on the sign as warning symbols. If no highs then the top hazard should appear o Any information symbols relevant to the facility

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FVR Score between 11 and 15

o Shark Net Beach / Tapalla Point o Kioloa o Nelson Beach o Boat Ramp o Greenfield Beach o Crookhaven Heads o Chainman’s Beach o Warrain South o Hyams Point o Target o Inyadda Point o Honeymoon Bay o Lagoon Head/Pot Holes o Hyams Beach / Seamans o Termeil Lake o Berrara/Kirby’s o Currarong o Ulladulla Harbour o Point Perpendicular o Warden Head South o Callala Beach o Ulladulla Bommie o Red Head/One Tree Beach o Gannet o Narrawallee Head o Pebbly Beach o Rennies o Huskisson o Racecourse o Collingwood Beach o Meroo Head o Manyana

This score would generally indicate that where access cannot be controlled, entrances to the beach provided by Land Managers have signage and are spaced no greater than 500 metres apart around the beach perimeter. Additionally the signage should contain the following: o The name of the facility o A general warning message o Ordinances that apply to the facility should appear on the sign as prohibition pictograms o All potential hazards identified within the facility that have a risk rating of HIGH should appear on the sign as warning symbols. If no highs then the top two hazards should appear o Any information symbols relevant to the facility

FVR Score between 16 and 20

o Dolphin Point o Green Island o Racecourse o Racecourse South/Supertubes o Merry Beach o Burrill o Pretty Beach o Wairo Beach o Durras North o Tabourie o Warrain North o Cudmirrah o Seven Mile Beach o Conjola o Crookhaven/Culburra o Narrawallee o Bendalong / Inyadda o Mollymook o Cunjurong

This score would generally indicate that where access cannot be controlled, entrances to the beach provided by Land Managers have signage and are spaced no greater than 250 metres apart around the beach perimeter. o The name of the facility o A general warning message o Ordinances that apply to the facility should appear on the sign as prohibition pictograms o All potential hazards identified within the facility that have a risk rating of HIGH should appear on the sign as warning symbols. If no highs then the top three hazards should appear o Any information symbols relevant to the facility

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3.9 Facilities Audit Facilities in the coastal risk management process are any item of infrastructure which is situated close to the beach/access. The 20 most common coastal facilities along the Shoalhaven LGA coastline are shown in the table below.

Table 3.9.1: The 20 most common facilities along the Shoalhaven LGA coastline. Rank Facility Type Count 1 Bench 240 2 Rubbish Bins 226 3 Car Park 225 4 Picnic Table 200 5 Amenities Block 71 6 Viewing Platform 50 7 Sheltered Picnic Table 48 8 Barbecue Area 45 9 Shower 43 10 Lookout 40 11 Accommodation 24 12 Playground 22 13 Water tap 21 14 Bicycle Rack 11 15 Bridge 9 16 Lighting 9 17 Navigational Marker 9 18 Reserve 9 19 Fire hydrant 8 20 Fish Cleaning Bench 7

Why do we record facilities? Facilities are recorded because it is important for the Land Manager to recognise that by providing the above facilities it is expected that there will be an increase in people visiting these areas. This increase can correlate to the likelihood of a risk occurring in a coastal environment. Treatment plans identified in the report should be implemented in these areas to reduce the risk of a particular event occurring.

Table 3.9.2: The top ten locations for facilities within the Shoalhaven LGA. Rank Location Number 1 Ulladulla Harbour 96 2 Seven Mile Beach 76 3 Mollymook 66 4 Huskisson 59 5 Shark Net / Tapalla Point 40 6 Callala 37 7 Conjola 37 8 Narrawallee 35 9 Collingwood 34 10 Callala Bay 33

Refer to Appendix D for a further breakdown of facilities at the assessed locations within the Shoalhaven LGA.

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3.10 Population, Development and Tourism Population growth is an important consideration when evaluating and predicting beach usage trends. Increasing beach usage due to population growth relates to an increase in the probability of an event occurring. Tourism operations and development proposals are also associated with population growth, and these should also be considered when determining suitable risk treatment options.

3.10.1 Population Statistics The 2011 census recorded that a population count of 92,812 in the Shoalhaven LGA. Over the last 10 years, the population has increased by 9,507 people (11.4% growth). Table 3.10.1 lists the male, female and total population in the Shoalhaven LGA for the last three Census counts.

Table 3.10.1 Shoalhaven population data (ABS, 2013).

Shoalhaven Local Government Area – Population Year Males Females Total 2011 45,712 47,100 92,812 2006 43,460 44,945 88,405 2001 40,977 42,328 83,305

Table 3.10.2 lists the 2011 population of the 32 State Suburbs that are situated along the coast of the Shoalhaven LGA.

Table 3.10.2 Population count of coastal state suburbs in the Shoalhaven LGA (ABS, 2011).

State Suburb Males Females Total Population Shoalhaven Heads 1,459 1,536 2,995 Pyree 137 124 261 Culburra Beach 1,325 1,352 2,677 Comberton 45 32 77 Currarong 256 200 456 Callala Bay 1,058 1,063 2,121 Callala Beach 374 400 774 Myola 53 52 105 Huskisson 366 369 735 Vincentia 1,340 1,462 2,802 Hyams Beach 148 142 290 Sussex Inlet 1,786 1,785 3,571 Cudmirrah 133 126 259 Berrara 143 155 298 Bendalong 126 108 234 Manyana 197 185 382 Cunjurong Point 105 86 191 Lake Conjola 210 185 395 Yatte Yattah 103 113 216 Narrawallee 639 641 1,280 Mollymook Beach 954 1,108 2,062

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State Suburb Males Females Total Population Mollymook 581 603 1,184 Ulladulla 2,871 3,199 6,070 Burrill Lake 663 665 1,328 Dolphin Point 118 96 214 Woodstock 130 127 257 Lake Tabourie 306 294 600 Termeil 128 122 250 Bawley Point 301 290 591 Kioloa 114 94 208 Durras North 155 133 288

3.10.2 Development Plans in Shoalhaven Existing and future coastal development plans (government and private) scheduled for the Shoalhaven LGA, should continue to consider the impact of increased beach usage, discussing possible treatment options such as education, signage, beach access and supervision. Consideration should be given to the placement of facilities with respect to identified hazards and risks and lifesaving services. Foreshore BBQ, playground/s, car parks and service amenities, all subsequently attract large numbers of people (residents and tourists.

Treatment Options 1.1 & 2.1 Existing and future coastal development plans scheduled for the Shoalhaven Local Government Area, should consider the impact of increased coastal usage, discussing possible treatment options such as education, signage, access, public rescue equipment and supervision.

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3.10.3 Tourism Information The following information on international visitors, domestic overnight visitors and domestic day trippers has been sourced from (Destination NSW, 2012)

Table 3.10.3 Tourism data and visitor information for Shoalhaven LGA (‘Destination NSW’, 2014).

Overall Tourist Figures (‘000) Domestic Overnight 1,052 Domestic Day Trip (>50km) 1,314 International Overnight 23

Table 3.10.4 Domestic overnight travel data and visitor information for Shoalhaven LGA (‘Destination NSW’, 2014).

Top 5 Activities (‘000) SHOALHAVEN % NSW % Go to the beach 528 25.7 N/A Eat out at Restaurants 521 25.3 N/A Visit Friends and Relatives 433 21.0 N/A General Sight Seeing 316 15.4 N/A Go Shopping for Pleasure 256 12.4 N/A Origin (‘000) SHOALHAVEN % NSW % Regional NSW 1,047 28.6 N/A Sydney 2,020 55.2 N/A Victoria 155 4.2 N/A Queensland 91 2.5 N/A ACT 271 7.4 N/A Other Interstate 73 2.0 N/A Top 5 Accommodation (‘000) SHOALHAVEN % NSW% Friends or relatives 1,103 30.2 39.1 Caravan Park, Camping 899 24.6 12.4 Rented 584 16.0 9.9 Own Property 479 13.1 3.9 Hotel/Motel 322 8.8 23.4 Age Group (‘000) SHOALHAVEN % NSW % 15 to 24 years 161 14.9 14.5 25 to 34 years 142 13.1 14.0 35 to 44 years 230 21.3 21.5 45 to 54 years 206 19.0 19.0 55 to 64 years 194 18.0 16.6 65 years and over 149 13.8 14.4

In summary, beaches in the Shoalhaven LGA are the number one highest attraction for domestic overnight travellers. 55.2% of these people live in Sydney and 28% live in Regional NSW. 30.2% are more likely to stay with friends or relatives and visitors within the 35- 44 year age bracket have the highest percentage with 21.3%.

Table 3.10.5 Day trip travel data and visitor information for Shoalhaven LGA (‘Destination NSW’, 2014).

Top 5 Activities (‘000) SHOALHAVEN % NSW % Eat out at restaurants 579 32.2 N/A Visit friends and relatives 438 24.4 N/A General sight seeing 290 16.1 N/A Go Shopping for Pleasure 271 15.0 N/A Go to the beach 219 12.1 N/A Age Group (‘000) SHOALHAVEN % NSW % 15 to 24 years 153 11.9 14.4 25 to 34 years 134 10.4 13.4

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35 to 44 years 218 17.0 19.6 45 to 54 years 284 22.2 18.1 55 to 64 years 267 20.9 16.8 65 years and over 224 17.5 17.7 Origin (‘000) SHOALHAVEN % NSW % South Coast 581 45.4 7.8 Sydney 523 40.9 42.0 Canberra 61 4.7 2.5

In summary, the majority of day trippers eat out at restaurants and visit friends/relatives rather than go to the beach. Visitors within the 45- 54 year age bracket have the highest percentage with 22.2% and the majority of these visitors come from the South Coast.

Table 3.10.6 International overnight travel data and visitor information for Shoalhaven LGA (‘Destination NSW’ 2014).

Top 5 origin markets (‘000) SHOALHAVEN % NSW % United Kingdom 7 27.5 13.3 New Zealand 4 14.9 13.3 USA 3 11.5 10.6 Germany 2 7.5 3.8 Canada 1 4.7 3.9 Age Group (‘000) SHOALHAVEN % NSW % 15 to 24 years 4 14.9 18.8 25 to 34 years 5 20.4 24.8 35 to 44 years 3 13.5 17.4 45 to 54 years 4 15.0 17.2 55 to 64 years 5 22.4 14.8 65 years and over 3 13.9 6.9 Top 3 Accommodation (‘000) SHOALHAVEN % NSW % Friends or relatives 84 58.5 27.5 Hotel/Motel 13 9.2 10.2 Caravan / Camping 10 6.9 0.9

The highest number of international tourist’s holiday from the United Kingdom, New Zealand and USA. Visitors within the 55-64 year age bracket have the highest percentage with 22.4% and the majority stay with friends and relatives followed by Hotels/Motels.

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Local Accommodation Providers Local accommodation providers also attract beach users to the coast especially during school holiday periods. The beachside suburbs of the Shoalhaven LGA are largely occupied with holiday apartments/houses, caravan parks/camping grounds and hotels/motels. The accommodation providers that have direct access to coastal waters (caravan parks and camp sites) are listed below:

Table 3.10.7 Accommodation providers with direct coastal access in the Shoalhaven LGA. Venue Type Location Approx. Max Capacity Shoalhaven Heads Tourist Park Cabins, caravan, Seven Mile Beach 3000 camping Crookhaven Heads Tourist Park Cabins, caravan, Crookhaven Heads 1500 camping Currarong Beachside Cabins, caravan, Currarong 400 camping Honeymoon Bay Campground Caravan, camping Honeymoon Bay 300 Bindijine Campground Caravan, camping Bindijine 50 Myola Tourist Park Cabins, caravan, Myola 800 camping White Sands Holiday Park Cabins, caravan, Huskisson 350 camping Huskisson Beach Tourist Park Cabins, caravan, Huskisson 350 camping Sussex Inlet Holiday Centre Unit apartments Sussex Inlet 110 Croppers Cabins Cabins Sussex Inlet 30 Surfside Caravan Park Caravan Cudmirrah 550 Berrara Beach Holiday Chalets Cabins Berrara Point 400 Bendalong Point Tourist Park Cabins, caravan, Bendalong 1,500 camping Lake Conjola Entrance Tourist Park Cabins, caravan, Lake Conjola 1,500 camping Bannisters Resort Hotel Bannisters Point 130 Ulladulla Headland Tourist Park Cabins, caravan, Ulladulla Head 1,000 camping Beach Haven Holiday Resorts Cabins, caravan, Racecourse South, Ulladulla 1,500 camping Burrill Lake Tourist Park Cabins, caravan, Burrill 350 camping Dolphin Point Tourist Park Cabins, caravan, Burrill Lake 300 camping Burrill Pines Motel Cabins, caravan, Wario Beach 400 camping Wairo Beach Tourist Park Cabins, caravan, Wario Beach 500 camping Lake Tabourie Tourist Park Cabins, caravan, Lake Tabourie 3,000 camping Termeil Point Campground Caravan, camping Stokes Island 65 (Meroo National Park) Sunburnt Campground Caravan, camping Sunburnt N/A (Meroo National Park) Meroo Head Campground Camping Meroo Head N/A (Meroo National Park) Racecourse Beach Tourist Park Cabins, caravan, Racecourse Beach, 1,750 camping Bawley Point

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Venue Type Location Approx. Max Capacity Kioloa Beach Holiday Park Cabins, caravan, Kioloa 4,000 camping Merry Beach Caravan Park Cabins, caravan, Merry Beach 3,000 camping Pretty Beach Cabins and Camping Cabins, camping Pretty Beach (Murramarang 368 National Park) Pebbly Beach Holiday Cabins Cabins Pebbly Beach (Murramarang 25 National Park) Pebbly Beach Campground Camping Pebbly Beach (Murramarang 100 National Park) Depot Beach Cabins and Camping Cabins, camping Depot Beach (Murramarang 250 National Park) Durras Lake North Holiday Park Cabins, caravan, Durras North 250 camping Joalah Holiday Park Cabins, caravan, Durras North 250 camping Durras Beach North Tourist Park Cabins, caravan, Durras North 150 camping

Caravan parks/camping grounds that have direct access to coastal waters are of significance when determining the level of risk at a certain location. As most guests are domestic or international visitors their knowledge of the beach conditions will be less than local residents and therefore there is a higher chance of visitors getting into difficulty. Many access points from caravan parks and camping grounds also lead to unpatrolled beaches or sections of a beach which may also increase the level of risk. Some treatment options regarding accommodation providers that have direct access to coastal waters can be found in Sections 4.2.3 – Education and Awareness Programs and 4.2.4 – Safety signage.

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3.10.4 Beach Usage Statistics The following statistics have been recorded by the lifesaving (volunteers) and lifeguard services (paid) operating within the Shoalhaven LGA. Figures for the lifeguard services are over five patrolling seasons (2008/09, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2011/12, 2012/13).The volunteer statistics are incomplete for 2013/14 season so these have not been included in the analyses. Statistics for lifesavers and lifeguards have been sourced from the Surf Life Saving internal management database known as ‘SurfGuard’

Note o The following attendance, rescues, preventions and first aid cases for the Shoalhaven Volunteer Surf Life Saving Clubs are all represented much higher for Mollymook as this club patrols three areas for which the figures are combined (South Mollymook, North Mollymook and Narrawallee). o Some statistics may be incomplete for Shoalhaven volunteer surf life saving clubs

Attendances: The two graphs below provide the average daily attendances as recorded by lifesavers (weekends and public holidays) and lifeguards (weekdays) for individual beaches patrolled by both services.

Figure 3.10.1:Shoalhaven volunteer surf life saving clubs average daily beach attendance statistics from July 2008 to June 2013.

Notes to graph: o Mollymook recorded the highest average daily attendances for each patrol season. o Sussex Inlet recorded the lowest overall average daily attendance statistics, with figures below 100 for each patrol season. Shoalhaven Heads had comparable figures to Sussex with only one season having average daily attendances above 100 people.

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Figure 3.10.2:Shoalhaven Lifeguard Service average daily beach attendance statistics from July 2008 to April 2014.

Notes to graph: o North and South Mollymook recorded the highest total average attendance figures, followed by Narrawallee o Warrain recorded the lowest total average attendance o Despite the surf club at Warrain (Nowra Culburra), Tilbury Cove on the northern side of the adjacent Penguin Head recorded higher numbers than Warrain and Crookhaven.

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Rescues: The two graphs below provide the rescue statistics for lifesavers (weekends and public holidays) and lifeguards (weekdays)

Figure 3.10.3:Shoalhaven volunteer surf life saving clubs annual rescue statistics from July 2008 to June 2013.

Notes to graph: o Mollymook conducted the highest amount of rescues in total, which correlates to the significantly higher attendance figures for this location. o The greatest number of rescues undertaken within one season was conducted at Nowra Culburra in 2008/09. This season was also the highest number of rescues at Mollymook. o Sussex inlet recorded the least number of rescues, with none being carried out during 2008/09 and 2009/10, and only one in both 2011/12 and 2012/13.

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Figure 3.10.4: Shoalhaven Lifeguard Service annual rescue statistics from July 2008 to April 2014.

Notes to graph: o Crookhaven lifeguards conducted the greatest number of rescues in total. This high total rests upon the outlier for seasonal rescues during 2010/11, which is the highest recorded for all lifeguard patrolled beaches in the Shoalhaven. o The beach with least number of rescues conducted over the last six seasons is North Mollymook which is interesting given the high attendance statistics.

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Preventions/First Aid: The two graphs below provide the preventions and first aid statistics for lifesavers (weekends and public holidays) and lifeguards (weekdays)

Preventions may include: First Aid cases may include: o Swimmers advised/warned o Minor injuries/first aid o Craft users advised/warned o Major injures/hospitalisation o Beach users advised/warned o Marine stings o Warning signs erected o Spinal injuries o Shark alarm o Shock o Searches/lost children

Figure 3.10.5: Sholahven volunteer surf life saving clubs total rescues, preventions and first aid statistics from July 2008 to June 2013.

Notes to graph: o Mollymook recorded the greatest amount of rescues, preventions and first aid cases, while Sussex Inlet recorded the fewest of all three. o There were more preventions and first aid cases than rescues at all four beaches over the five year period. o Nowra Culburra recorded a relatively high number of total rescues given the low attendance figures when compared to Mollymook.

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Figure 3.10.6:Shoalhaven Lifeguard Service rescues, first aid and prevention statistics for 2008 to 2013.

Notes to graph: o South Mollymook recorded the highest first aid and prevention statistics over the six year period, followed by Narrawallee and North Mollymook o When compared to attendance figures, North and South Mollymook have conducted few rescues, while Warrain, Crookhaven and Sussex have conducted a relatively high amount. This may suggest that not enough preventions are taking place and/or these locations aren’t as safe for swimming.

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Rescues/Preventions: The following tables show the cumulative statistics for both preventions and rescues which are then used to determine the preventions: rescues ratio. In theory, the more preventions a club/service makes, the number of rescues that are required to be conducted will decrease e.g. Mollymook makes 23 preventions before having to conduct a single rescue. These statistics may highlight which clubs/services have the opportunity to be more proactive in making preventions with the aim of reducing the amount of rescues that need to be performed.

Table 3.10.8 Volunteer Surf Life Saving total preventions and rescues for beaches in the Shoalhaven.

Mollymook Nowra Culburra Shoalhaven Heads Sussex Inlet Total 2924 753 580 310 Preventions Total 125 90 21 6 Rescues Ratio Preventions: 23:1 8:1 28:1 52:1 Rescues

Notes to table: o Sussex Inlet recorded the highest ratio of preventions / rescues, o This ratio is almost double that of the second highest at Shoalhaven Heads o Nowra Culburra recorded the lowest ratio of preventions / rescues

Table 3.10.9 Shoalhaven City Council Lifeguard Service total preventions and rescues.

North Shoalhaven South Sussex Crookhaven Narrawallee Mollymook Heads Mollymook Inlet Tilbury Warrain Total 4346 8633 12461 5249 20256 4748 4376 1829 Preventions Total 49 30 17 36 28 19 39 36 Rescues Ratio Preventions: 89:1 288:1 733:1 146:1 723:1 250:1 112:1 51:1 Rescues

Notes to table: o Both North and South Mollymook recorded a significantly higher ratio than all other locations o All locations have a strong prevention to rescue ratio o Warrain recorded the lowest ratio of preventions / rescues

Currently the Mollymook Surf Life Saving Club combines all statistics from their three patrolling locations (South Mollymook, North Mollymook and Narrawallee). For the upcoming 2014/15 season it is recommended that Surf Life Saving NSW work with Mollymook SLSC to be able to capture individual statistics from these locations. The separation of these statistics will further assist key stakeholders to help make informed decisions about risk mitigation, based on evidence.

Treatment Option 5.2 For the upcoming 2014/15 season it is recommended that Surf Life Saving NSW work with Mollymook SLSC to be able to capture individual statistics from South Mollymook, North Mollymook and Narrawallee.

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3.10.5 Drowning Incidents The drowning incidents that have occurred in the Shoalhaven LGA from the 1st of July 2004 are provided in Table 3.10.10. The table below excludes inland drowning incidents.

Table 3.10.10 Drowning incidents within Shoalhaven LGA (SLSA, 2014).

Coastal Drowning Incidents – Shoalhaven Local Government Area Residential Victim Date Location Time Month Age Nationality Activity Status Postcode Australian 25/10/04 Seven Mile Beach 13:40 Oct 26/M Australian Swimming 2655 Resident Australian 22/01/06 Greenfields 16:00 Jan 29/F Australian Swimming 2540 Resident Surfcraft Australian 17/07/06 Wairo Beach 8:45 Jul 35/M Australian (non 2539 Resident powered) Australian 11/12/08 North Mollymook 16:30 Dec 50/M Australian Swimming 2138 Resident Australian Rock 10/10/09 Pebbly Beach 11:00 Oct 51/M Australian 2612 Resident Related Australian 12/12/09 Hyams Beach 13:00 Dec 20/M Australian Swimming 2216 Resident Australian 24/01/10 Lake Conjola 19:30 Jan 48/M Australian Swimming 2042 Resident Australian 5/04/10 Mollymook 13:00 Apr 36/M Australian Swimming 2032 Resident Burrill Lake Australian 24/12/11 16:30 Dec 30/M Australian Swimming Canberra Entrance Resident Racecourse 50's/ Australian 30/12/11 Beach, Bawley 7:30 Dec Australian Swimming unknown M Resident Point Australian 30/01/13 Lake Tabourie 13:45 Jan 45/M Australian Swimming 2539 Resident International 10/02/13 Bristol Bay (ACT) 12:00 Feb 22/M Korean Swimming 2913 Tourist 3/12/13 Burrill Beach 17:48 Dec 25/M Filipino Unknown Swimming 2539 Little Beecroft Australian *23/12/13 5:14 Dec 28/M Asian Rock Fishing unknown Head, Currarong Resident Burrill Lake International 10/01/14 12:30 Jan 46/M British Swimming unknown Entrance Tourist Boat Harbour, 18/02/14 15:30 Feb 84/M Unknown Unknown Boating unknown Bendalong

*Cause of death yet to be determined by the coroner

Notes to table: o 15 of the 16 people who drowned in the Shoalhaven LGA were male, and only 1 was female. o 75% of all drowning incidents occurred during summer o 38% of all incidents occurred after 15:00hrs

While data surrounding incident location/time has been referenced, specific environmental conditions at the time of incidents have not been adequately assessed to identify causal factors and specific trends. This information exists and is held in raw format by the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), including wave height/direction, tides, wind speed/direction, temperature, and visibility.

The Bureau of Meteorology and Surf Life Saving Australia are currently undertaking a retrospective analysis of meteorological and oceanographic conditions prevalent at the time of drowning cases between 2003 and 2013 to identify trends and inform the refinement of the hazardous surf warning system.

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Review and assessment of this data may identify environmental trends which may encourage/discourage recreational activities, impact hazard/risk perception and risk taking behaviour, identify higher-risk conditions for types of localities, and specific ‘black spot’ locations. Dangerous surf warnings and education/awareness programs may be improved as a result.

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Figure 3.10.7: Shoalhaven Drowning locations and postcode of victim residence.

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3.10.6 Emergency Callouts There have been 83 emergency callouts through the Surf Rescue Emergency Response System (SRERS) from 1st January 2008 to 30th April 2014 in the Shoalhaven LGA. The SRERS involves callout teams (lifesavers/lifeguards), including ‘after hours’ responding to emergencies that have been tasked by the Police. As a result of the 83 callouts, 34 persons have been rescued, found or given assistance (medical or other) by Surf Life Saving resources. Forty callouts resulted in ‘no further action’ or ‘stood down before response’ meaning Surf Life Saving resources were ultimately not required. Such cases include self rescue, rescue by another member of the public, rescue by another emergency response organisation, and false alarms. Unfortunately, 9 of these callouts resulted in coastal drowning/death.

Note: The data below does not incorporate incidents from other emergency services where the SRERS may not have been tasked e.g. Water Police, Ambulance and Marine Rescue data.

Figure 3.10.8:Surf Rescue Emergency Response by Location (SLSNSW, 2014).

Notes to graph: o The regions include:  Jervis Bay: Seven Mile beach to Jervis Bay, including St Georges Basin  Sussex / Conjola: Sussex Inlet to Buckleys  Ulladulla: Narrawallee to Dolphin Point  Tabourie: Wairo to Meroo Head  Bawley Point: Meroo to Merry beach  Murramarang NP: Pretty beach to Durras North o The majority of callouts have occurred within the Jervis Bay region (42%). Of these incidents, most (27%) occurred along the open ocean section between seven mile beach and mermaids inlet on the Beecroft headland. Every incident that occurred within St Georges basin was either vessel or surfcraft (non powered) related. Two of the seven incidents that occurred within the bay were shark sightings. o Almost one quarter of incidents occurred within the Ulladulla region. This figure is only two less than the Jervis Bay open ocean region.

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o The Tabourie and Murramarang National Park areas have had the fewest emergency callouts. These two areas are largely managed by national parks and do not have a volunteer or paid lifesaving service operating within them.

Figure 3.10.9: Surf Rescue Emergency Response by Season and Day (SLSNSW, 2014).

Notes to graph: o The majority of emergency response callouts have occurred during summer followed by autumn. These two seasons have the warmest water temperatures and thus more favourable swimming conditions than winter and spring. The relatively high statistic for autumn may support the need for extended patrol hours during this time of year. o The chart also reveals that callouts occur mostly on weekends and Mondays, while comparably fewer have been instigated from Tuesdays through to Fridays.

0:00 1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 8:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00 Total Mon 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 1 0 3 1 0 1 2 1 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 16 Tue 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 8 Wed 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 Thu 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 2 0 1 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 10 Fri 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 2 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 8 Sat 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 0 1 0 3 2 2 2 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 18 Sun 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 1 3 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 14 Total 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 2 5 4 1 9 6 5 11 10 5 6 5 6 2 0 1 1 83 Figure 3.10.10: Surf Rescue Emergency Response by time and day (SLSNSW, 2014).

Notes to figure: o The peak time of the day for callouts is 14:00, and Saturday is the peak day o The graph shows a cluster of incidents around 11:00 and 17:00 particularly on the weekends o The hours around 14:00 and 15:00 have had the most number of incidents across every of the week.

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Figure 3.10.11: Surf Rescue Emergency Response by Activity (SLSNSW, 2014).

Notes to graph: o Swimming related activities have instigated the greatest number of emergency responses. o The second highest activity resulting in an emergency response callout was vessel incidents followed by surfcraft. o Rock related activities (including rock fishing) have prompted 8 emergency callouts.

Treatment Options 1.2, 2.2 & 3.1 Coastal usage and incident data (e.g. drowning incidents, emergency callouts, lifesaving and lifeguard statistics) should be used when making informed decisions about the implementation of risk treatments for coastal safety.

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3.11 Communication and Consultation Communicating with stakeholders about risk perception and tolerance is a core component of the risk assessment and management process.

Stakeholder Consultation Consultation with a number of stakeholders was formally undertaken to ensure Land Managers and other key stakeholders were given the opportunity to provide local input and knowledge i.e. validation of strategies in place, risk management issues and opportunities that may exist.

Local stakeholder meetings were conducted with: o Kevin Norwood, Aquatic Services Manager, Shoalhaven City Council o Penelope Lumb, Ecological Sustainable Development Assets Officer, Shoalhaven City Council o Greg Tedder, Area Manager – Nowra Area, National Parks and Wildlife Service o Alex Deura, Park Ranger – Nowra Area, National Parks and Wildlife Service o Neale Watson, Area Manager – Ulladulla Area, National Parks and Wildlife Service o Ken Walsh, Shoalhaven Lifeguard Supervisor, Australian Lifeguard Service o Steve Jones, South Coast President, Surf Life Saving

The consultation process has been aided in the following ways: o Open community forums and workshops o Print and radio media announcements of workshops and consultation o Written and verbal follow ups post workshops o Use of social media - Twitter o Web based surveys o Web based information submissions o On-site communication and distribution of flyers o On-site one-to-one surveying o Draft reports circulated to the NSW Water Safety Advisory Council.

Figure 3.11.1: Project Blueprint Flyer.

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Consultation Workshop Three public forums were held in the Shoalhaven Local Government Area to engage with the local community. These were advertised in local media and pre-identified stakeholders were notified via email and follow up phone calls. Public forums were open to any member of the public including surf lifesavers, lifeguards, fishing groups, surfing associations, emergency services personnel, boaters, residents, etc.

The first public forum was held at the Shoalhaven Heads Community Centre on Wednesday 12 March, 2014 and was attended by: o Ray Massie, Shoalhaven City Council

The second public forum was held at the Huskisson Community Centre on Monday 17 March, 2014. Unfortunately, no members of the public were available to attend this public forum.

The third public forum was held at Mollymook SLSC on Wednesday 26 March, 2014 and was attended by: o Ivan Johnson, Mollymook SLSC o Brad MacDougall, Lake Conjola Entrance Tourist Park o Ken Walsh, Australian Lifeguard Service & Mollymook SLSC o Elleisha Walsh, Australian Lifeguard Service & Mollymook SLSC o Jemma Walsh , Australian Lifeguard Service & Mollymook SLSC o Katrina Walsh , Mollymook SLSC o Ross Whitty, Mollymook SLSC o Danielle Moore, Mollymook SLSC o Ken Lambert, Marine Rescue Ulladulla o Lekshe Cosal, Australian Lifeguard Service & Mollymook SLSC o Bill McInnes, Ulladulla State Emergency Service o Herman Unsworth, Marine Rescue Ulladulla & Australian Professional Ocean Lifeguard Association o Jan Shalhoub, Ulladulla and Districts Community Forum o Barbara Young, Local Resident o Max Young, Local Resident o Scott Graham, Mollymook SLSC o Glenn Matthews, Director of Lifesaving, South Coast Branch & Mollymook SLSC o Noel Turnbull, Mollymook SLSC o Russell Bartlett, Mollymook SLSC o Bruce O Sullivan, Mollymook SLSC o David Rogan, Kioloa Beach Holiday Park o Mark Kitchener, Shoalhaven City Councillor

Consultation Survey The consultation process has also involved the introduction of two online surveys which has been useful to capture input from a wide range of key stakeholders, at local/regional level. The first survey was sent to both internal and external stakeholders. Questions focused on drowning identification and prevention. The second survey was sent to internal stakeholders only e.g. lifesavers and lifeguards. Questions focused on visitation numbers and incidents. Specific questions and answers can be referenced in Appendix F.

Stakeholder communication The process of communicating risk estimates from the assessment process to decision-makers and ultimately to the public, sometimes referred to as risk education, is only one part of the communication process. In getting those affected by risk to accept risk mitigation measures, and in providing decision-makers and communities with the information they need to tolerate and deal with risks, there needs to be two-way communications that includes those affected by risk, the public, into the decision-making process.

Shoalhaven City Council, the National Parks & Wildlife, Department of Defence and Surf Life Saving South Coast should hold regular liaison meetings as an effective forum which raises safety issues and implements coastal safety strategies in the Shoalhaven LGA. The committee should have a standing item on all future meeting agendas titled ‘coastal risk management – status and issues’, or similar. Treatment options found in this report can be addressed in this agenda item. After an initial meeting, participants are encouraged to meet at least twice a year (before and after) the surf life saving season.

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The Local Emergency Management Committee is an effective group in the Shoalhaven LGA which discuss emergency management processes, opportunities and issues (including coastal). The group is made up of representatives from NSW Police, NSW Marine Area Command, NSW Fire and Rescue, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW Ambulance Service, State Emergency Service, Marine Rescue, Shoalhaven City Council, National Parks and Wildlife, Surf Life Saving South Coast, Local Government Departments (Education, Communication Services) and the Roads and Maritime Services.

Treatment Options 1.3, 2.3, 3.2 & 5.3 Land Managers in the Shoalhaven Local Government Area should meet with Surf Life Saving South Coast as an effective forum which raises safety issues and implements coastal safety strategies. It is encouraged that the treatment options found in this report be addressed as part of this meeting. After an initial meeting, participants are encouraged to meet at least twice a year (before and after) the surf life saving season.

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4 Risk Assessment Findings

4.1 Action Planning Priority (Inherent Gross Risk)

4.1.1 Action Planning Priority Index The Action Planning Priority Index can be viewed as the gross risk score for a beach. The index seeks to identify the risks associated with the broader coastal environment under assessment, rather than specific hazards and risks present at a particular location or site. The majority of information detailed in this section of the report will be identified through pre exiting data (where available), with new data sourced where gaps are present or the data is not reliable.

The total score for the Action Planning Priority Index is intended to be used for the purpose of prioritising risk mitigation strategies provided for consideration in this report. The individual components of the Action Planning Priority Index should not be considered in isolation from the total scores outlined in Table 4.1.8 Summary of action planning priority calculations for each assessed location.

The information is based on modal data for peak visitation during the busiest season(s).

The Action Planning Priority Index uses the following risk identification information: 1. Australian Beach Safety & Management Program (ABSAMP) Rating (Table 4.1.1) 2. Local Population Rating (LPR) (Table 4.1.3) 3. Human/Activity Interaction Rating (HAIR) (Table 4.1.5) 4. Access Rating (AR) (Table 4.1.7)

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4.1.2 Australian Beach Safety and Management Program

Table 4.1.1 ABSAMP and Indicative ratings applied to assessed locations.

Location Name ABSAMP No. ABSAMP Rating ABSAMP Type Seven Mile Beach nsw400b 6 Transverse Bar & Rip / Longshore Bar & Trough Comerong Island nsw401 6 Transverse Bar & Rip Crookhaven Heads nsw402RPa 6 Rock Platforms Crookhaven/Culburra nsw402 6 Transverse Bar & Rip Tilbury Cove nsw402S 2 Low Tide Terrace Penguin Head nsw402RPb 4 Rock Platforms Warrain North nsw403 6 Low Tide Terrace / Transverse Bar & Rip Kinghorn Point nsw403RPa 6 Rock Platforms Warrain South nsw404 6 Transverse Bar & Rip Currarong nsw405 4 Low Tide Terrace Currarong Point nsw405RPa 4 Rock Platforms Abrahams Bosom nsw406 3 Reflective Whale Point nsw406RPa 4 Rock Platforms Wilson nsw407 5 Reflective + Rocks Abrahams Head / Honeysuckle nsw407RPa 5 Reflective + Rocks Point Lobster Bay nsw408 5 Reflective + Rocks Little Beecroft Head nsw408RPa 4 Rock Platforms Mermaids Inlet nsw408RPb 4 Rock Platforms Beecroft Head nsw408RPc 4 Rock Platforms Moores Inlet nsw408RPd 4 Rock Platforms Crocodile Head/Three Graves nsw408RPp 4 Rock Platforms Point Perpendicular nsw408RPr 4 Rock Platforms Outer Tubes nsw408RPs 4 Rock Platforms The Docks nsw408RPt 4 Rock Platforms Inner Tubes nsw408RPu 4 Rock Platforms Boat Harbour nsw409 2 Reflective Target 1/Fisherman’s Beach nsw410 3 Reflective Target 2/Little Target Beach nsw411 4 Low Tide Terrace Target nsw412 5 Transverse Bar & Rip Longnose Point nsw412RPa 5 Rock Platforms Silica Cove nsw413 4 Reflective Dart Point NSW413RPa 4 Rock Platforms Groper Coast nsw413RPb 4 Rock Platforms Honeymoon Bay nsw414 3 Reflective Bindijine Beach nsw415 3 Low Tide Terrace

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Location Name ABSAMP No. ABSAMP Rating ABSAMP Type Figtree Inlet nsw416 2 Reflective Long Beach nsw417 3 Reflective Cabbage Tree Beach nsw418 2 Reflective Chainman’s/Green Point nsw419 2 Reflective + Tidal Sand Flats Hare Bay nsw420 2 Reflective + Tidal Sand Flats Red Point nsw420RPa 2 Rock Platforms Callala Bay nsw421 2 Reflective Callala Point nsw421RPa 3 Rock Platforms Callala Beach nsw422 3 Low Tide Terrace Huskisson Point / Inlet nsw422RPa 3 Rock Platforms Shark Net Beach / Tapalla Point nsw423 3 Reflective + Rocks Huskisson nsw424 3 Reflective Collingwood Beach nsw425 3 Reflective Orion Beach nsw426 2 Reflective Barfleur Beach nsw427 3 Reflective + Rocks Plantation Point nsw427RPa 3 Rock Platforms Nelson Beach nsw428 3 Reflective Blenheim Beach nsw429 3 Reflective Greenfield Beach nsw430 3 Reflective Duck Gully nsw430RPa 3 Rock Platforms Chainman’s Beach nsw431 3 Reflective Hyams Point nsw432 3 Reflective Hyams Beach / Seamans nsw433 3 Reflective Sussex Inlet nsw450 4 Low Tide Terrace + Inlet Farnham Headland nsw450RPa 6 Rock Platforms Cudmirrah nsw451 7 Transverse Bar & Rip / Rhythmic Bar & Beach Berrara/Kirby’s nsw452 5 Transverse Bar & Rip Berrara Point nsw453 3 Reflective + Rocks Berrara South nsw454 6 Transverse Bar & Rip Bangalay nsw455 4 Low Tide Terrace Monument nsw456 6 Transverse Bar & Rip Flat Rock nsw457 3 Low Tide Terrace Dee nsw458 4 Low Tide Terrace Washerwoman nsw459 4 Low Tide Terrace Boat Harbour nsw460 3 Reflective Red Head Point nsw460RPa 4 Rock Platforms Red Head/One Tree Beach nsw461 5 Reflective + Rocks Bendalong / Inyadda nsw462 7 Transverse Bar & Rip / Rhythmic Bar & Beach Inyadda Point nsw462RPa 7 Rock Platforms

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Location Name ABSAMP No. ABSAMP Rating ABSAMP Type Manyana nsw463 7 Transverse Bar & Rip / Rhythmic Bar & Beach Cunjurong nsw463S 7 Low Tide Terrace Green Island nsw464 7 Rhythmic Bar & Beach + Inlet Conjola nsw465 7 Transverse Bar & Rip / Rhythmic Bar & Beach Buckleys nsw466 7 Transverse Bar & Rip Narrawallee Head nsw467RPa 7 Rock Platforms Narrawallee nsw467 6 Transverse Bar & Rip / Low Tide Terrace Bannister Point nsw467RPb 5 Rock Platforms Jones Beach nsw467E 4 Boulder Mollymook nsw468 6 Transverse Bar & Rip / Low Tide Terrace Golf Course Reef nsw469N 2 Reflective + Rocks Collers nsw469 3 Reflective Ulladulla Head nsw469RPa 4 Rock Platforms Ulladulla Harbour North nsw470N 4 Reflective + Rock Flats Ulladulla Harbour nsw470 3 Reflective Ulladulla Harbour Sea Pool nsw470S 2 Reflective + Rock Flats Warden Head North nsw471 4 Reflective + Rock Flats Warden Head South nsw472 6 Low Tide Terrace + Rocks Ulladulla Bommie nsw473 6 Low Tide Terrace + Rocks Rennies nsw474 7 Transverse Bar & Rip + Rocks Racecourse nsw475 7 Reflective + Rock Flats Racecourse South/Supertubes nsw476 7 Rhythmic Bar & Beach Burrill nsw477 7 Rhythmic Bar & Beach Dolphin Point nsw477RPa 7 Reflective + Rock Flats Lagoon Head/Pot Holes nsw477RPb 7 Reflective + Rock Flats Wairo Beach nsw478 7 Transverse Bar & Rip / Rhythmic Bar & Beach Tabourie nsw479 7 Transverse Bar & Rip / Rhythmic Bar & Beach Stokes Island nsw480 6 Transverse Bar & Rip / Rhythmic Bar & Beach Sunburnt nsw481 6 Transverse Bar & Rip / Rhythmic Bar & Beach Termeil Lake nsw482 7 Rhythmic Bar & Beach Meroo Head nsw482RPa 7 Rock Platforms Meroo nsw483 6 Transverse Bar & Rip Nuggan Point nsw484 4 Low Tide Terrace + Rocks North Beach nsw485 5 Low Tide Terrace / Transverse Bar & Rip Bawley Beach nsw486 4 Low Tide Terrace Bawley Point nsw486RPa 5 Rock Platforms

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Location Name ABSAMP No. ABSAMP Rating ABSAMP Type Cormorant nsw487 5 Low Tide Terrace / Transverse Bar & Rip Jewin Head nsw487RPa 5 Rock Platforms Gannet nsw488 5 Low Tide Terrace / Transverse Bar & Rip Murramarang nsw489 6 Transverse Bar & Rip Cat & Kitten nsw490 6 Low Tide Terrace Wilfords Point nsw490RPa 5 Rock Platforms Bull Pup nsw491 4 Reflective Racecourse nsw492 6 Transverse Bar & Rip Shelly nsw493 5 Transverse Bar & Rip Avenue nsw494 4 Low Tide Terrace Kioloa nsw495 4 Low Tide Terrace Boat Ramp nsw496 3 Reflective + Rocks O'Hara Head nsw496RPa 4 Rock Platforms Merry Beach nsw497 5 Low Tide Terrace / Transverse Bar & Rip Snapper Point nsw497RPa 6 Rock Platforms Pretty Beach nsw498 6 Transverse Bar & Rip Island nsw499 5 Transverse Bar & Rip O'Hara (S1) nsw500 6 Transverse Bar & Rip O'Hara (S2) nsw501 6 Transverse Bar & Rip O'Hara (S3) nsw503 6 Transverse Bar & Rip Dawson Island North nsw503 4 Low Tide Terrace Dawson Island South nsw504 4 Low Tide Terrace Snake Bay nsw505 3 Reflective - Cobble Snake Bay South nsw506 3 Reflective - Cobble Clear Point nsw506RPa 3 Rock Platforms Burns Bay nsw507 3 Reflective - Cobble Pebbly Beach nsw508 6 Transverse Bar & Rip Pebbly Coast nsw508RPa 5 Rock Platforms Depot Beach nsw509 4 Low Tide Terrace Tranquillity Bay nsw510 3 Reflective Point Upright nsw510RPa 5 Rock Platforms Durras North nsw511 6 Transverse Bar & Rip

* Shoalhaven LGA Rock Platform Ratings

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4.1.3 Local Population Rating The Local Population Rating (LPR) expands on the information obtained from the Facility Visitation Rating. This additional population rating identifies the population of residents and/or non-residents located within 2km’s of a coastal location under assessment. The highest figure (resident or non-resident) will be recorded.

Table 4.1.2 Local population rating descriptors. Population Rating Qualifying Description (all staying/living within 2km of beach) 1 < 50 residents and/or < 20 non-residents (domestic or overseas tourists) 2 50 – 250 residents and/or 21 – 100 non-residents (domestic or overseas tourists) 3 250 – 1000 residents and/or 100 – 500 non-residents (domestic or overseas tourists) 4 1000 – 2500 residents and/or 500 – 1000 non-residents (domestic or overseas tourists) 5 2500 + residents and/or 1000 non-residents (domestic or overseas tourists)

Table 4.1.3 Local population ratings applied to assessed locations. Location LPR Total Seven Mile Beach 5 Comerong Island 4 Crookhaven Heads 5 Crookhaven/Culburra 5 Tilbury Cove 5 Penguin Head 5 Warrain North 4 Kinghorn Point 1 Warrain South 3 Currarong 3 Currarong Point 3 Abrahams Bosom 3 Whale Point 3 Wilson 3 Abrahams Head / Honeysuckle Point 2 Lobster Bay 2 Little Beecroft Head 2 Mermaids Inlet 2 Beecroft Head 2 Moores Inlet 3 Crocodile Head/Three Graves 1 Point Perpendicular 1 Outer Tubes 1 The Docks 1 Inner Tubes 1 Boat Harbour 1 Target 1/Fisherman’s Beach 1 Target 2/Little Target Beach 1 Target 3 Longnose Point 3 Silica Cove 3 Dart Point 3 Groper Coast 3 Honeymoon Bay 3 Bindijine Beach 3 Figtree Inlet 3

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Location LPR Total Long Beach 3 Cabbage Tree Beach 1 Chainman’s/Green Point 1 Hare Bay 1 Red Point 1 Callala Bay 4 Callala Point 4 Callala Beach 3 Huskisson Point / Inlet 3 Shark Net Beach / Tapalla Point 4 Huskisson 5 Collingwood Beach 5 Orion Beach 5 Barfleur Beach 5 Plantation Point 5 Nelson Beach 5 Blenheim Beach 5 Greenfield Beach 4 Duck Gully 3 Chainman’s Beach 3 Hyams Point 3 Hyams Beach / Seamans 3 Sussex Inlet 3 Farnham Headland 3 Cudmirrah 4 Berrara/Kirby’s 4 Berrara Point 4 Berrara South 4 Bangalay 1 Monument 3 Flat Rock 4 Dee 4 Washerwoman 4 Boat Harbour 4 Red Head Point 4 Red Head/One Tree Beach 4 Bendalong / Inyadda 4 Inyadda Point 4 Manyana 5 Cunjurong 5 Green Island 5 Conjola 5 Buckleys 1 Narrawallee Head 4 Narrawallee 4 Bannister Point 5 Jones Beach 5 Mollymook 5 Golf Course Reef 5 Collers 5 Ulladulla Head 5 Ulladulla Harbour North 5 Ulladulla Harbour 5

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Location LPR Total Ulladulla Harbour Sea Pool 5 Warden Head North 5 Warden Head South 5 Ulladulla Bommie 5 Rennies 5 Racecourse 5 Racecourse South/Supertubes 5 Burrill 4 Dolphin Point 4 Lagoon Head/Pot Holes 3 Wairo Beach 5 Tabourie 5 Stokes Island 4 Sunburnt 3 Termeil Lake 3 Meroo Head 3 Meroo 3 Nuggan Point 2 North Beach 2 Bawley Beach 3 Bawley Point 3 Cormorant 3 Jewin Head 3 Gannet 3 Murramarang 3 Cat & Kitten 5 Wilfords Point 5 Bull Pup 5 Racecourse 5 Shelly 5 Avenue 5 Kioloa 5 Boat Ramp 5 O'Hara Head 5 Merry Beach 5 Snapper Point 5 Pretty Beach 5 Island 5 O'Hara (S1) 5 O'Hara (S2) 5 O'Hara (S3) 3 Dawson Island North 3 Dawson Island South 1 Snake Bay 1 Snake Bay South 3 Clear Point 3 Burns Bay 3 Pebbly Beach 3 Pebbly Coast 3 Depot Beach 3 Tranquillity Bay 3 Point Upright 4 Durras North 4

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4.1.4 Human/Activity Interaction Rating The Human/Activity Interaction Rating (HAIR) identifies any conflicts present at the coastal environment between the number of people and activities taking place. Activities include both those in the water and those on the beach.

Table 4.1.4 Human/Activity Interaction descriptors. Population Conflicting activities Population Conflicting activities (in-water) (on beach) 100+ 5 Persistent and dangerous 5 1000+ 5 Persistent and dangerous 5 75-100 4 Persistent 4 750-1000 4 Persistent 4 50-75 3 Regular 3 500-750 3 Regular 3 25-50 2 Isolated conflicts 2 250-500 2 Isolated conflicts 2 1-25 1 No conflicts reported 1 1-250 1 No conflicts reported 1

Table 4.1.5 Human/Activity Interaction ratings applied to assessed locations. Location Population Conflict Population Conflict HAI Total (in water) (on beach) Seven Mile Beach 5 3 2 2 12 Comerong Island 2 2 1 2 7 Crookhaven Heads 1 2 1 2 6 Crookhaven/Culburra 5 3 2 2 12 Tilbury Cove 5 3 3 2 13 Penguin Head 1 2 1 2 6 Warrain North 5 3 2 2 12 Kinghorn Point 1 2 1 2 6 Warrain South 5 2 1 2 10 Currarong 5 3 2 2 12 Currarong Point 1 2 1 3 7 Abrahams Bosom 5 2 1 2 10 Whale Point 1 1 1 1 4 Wilson 1 1 1 2 5 Abrahams Head / Honeysuckle 1 1 1 1 Point 4 Lobster Bay 1 1 1 2 5 Little Beecroft Head 1 1 1 1 4 Mermaids Inlet 1 1 1 1 4 Beecroft Head 1 1 1 1 4 Moores Inlet 1 1 1 1 4 Crocodile Head/Three Graves 1 1 1 1 4 Point Perpendicular 1 1 1 1 4 Outer Tubes 1 2 1 3 7 The Docks Not assessed (inaccessible) Inner Tubes Not assessed (inaccessible) Boat Harbour Not assessed (inaccessible) Target 1/Fisherman’s Beach 1 1 1 1 4 Target 2/Little Target Beach 1 1 1 1 4 Target 5 2 1 2 10 Longnose Point 1 1 1 2 5 Silica Cove 2 2 1 2 7 Dart Point Not assessed (inaccessible) Groper Coast 1 1 1 1 4 Honeymoon Bay 5 3 1 2 11 Bindijine Beach 5 3 1 2 11

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Location Population Conflict Population Conflict HAI Total (in water) (on beach) Figtree Inlet 1 1 1 1 4 Long Beach 5 2 1 2 10 Cabbage Tree Beach 2 2 1 2 7 Chainman’s/Green Point 1 1 1 2 5 Hare Bay 4 2 1 2 9 Red Point 1 2 1 2 6 Callala Bay 5 3 1 2 11 Callala Point 1 2 1 2 6 Callala Beach 5 2 2 2 11 Huskisson Point / Inlet 1 2 2 2 7 Shark Net Beach / Tapalla 5 2 1 2 Point 10 Huskisson 5 3 3 2 13 Collingwood Beach 5 3 3 2 13 Orion Beach 3 2 1 2 8 Barfleur Beach 3 2 1 2 8 Plantation Point 1 2 1 2 6 Nelson Beach 5 2 1 2 10 Blenheim Beach 4 2 1 2 9 Greenfield Beach 5 2 1 2 10 Duck Gully 1 1 1 2 5 Chainman’s Beach 5 2 1 2 10 Hyams Point 5 3 1 2 11 Hyams Beach / Seamans 5 3 3 2 13 Sussex Inlet 3 3 1 2 9 Farnham Headland 1 2 1 2 6 Cudmirrah 5 2 1 2 10 Berrara/Kirby’s 5 2 1 2 10 Berrara Point 2 2 1 2 7 Berrara South 3 2 1 2 8 Bangalay 1 2 1 2 6 Monument 3 2 1 2 8 Flat Rock 3 2 1 2 8 Dee 2 2 1 2 7 Washerwoman 5 2 1 2 10 Boat Harbour 5 3 1 2 11 Red Head Point 1 2 1 1 5 Red Head/One Tree Beach 1 2 1 2 6 Bendalong / Inyadda 5 2 1 2 10 Inyadda Point 1 2 1 2 6 Manyana 5 2 1 2 10 Cunjurong 2 2 1 2 7 Green Island 3 3 1 2 9 Conjola 5 3 2 2 12 Buckleys 1 2 1 2 6 Narrawallee Head 1 2 1 2 6 Narrawallee 5 3 3 2 13 Bannister Point 1 2 1 2 6 Jones Beach 1 2 1 2 6 Mollymook 5 3 5 2 15 Golf Course Reef 3 3 1 2 9 Collers 2 3 1 2 8

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Location Population Conflict Population Conflict HAI Total (in water) (on beach) Ulladulla Head 1 1 1 1 4 Ulladulla Harbour North 3 3 1 2 9 Ulladulla Harbour 1 3 2 2 8 Ulladulla Harbour Sea Pool 3 2 1 2 8 Warden Head North 3 2 1 2 8 Warden Head South 2 2 1 2 7 Ulladulla Bommie 1 2 1 2 6 Rennies 2 2 1 2 7 Racecourse 3 2 1 2 8 Racecourse South/Supertubes 5 2 2 2 11 Burrill 5 2 1 2 10 Dolphin Point 5 3 2 2 12 Lagoon Head/Pot Holes 3 2 1 2 8 Wairo Beach 5 2 1 2 10 Tabourie 5 2 2 2 11 Stokes Island 2 2 1 2 7 Sunburnt 4 2 1 2 9 Termeil Lake 4 2 1 2 9 Meroo Head 3 2 1 2 8 Meroo 3 2 1 2 8 Nuggan Point 2 2 1 2 7 North Beach 3 2 1 2 8 Bawley Beach 5 3 1 2 11 Bawley Point 2 2 1 2 7 Cormorant 5 2 1 2 10 Jewin Head 1 2 1 2 6 Gannet 5 2 1 2 10 Murramarang 3 2 1 2 8 Cat & Kitten 1 2 1 2 6 Wilfords Point 1 1 1 2 5 Bull Pup 1 2 1 2 6 Racecourse 5 2 2 2 11 Shelly 3 2 1 2 8 Avenue 5 2 1 2 10 Kioloa 5 3 2 2 12 Boat Ramp 2 3 1 2 8 O'Hara Head 1 2 1 2 6 Merry Beach 5 2 2 2 11 Snapper Point 1 2 1 2 6 Pretty Beach 3 2 1 2 8 Island 1 2 1 2 6 O'Hara (S1) 1 2 1 1 5 O'Hara (S2) 1 2 1 1 5 O'Hara (S3) 1 2 1 1 5 Dawson Island North 1 2 1 1 5 Dawson Island South 1 2 1 1 5 Snake Bay 1 2 1 1 5 Snake Bay South 1 2 1 1 5 Clear Point 1 2 1 2 6 Burns Bay 1 2 1 1 5 Pebbly Beach 5 2 1 2 10 Pebbly Coast 1 2 1 1 5

Page 83 of 152 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Shoalhaven Local Government Area

Location Population Conflict Population Conflict HAI Total (in water) (on beach) Depot Beach 5 3 2 2 12 Tranquillity Bay 2 2 1 2 7 Point Upright 1 1 1 2 5 Durras North 5 2 2 2 11

Page 84 of 152 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Shoalhaven Local Government Area

4.1.5 Access Rating Beaches or coastal environments that have increased accessibility (i.e. near major roads, cities, public transport, car parks, boat ramps, maintained access paths etc.) increase the likelihood of users at that beach. This directly increases the level of risk of drowning and or injury.

Table 4.1.6 Access rating descriptors. Access Rating Qualifying Description 1 No identifiable access via road or track, no facilities, car parking or obvious access points 2 Access via un-maintained track with no facilities and/or via water access 3 Access via any form of track or walkway (either maintained or un-maintained) AND any provision of facilities or services including (but not limited to) public transport, shower, public toilet, payphone, kiosk, significant roadway, parking 4 Access via maintained tracks with clearly identified parking area AND/OR provision of basic facilities (i.e. public toilets, public shower/ wash down area) AND/OR within 10km of moderate sized town or city (population greater than 5,000) 5 Clearly evident, marked or signposted and maintained access points AND/OR within 10km of major town or city (population greater than 25,000) AND / OR car parking for 50 or more vehicles/boat trailers. Public transport provided within 250m of a beach access point

Table 4.1.7 Access ratings applied to assessed locations. Location Access Rating Seven Mile Beach 3 Comerong Island 3 Crookhaven Heads 3 Crookhaven/Culburra 3 Tilbury Cove 3 Penguin Head 2 Warrain North 3 Kinghorn Point 3 Warrain South 3 Currarong 3 Currarong Point 3 Abrahams Bosom 3 Whale Point 2 Wilson 2 Abrahams Head / Honeysuckle Point 2 Lobster Bay 3 Little Beecroft Head 2 Mermaids Inlet 2 Beecroft Head 2 Moores Inlet 1 Crocodile Head/Three Graves 2 Point Perpendicular 3 Outer Tubes 3 The Docks 1 Inner Tubes 1 Boat Harbour 2 Target 1/Fisherman’s Beach 2 Target 2/Little Target Beach 2 Target 3 Longnose Point 2

Page 85 of 152 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Shoalhaven Local Government Area

Location Access Rating Silica Cove 3 Dart Point 1 Groper Coast 2 Honeymoon Bay 3 Bindijine Beach 3 Figtree Inlet 2 Long Beach 3 Cabbage Tree Beach 3 Chainman’s/Green Point 3 Hare Bay 3 Red Point 2 Callala Bay 3 Callala Point 3 Callala Beach 3 Huskisson Point / Inlet 5 Shark Net Beach / Tapalla Point 5 Huskisson 5 Collingwood Beach 5 Orion Beach 4 Barfleur Beach 4 Plantation Point 4 Nelson Beach 4 Blenheim Beach 3 Greenfield Beach 3 Duck Gully 2 Chainman’s Beach 4 Hyams Point 4 Hyams Beach / Seamans 4 Sussex Inlet 3 Farnham Headland 3 Cudmirrah 3 Berrara/Kirby’s 3 Berrara Point 3 Berrara South 3 Bangalay 2 Monument 3 Flat Rock 3 Dee 3 Washerwoman 3 Boat Harbour 3 Red Head Point 2 Red Head/One Tree Beach 3 Bendalong / Inyadda 3 Inyadda Point 2 Manyana 3 Cunjurong 3 Green Island 2 Conjola 3 Buckleys 2 Narrawallee Head 3 Narrawallee 4 Bannister Point 3 Jones Beach 3

Page 86 of 152 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Shoalhaven Local Government Area

Location Access Rating Mollymook 5 Golf Course Reef 3 Collers 4 Ulladulla Head 4 Ulladulla Harbour North 5 Ulladulla Harbour 5 Ulladulla Harbour Sea Pool 5 Warden Head North 3 Warden Head South 3 Ulladulla Bommie 3 Rennies 4 Racecourse 4 Racecourse South / Supertubes 4 Burrill 4 Dolphin Point 3 Lagoon Head/Pot Holes 3 Wairo Beach 4 Tabourie 3 Stokes Island 3 Sunburnt 3 Termeil Lake 3 Meroo Head 3 Meroo 3 Nuggan Point 2 North Beach 3 Bawley Beach 3 Bawley Point 3 Cormorant 3 Jewin Head 2 Gannet 3 Murramarang 3 Cat & Kitten 3 Wilfords Point 2 Bull Pup 3 Racecourse 3 Shelly 3 Avenue 2 Kioloa 3 Boat Ramp 3 O'Hara Head 2 Merry Beach 3 Snapper Point 3 Pretty Beach 3 Island 2 O'Hara (S1) 2 O'Hara (S2) 2 O'Hara (S3) 2 Dawson Island North 2 Dawson Island South 2 Snake Bay 2 Snake Bay South 2 Clear Point 2 Burns Bay 2 Pebbly Beach 3

Page 87 of 152 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Shoalhaven Local Government Area

Location Access Rating Pebbly Coast 2 Depot Beach 3 Tranquillity Bay 3 Point Upright 2 Durras North 4

Page 88 of 152 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Shoalhaven Local Government Area

4.1.6 Action Planning Priority Score The action planning priority score provides an indicator for the overall level of risk of the location. The scores range from 0 to 60. These scores can be used to prioritise the order in which risk treatments described in the next section of this report are implemented.

Table 4.1.8 Summary of action planning priority calculations for each assessed location. Location AMSAMP Population Human Access Total Score X 2 Support Activity/ X 2 (Out of 20) X 2 Interaction (Out of 10) (Out of 60) (Out of 10) (Out of 20) Seven Mile Beach 12 10 12 6 40 Comerong Island 12 8 7 6 33 Crookhaven Heads 12 10 6 6 34 Crookhaven/Culburra 12 10 12 6 40 Tilbury Cove 4 10 13 6 33 Penguin Head 8 10 6 4 28 Warrain North 12 8 12 6 38 Kinghorn Point 12 2 6 6 26 Warrain South 12 6 10 6 34 Currarong 8 6 12 6 32 Currarong Point 8 6 7 6 27 Abrahams Bosom 6 6 10 6 28 Whale Point 8 6 4 4 22 Wilson 10 6 5 4 25 Abrahams Head / Honeysuckle Point 10 4 4 4 22 Lobster Bay 10 4 5 6 25 Little Beecroft Head 8 4 4 4 20 Mermaids Inlet 8 4 4 4 20 Beecroft Head 8 4 4 4 20 Moores Inlet 8 6 4 2 20 Crocodile Head/Three Graves 8 2 4 4 18 Point Perpendicular 8 2 4 6 20 Outer Tubes 8 2 7 6 23 The Docks Not assessed (inaccessible) Inner Tubes Not assessed (inaccessible) Boat Harbour Not assessed (inaccessible) Target 1/Fisherman’s Beach 6 2 4 4 16 Target 2/Little Target Beach 8 2 4 4 18 Target 10 6 10 6 32 Longnose Point 10 6 5 4 25 Silica Cove 8 6 7 6 27 Dart Point Not assessed (inaccessible) Groper Coast 8 6 4 4 22 Honeymoon Bay 6 6 11 6 29 Bindijine Beach 6 6 11 6 29 Figtree Inlet 4 6 4 4 18 Long Beach 6 6 10 6 28 Cabbage Tree Beach 4 2 7 6 19 Chainman’s/Green Point 4 2 5 6 17 Hare Bay 4 2 9 6 21 Red Point 4 2 6 4 16

Page 89 of 152 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Shoalhaven Local Government Area

Location AMSAMP Population Human Access Total Score X 2 Support Activity/ X 2 (Out of 20) X 2 Interaction (Out of 10) (Out of 60) (Out of 10) (Out of 20) Callala Bay 4 8 11 6 29 Callala Point 6 8 6 6 26 Callala Beach 6 6 11 6 29 Huskisson Point / Inlet 6 6 7 10 29 Shark Net Beach / Tapalla Point 6 8 10 10 34 Huskisson 6 10 13 10 39 Collingwood Beach 6 10 13 10 39 Orion Beach 4 10 8 8 30 Barfleur Beach 6 10 8 8 32 Plantation Point 6 10 6 8 30 Nelson Beach 6 10 10 8 34 Blenheim Beach 6 10 9 6 31 Greenfield Beach 6 8 10 6 30 Duck Gully 6 6 5 4 21 Chainman’s Beach 6 6 10 8 30 Hyams Point 6 6 11 8 31 Hyams Beach / Seamans 6 6 13 8 33 Sussex Inlet 8 6 9 6 29 Farnham Headland 12 6 6 6 30 Cudmirrah 14 8 10 6 38 Berrara/Kirby’s 10 8 10 6 34 Berrara Point 6 8 7 6 27 Berrara South 12 8 8 6 34 Bangalay 8 2 6 4 20 Monument 12 6 8 6 32 Flat Rock 6 8 8 6 28 Dee 8 8 7 6 29 Washerwoman 8 8 10 6 32 Boat Harbour 6 8 11 6 31 Red Head Point 8 8 5 4 25 Red Head/One Tree Beach 10 8 6 6 30 Bendalong / Inyadda 14 8 10 6 38 Inyadda Point 14 8 6 4 32 Manyana 14 10 10 6 40 Cunjurong 14 10 7 6 37 Green Island 14 10 9 4 37 Conjola 14 10 12 6 42 Buckleys 14 2 6 4 26 Narrawallee Head 14 8 6 6 34 Narrawallee 12 8 13 8 41 Bannister Point 10 10 6 6 32 Jones Beach 8 10 6 6 30 Mollymook 12 10 15 10 47 Golf Course Reef 4 10 9 6 29 Collers 6 10 8 8 32 Ulladulla Head 8 10 4 8 30 Ulladulla Harbour North 8 10 9 10 37 Ulladulla Harbour 6 10 8 10 34 Ulladulla Harbour Sea Pool 4 10 8 10 32

Page 90 of 152 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Shoalhaven Local Government Area

Location AMSAMP Population Human Access Total Score X 2 Support Activity/ X 2 (Out of 20) X 2 Interaction (Out of 10) (Out of 60) (Out of 10) (Out of 20) Warden Head North 8 10 8 6 32 Warden Head South 12 10 7 6 35 Ulladulla Bommie 12 10 6 6 34 Rennies 14 10 7 8 39 Racecourse 14 10 8 8 40 Racecourse South / Supertubes 14 10 11 8 43 Burrill 14 8 10 8 40 Dolphin Point 14 8 12 6 40 Lagoon Head/Pot Holes 14 6 8 6 34 Wairo Beach 14 10 10 8 42 Tabourie 14 10 11 6 41 Stokes Island 12 8 7 6 33 Sunburnt 12 6 9 6 33 Termeil Lake 14 6 9 6 35 Meroo Head 14 6 8 6 34 Meroo 12 6 8 6 32 Nuggan Point 8 4 7 4 23 North Beach 10 4 8 6 28 Bawley Beach 8 6 11 6 31 Bawley Point 10 6 7 6 29 Cormorant 10 6 10 6 32 Jewin Head 10 6 6 4 26 Gannet 10 6 10 6 32 Murramarang 12 6 8 6 32 Cat & Kitten 12 10 6 6 34 Wilfords Point 10 10 5 4 29 Bull Pup 8 10 6 6 30 Racecourse 12 10 11 6 39 Shelly 10 10 8 6 34 Avenue 8 10 10 4 32 Kioloa 8 10 12 6 36 Boat Ramp 6 10 8 6 30 O'Hara Head 8 10 6 4 28 Merry Beach 10 10 11 6 37 Snapper Point 12 10 6 6 34 Pretty Beach 12 10 8 6 36 Island 10 10 6 4 30 O'Hara (S1) 12 10 5 4 31 O'Hara (S2) 12 10 5 4 31 O'Hara (S3) 12 6 5 4 27 Dawson Island North 8 6 5 4 23 Dawson Island South 8 2 5 4 19 Snake Bay 6 2 5 4 17 Snake Bay South 6 6 5 4 21 Clear Point 6 6 6 4 22 Burns Bay 6 6 5 4 21 Pebbly Beach 12 6 10 6 34 Pebbly Coast 10 6 5 4 25 Depot Beach 8 6 12 6 32

Page 91 of 152 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Shoalhaven Local Government Area

Location AMSAMP Population Human Access Total Score X 2 Support Activity/ X 2 (Out of 20) X 2 Interaction (Out of 10) (Out of 60) (Out of 10) (Out of 20) Tranquillity Bay 6 6 7 6 25 Point Upright 10 8 5 4 27 Durras North 12 8 11 8 39

Where limited resources prohibit the implementation of all risk treatments recommended in this report, those beaches that have received a high action planning priority score should be treated first, then beaches with a medium, low and very low score.

Page 92 of 152 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Shoalhaven Local Government Area

Table 4.1.9: Key to land management of locations.

Council Managed NPWS Managed Shared NPWS, Council, Crown Lands/Department of Crown Land or Department Defence of Defence

Table 4.1.10 Action Planning Priority scores for assessed locations.

Priority Priority location Priority Action & Total Score Comments

High – this location should be considered as a priority for Mollymook 47 1 implementation of identified risk treatment options High – this location should be Racecourse South / considered as a priority for 43 2 Supertubes implementation of identified risk treatment options High – this location should be considered as a priority for Conjola 42 3 implementation of identified risk treatment options High – this location should be considered as a priority for Wairo Beach 42 3 implementation of identified risk treatment options High – this location should be

considered as a priority for 5 Narrawallee 41 implementation of identified risk

treatment options High – this location should be considered as a priority for Tabourie 41 5 implementation of identified risk treatment options Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of

Seven Mile Beach 40 identified risk treatment options after 7 locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of

Crookhaven/Culburra 40 identified risk treatment options after 7 locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of

Manyana 40 identified risk treatment options after 7 locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of

Racecourse 40 identified risk treatment options after 7 locations rated as high or as funding becomes available

Page 93 of 152 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Shoalhaven Local Government Area

Priority Priority location Priority Action & Total Score Comments

Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of

Burrill 40 identified risk treatment options after 7 locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of

Dolphin Point 40 identified risk treatment options after 7 locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 13 Durras North 39 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of

Huskisson 39 identified risk treatment options after 13 locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 13 Collingwood Beach 39 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 13 Rennies 39 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 13 Racecourse (Bawley) 39 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 18 Warrain North 38 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 18 Cudmirrah 38 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 18 Bendalong / Inyadda 38 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 21 Cunjurong 37 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available

Page 94 of 152 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Shoalhaven Local Government Area

Priority Priority location Priority Action & Total Score Comments

Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 21 Green Island 37 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of Ulladulla Harbour 21 37 identified risk treatment options after North locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 21 Merry Beach 37 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 25 Kioloa 36 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 25 Pretty Beach 36 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 27 Warden Head South 35 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 27 Termeil Lake 35 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 29 Crookhaven Heads 34 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 29 Warrain South 34 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of Shark Net Beach / 29 34 identified risk treatment options after Tapalla Point locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 29 Nelson Beach 34 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available

Page 95 of 152 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Shoalhaven Local Government Area

Priority Priority location Priority Action & Total Score Comments

Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 29 Berrara/Kirby’s 34 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 29 Berrara South 34 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 29 Narrawallee Head 34 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 29 Ulladulla Harbour 34 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 29 Ulladulla Bommie 34 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of Lagoon Head/Pot 29 34 identified risk treatment options after Holes locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 29 Meroo Head 34 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 29 Cat & Kitten 34 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 29 Shelly 34 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 29 Snapper Point 34 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 29 Pebbly Beach 34 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available

Page 96 of 152 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Shoalhaven Local Government Area

Priority Priority location Priority Action & Total Score Comments

Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 44 Comerong Island 33 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 44 Tilbury Cove 33 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of Hyams Beach / 44 33 identified risk treatment options after Seamans locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 44 Stokes Island 33 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 44 Sunburnt 33 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 49 Currarong 32 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 49 Target 32 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 49 Barfleur Beach 32 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 49 Monument 32 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 49 Washerwoman 32 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 49 Inyadda Point 32 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available

Page 97 of 152 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Shoalhaven Local Government Area

Priority Priority location Priority Action & Total Score Comments

Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 49 Bannister Point 32 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 49 Collers 32 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of Ulladulla Harbour Sea 49 32 identified risk treatment options after Pool locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 49 Warden Head North 32 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 49 Meroo 32 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 49 Cormorant 32 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 49 Gannet 32 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 49 Murramarang 32 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 49 Avenue 32 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 49 Depot Beach 32 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 65 Blenheim Beach 31 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available

Page 98 of 152 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Shoalhaven Local Government Area

Priority Priority location Priority Action & Total Score Comments

Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 65 Hyams Point 31 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 65 Boat Harbour 31 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 65 Bawley Beach 31 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 65 O'Hara (S1) 31 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be considered for implementation of 65 O'Hara (S2) 31 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 71 Orion Beach 30 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 71 Plantation Point 30 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 71 Greenfield Beach 30 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 71 Chainman’s Beach 30 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 71 Farnham Headland 30 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of Red Head/One Tree 71 30 identified risk treatment options after Beach locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available

Page 99 of 152 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Shoalhaven Local Government Area

Priority Priority location Priority Action & Total Score Comments

Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 71 Jones Beach 30 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 71 Ulladulla Head 30 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 71 Bull Pup 30 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 71 Boat Ramp 30 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 71 Island 30 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 82 Honeymoon Bay 29 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 82 Bindijine Beach 29 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 82 Callala Bay 29 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 82 Callala Beach 29 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 82 Huskisson Point / Inlet 29 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 82 Sussex Inlet 29 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available

Page 100 of 152 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Shoalhaven Local Government Area

Priority Priority location Priority Action & Total Score Comments

Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 82 Dee 29 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 82 Golf Course Reef 29 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 82 Bawley Point 29 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 82 Wilfords Point 29 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 92 Penguin Head 28 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 92 Abrahams Bosom 28 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 92 Long Beach 28 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 92 Flat Rock 28 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 92 North Beach 28 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 92 O'Hara Head 28 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 98 Currarong Point 27 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available

Page 101 of 152 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Shoalhaven Local Government Area

Priority Priority location Priority Action & Total Score Comments

Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 98 Silica Cove 27 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 98 Berrara Point 27 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 98 O'Hara (S3) 27 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 98 Point Upright 27 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 103 Kinghorn Point 26 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 103 Callala Point 26 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 103 Buckleys 26 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 103 Jewin Head 26 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 107 Wilson 25 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 107 Lobster Bay 25 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 107 Longnose Point 25 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available

Page 102 of 152 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Shoalhaven Local Government Area

Priority Priority location Priority Action & Total Score Comments

Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 107 Red Head Point 25 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 107 Pebbly Coast 25 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 107 Tranquillity Bay 25 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 113 Outer Tubes 23 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 113 Nuggan Point 23 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 113 Dawson Island North 23 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 116 Whale Point 22 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of Abrahams Head / 116 22 identified risk treatment options after Honeysuckle Point locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 116 Groper Coast 22 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 116 Clear Point 22 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 116 Hare Bay 21 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available

Page 103 of 152 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Shoalhaven Local Government Area

Priority Priority location Priority Action & Total Score Comments

Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 116 Duck Gully 21 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 116 Snake Bay South 21 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 116 Burns Bay 21 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Very Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 124 Little Beecroft Head 20 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as low or as funding becomes available Very Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 124 Mermaids Inlet 20 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as low or as funding becomes available Very Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 124 Beecroft Head 20 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as low or as funding becomes available Very Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 124 Moores Inlet 20 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as low or as funding becomes available Very Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 124 Point Perpendicular 20 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as low or as funding becomes available Very Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 124 Bangalay 20 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as low or as funding becomes available Very Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 130 Cabbage Tree Beach 19 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as low or as funding becomes available Very Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 130 Dawson Island South 19 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as low or as funding becomes available

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Priority Priority location Priority Action & Total Score Comments

Very Low – this location should be considered for implementation of Crocodile Head/Three 132 18 identified risk treatment options after Graves locations rated as low or as funding becomes available Very Low – this location should be considered for implementation of Target 2/Little Target 132 18 identified risk treatment options after Beach locations rated as low or as funding becomes available Very Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 132 Figtree Inlet 18 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as low or as funding becomes available Very Low – this location should be considered for implementation of Chainman’s/Green 135 17 identified risk treatment options after Point locations rated as low or as funding becomes available Very Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 135 Snake Bay 17 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as low or as funding becomes available Very Low – this location should be considered for implementation of Target 1/Fisherman’s 137 16 identified risk treatment options after Beach locations rated as low or as funding becomes available Very Low – this location should be considered for implementation of 137 Red Point 16 identified risk treatment options after locations rated as low or as funding becomes available Key to Action High 41+ Medium 31-40 Low 21-30 Very Low 0-20 Planning Priority

Treatment Options 1.4, 2.4 & 3.3 As funding becomes available, treatment options outlined in this report should be implemented using a staged/prioritisation approach, based on evidence.

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4.2 Overview of Principal Risk Treatments

4.2.1 Introduction There are a range of risk treatment options that can be considered in the context of coastal risk management. The selection of the most appropriate option involves balancing the financial, social and environmental impacts of implementing each against the benefits derived from each. These may include any combination of the following: o Spread (share) risk – insurance o Engineer (structural and technological) risk treatment – include modified practices o Regulatory and institutional – change through revised regulations and planning o Avoid – isolate the risk, move people away o Research to better understand o Educate and inform stakeholders

4.2.2 Hierarchy of Risk Treatments (Controls) In determining the most appropriate and cost effective option, it is important to consider the hierarchy of risk treatments (controls). The hierarchy is a sequence of options which offer a number of ways to approach the hazard control process. o Hard controls deal with the tangible such as:  Eliminate the hazard which in a coastal context is often difficult to achieve  Isolate the hazard which in a coastal context can be difficult due to the dynamic nature of environmental and weather conditions  Use engineering controls such as design of access paths, installation of appropriate signage, and revegetation  Use administrative controls such as supervision, emergency action plans, other documented policies, practices and procedures o Soft controls deal with human behaviour such as:  Use of effective leadership, management, trust, ethics, integrity, and building relationships  Education

Outlined below are principal risk treatment solutions that expand upon those listed within the Risk Register and Treatment Plan in Appendix B. The solutions outlined endeavour to provide specific and detailed information relative to the beach locations; however due to the diverse nature of location characteristics, recommendations are at times mainly generic in nature.

Land Managers should plan to adopt the most appropriate treatments specific to their organisations capabilities and in consultation with all relevant stakeholders. The principal risk treatments are outlined on the following pages.

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4.2.3 Education and Awareness Programs Public education and awareness programs are a fundamental component of any drowning prevention strategy, and target both the pre-arrival and early arrival periods (prior to hazard exposure).

Key factors pertaining to effective education and awareness programs include: o Consistency in safety messaging (elimination of confusing/unclear or dissipative information) o Consistency in the method of provision (ongoing information provided at regular locations/times) o Longevity in the provision of information (ongoing, not a one-off)

Existing Controls: During the course of the assessment and throughout the consultation process, Australian CoastSafe were made aware of various beach safety information sources and education programs that are currently in place to educate and inform the public at a local level. These programs as well as any other initiatives within and around the Shoalhaven LGA should continue to be implemented, reviewed and supported by Land Managers and key stakeholder groups.

It is acknowledged that Land Managers or key stakeholder groups may not have the capacity or expertise to implement surf education programs, and where this is the case should work with peak water safety organisations to enhance the delivery of education programs within these areas.

Existing controls include:

Online Education: The National Parks and Wildlife website provides a list of tips for staying safe in the coastal aquatic environment, such as watching out for rips, avoiding swimming in dangerous conditions, swimming during daylight hours and in the company of others (NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service, 2014). The site also provides a link to the Water Safety NSW website, where additional information regarding beach safety can be found.

The Shoalhaven City Council website also lists surf safety tips from Surf Life Saving NSW and provides several links to online resources detailing beach conditions and other safety information (Shoalhaven City Council, 2014). The Council website also lists the beaches that are patrolled within the LGA by either a voluntary or paid lifeguard service.

Community Education: Culburra Beach Surf School: Culburra Beach Surf School is an Academy of Surfing Instructors accredited surf education organisation operating within the Shoalhaven LGA (ASI, 2014). The school provides lessons for the beginner to intermediate surfer. The school conducts lessons in surfing awareness and team building for people of all ages and abilities.

Educational Facilities: The Australian National University has a coastal campus and research facility at Kioloa. During inductions students are shown a rip current survival DVD (provided by the University of NSW) and rip current awareness posters are placed within every building on the campus. The campus website also provides two comprehensive brochures on surf safety and rip education for the Kioloa region.

Figure 4.2.1 Example of the surf safety infomrtaion available through the ANU Coastal Campus Website Source: ANU (2014).

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Beecroft Weapons Range The Beecroft Weapons Range (managed by the Department of Defence) is a popular holiday destination for many activities including camping, swimming, fishing, surfing, boating, and rock climbing/abseiling. The area is only open for public use on weekends (Friday lunchtime through to Sunday afternoon), except during the summer holiday period when it is opened continuously for a period of a few weeks. Rangers give inductions to campers every week, thus the majority of visitors receive verbal educational about water safety and other key safety issues in the area. There is also a number of rock fishing safety warning signs near popular fishing places. Furthermore, a welcome brochure has safety advice about the cliffs, beaches and rock platforms in the area.

Figure 4.2.2: Example of education material about Figure 4.2.3:Rock fishing safety warning signage at rock fishing at Honeymoon Bay. Outer Tubes.

Media: Throughout the surf life saving season, radio and print media within the Shoalhaven play a key role in delivering key safety messages as well as informing the public when dangerous surf warnings are in place.

Recommended Controls:

Educational Messages: Land Managers should continue to provide public education/awareness programs which include standardised key safety messages and align/reference to peak coastal water safety agency websites such as: NSW Water Safety Advisory Council: http://www.watersafety.nsw.gov.au/beach-safety/

Together with the following referenced websites of the NSW Water Safety Advisory Council for beach safety: o BeachSafe: www.beachsafe.org.au o Safe Fishing: http://www.safefishing.com.au o Boating: www.lifejacketwearit.com.au

Water Safety Information: Displaying posters which promote water safety at locations such as public amenity blocks, Surf Life Saving Clubs and visitor information displays directly located around coastal beach access could provide a great opportunity for the exposure of messages. (Figure 4.2.4) provides an example of a poster from Tathra Surf Life Saving Club.

In National Parks, this information could be displayed on the visitor information noticeboards (Figure 4.2.5) through the use of QR codes.

QR codes involve the use of smart phone technology to provide location based safety messaging. The system works by scanning a smart phone over the QR Code. These codes could be included on visitor information boards (e.g. a sticker). These codes can be linked to specific water related safety information about a specific

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location, with the potential for multilingual messages. Information may also be able to include when dangerous surf warnings occur.

There are numerous online providers that allow for the creation of a QR code. This stage of the process is cost effective and the only expense is printing. Certain online providers also allow customers to be able to track the number of people who have scanned the QR code.

QR codes allow for the embedding of additional detailed information for beach users that are interested in knowing more, without competing with other relevant information in visitor information boards.

Another measure that should be considered as complimentary to proposed access safety warning signage (see Section 4.2.4 - p.115) is educational posters explaining the unique characteristics of the identified locations along the Shoalhaven LGA. Such information should not compete with access warning signage described in Section 4.2.4, and may be considered for placement at locations where people gather, such as BBQ facilities, picnic tables and amenities blocks.

Figure 4.2.4 below shows an example of rip current information posters used in the Bega Valley LGA. Any poster that might be developed for this purpose should be specific for the beach morphology and could address the concerns that have been raised by the community and emergency services following past incidents, some of which may include: o hazardous conditions, o strong currents, o lack of paid or volunteer lifesaving services, o location of nearest patrolled beach, o the importance of supervision, and o what to do in an emergency situation.

Educational posters/signage and information boards should not be placed in positions where they would compete with formal aquatic and recreational safety signage which is usually placed around formal access points and high traffic areas (see Section 4.2.4 Safety Signage).

Figure 4.2.5: Example of a National Parks visitor information Figure 4.2.4: Example of a Surf Safety board where water safety information could be displayed by Information Poster at Tathra beach. the use of a QR code.

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Highway Billboards: Many domestic tourists travel to the Shoalhaven via road. Surf safety messages could be promoted on the large highway and freeway billboards targeting these visitors.

In addition to this, the use of level 1 road signage can direct people traveling via road to patrolled beaches in the Shoalhaven (see section 4.2.4 – Safety Signage)

Cinema advertisements: As well as visiting the coastline, holiday makers may also visit the cinemas at some stage during their holiday. During the summer school holidays when Figure 4.2.6: Example of how a highway billboard could look promoting surf safety in the Shoalhaven. visitation levels are at their peak there is the opportunity for the Shoalhaven City Council to work with peak water safety organisations and local cinema providers to screen advertisements which promote key surf safety messages. These advertisements can include local surf life savers promoting the locations that are supervised by a lifeguard or volunteer service. There are three movie cinemas in the Shoalhaven LGA, located in Nowra, Huskisson and Ulladulla.

Kioloa Nippers: There have been discussions between Surf Life Saving NSW and the Kioloa Beach Holiday Park about a Nipper program that could be implemented at Kioloa beach during the summer school holiday period. The concept is currently pending approval from Surf Life Saving NSW (Milton Ulladulla Times, 2013). Should it go ahead, the Kioloa Nippers program would teach local and visiting young children vital surf safety and survival skills.

Education Collateral: The Shoalhaven LGA is a popular destination for domestic travellers, especially through the school holiday periods. The distribution of surf safety collateral (e.g. brochures and flyers) to all coastal accommodation providers in the Shoalhaven LGA should be implemented on an ongoing basis. Brochures and flyers about surf safety should also be made available at the Visitor Information Centres in Nowra and Ulladulla.

Tourists and Visitors: Tourist Parks: A number of caravan and tourist parks within the Shoalhaven LGA have direct coastal access, often to unpatrolled sections of a beach. A recent study has found that visitors to coastal tourist parks in Southern NSW are at a greater risk when swimming and bathing due to a high percentage of parks being close to unpatrolled beaches with hazardous swimming conditions (McKay, et al., 2014). It is therefore important to ensure that the guests of these accommodation providers have some understanding of beach safety. There is an opportunity for Shoalhaven City Council to work with peak water safety organisations and coastal tourist parks in the LGA to provide basic surf safety and awareness programs to park guests.

Programs should be facilitated by a qualified person (such as a surf rescue certificate instructor, surf school teacher or Lifeguard), with accredited teaching certification as well as hold a bronze medallion and senior first aid as a minimum. Key learning outcomes could include (but are not limited to): o Basic survival skills o Rip identification o Surf awareness: ‘Reading’ the surf o Surf negation and body surfing o Self rescue skills

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Upon check in, Tourist Park owners and staff should inform all guests where the closest patrolled beach is and provide all guests with surf safety pamphlets containing information specific to the adjoining beach.

Figure 4.2.7: Surf safety presentation at Newport Beach (Pittwater LGA). (Photo courtesy of Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches)

Bus and Coach Services: Occasionally bus and coach services operating within the Shoalhaven LGA will transport large tourist groups to supervised beaches. In the past, lifesavers and lifeguards have been unaware of large group arrivals and this has caused some difficulty in coordinating beach safety for the group among the general public. To improve the safety of these groups, bus and coach services could inform the relevant surf club or lifeguard service prior to their arrival. Lifesavers and lifeguards could then assist with facilitating the safety of the group on the beach. It is also encouraged that bus and coach services remind passengers of key surf safety messages. Surf safety collateral (Including multilingual) could also be made available.

Rip Current Awareness Day Over the past few years, surf life saving clubs have participated in an annual day to raise awareness about rip currents through an educational and visual demonstration. As part of these scheduled events, coloured dye is released by club members at various beaches around Australia to show the speed and distance of which a rip current can flow. Surf clubs can organise to participate in these educational demonstrations. Surf Life Saving Australia can provide the necessary resources to branches and clubs upon request.

Personal Protective Equipment: Water safety agencies actively promote the use of lifejackets for fisherman and recreational boaters. Educational and awareness programs in the Shoalhaven LGA should also promote and encourage these user groups to wear lifejackets. These messages could be included in community based education programs or the use of educational signage at well-known rock fishing locations.

The NSW Ministry for Police and Emergency Services has prepared a report on behalf of the Water Safety Advisory Committee on the outcome of consultation undertaken in 2013 on the wearing of lifejackets by rock fishers. The report, which includes a number of options to increase the wearing of lifejackets by rock fishers, will be submitted to the NSW Government for consideration.

Recreational Fishing Alliance: The Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW has produced the Safe Fishing website, which also provides multilingual information and resources to promote safer recreational rock fishing (Recreational Fishing Alliance, 2011). Part of this initiative has been the provision of multilingual flyers and DVDs to promote rock fishing safety.

Education days are also organised for rock fishers to provide educational learning and fishing techniques that will provide rock fishers with more information to make an informed decision about where they decide to fish as well as communicating key safety messages. One of these education days has also been filmed and is available through the YouTube channel ‘ACFishing’.

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Figure 4.2.8: Recreational Fishing Alliance rock fishing school.

Education Summary: The following table outlines a range of education and awareness programs that can be adopted by Land Managers within the Shoalhaven LGA. Table 4.2.1 is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all education and awareness programs available to Land Managers, it is intended to provide examples of a range of programs that are available and delivered within the context of coastal aquatic safety. Land Managers are not limited to the organisations listed in the table below, however they should ensure that any provider engaged to act on their behalf is adequately licensed, qualified and insured.

Table 4.2.1 Examples of education and awareness programs. Program Target audience Location Delivery (Who) School based water Local primary and high school All Locations Peak water safety agencies safety programs students Coastal Accommodation Tourists, visitors and migrants All Locations Peak water safety agencies Network (TVM) Local Media Residents and TVM All Locations Local media outlets Learn to Swim / Swim Young Children All Locations Royal Life Saving Society and Survive Australia Learn to Swim All ages All Locations AustSwim accredited swim schools Nippers Local children All Locations Surf Life Saving NSW Surf Ed. All ages All Locations Surf Life Saving NSW Migration 2 Surf Migrants All Locations Surf Life Saving NSW Surf Groms Local children All Locations Surfing NSW Surfers Rescue 24/7 Local surfing associations All Locations Surfing NSW Kids Academy of Surf Local children All Locations Surf Educate Australia (KAOS) School surfing and surf Local children All Locations Surf Educate Australia education Corp Surf 18 years + All Locations Surf Educate Australia Get hooked – it’s fun to Schools All Locations NSW DPI (Fisheries) fish Rock fishing safety Rock fishers Rock Peak water safety agencies information Platforms Boating safety Boaters Shoalhaven RMS information QR codes The use of QR codes on signage All Locations Shoalhaven City Council & and other infrastructure to link to National Parks and Wildlife location based beach safety Service information.

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The figures below are not intended as a comprehensive display of all education and awareness collateral available to Land Managers, rather to provide examples of a range of collateral that are available and can be provided to Land Managers upon request. Land Managers are not limited to the education collateral shown in the figures below, however they should ensure that any education collateral distributed or displayed is aligned to the key water safety messages promoted by the NSW Water Safety Advisory Council.

Figure 4.2.9: Don’t put your Figure 4.2.10: Survive a rip Figure 4.2.11: Beach safety Figure 4.2.12: Swim life on the line. current. for tourists / migrants. between the flags.

Treatment Options 1.5, 2.5 & 3.4 Education and awareness programs within the Shoalhaven Local Government Area should continue to be implemented, reviewed and supported. Land Managers and key stakeholder groups who may not have the expertise to implement educational programs should work with peak water safety organisations to assist in delivery.

Treatment Options 1.6, 2.6 & 3.5 Education and awareness programs should include standardised key safety messages which are recognised by the aquatic industry (e.g. http://www.watersafety.nsw.gov.au/).

Treatment Options 1.7 & 4.1 Develop relationships with tourism agencies with the aim of distributing standardised surf safety collateral (e.g. brochures and flyers) to all coastal accommodation providers in the Shoalhaven Local Government Area.

Treatment Options 1.8 & 2.7 Surf safety information, should be strategically placed in visual form at various coastal locations. Specific examples can be referenced in the report.

Treatment Option 1.9 Shoalhaven City Council in conjunction with peak water safety organisations and local cinema providers have the opportunity to screen advertisements which promote key surf safety messages.

Treatment Option 1.10 Shoalhaven City Council in conjunction with peak water safety organisations have the opportunity to advertise surf safety messages on roadside billboards, particular along highways.

Treatment Option 1.11 Shoalhaven City Council could work with South Coast Tourism to ensure that bus and coach companies operating within the LGA improve the safety of passengers that are transported to coastal locations. Specific examples are referenced in the report.

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Treatment Option 1.12 Shoalhaven City Council in conjunction with peak water safety organisations and caravan/tourist parks that have direct access to coastal waters, should organise an education day with their guests to learn about basic surf safety awareness.

Treatment Options 1.13, 2.8 & 3.6 Continue to promote and encourage rock fishermen and recreational boaters to wear lifejackets.

Treatment Option 5.4 Surf Life Saving Clubs in the Shoalhaven Local Government Area should participate in the annual Rip Current Awareness Day.

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4.2.4 Safety Signage Safety signage is a fundamental component of any drowning prevention strategy and targets the in-transit and on-arrival periods pertaining to a person/s arriving at a hazardous location.

Key factors relating to effective safety signage include: o a risk assessment process used in the identification of priority information to display o alignment to Australian Standards for signage content (AS/NZS2416:2010) o consistency in signage layout/display (Australian Water Safety Council, 2013) o consistency in the appropriate positioning of signage, to maximise exposure to the public prior to arriving in a hazardous location, with the minimum number of signs o a consistent process of signage maintenance as part of the Land Managers annual planning

Existing safety signage within the Shoalhaven LGA in regards to coastal safety is below and includes: o warning signage at the majority of coastal access points o warning signage at popular rock shelf fishing / cliff edge locations o warning signage at wharf/breakwater locations o warning signage on coastal walks o temporary signage in place when lifesavers and lifeguards are on duty

Shoalhaven City Council

Figure 4.2.13: Safety Signage at Council beaches. Figure 4.2.14: Rip education at Council beaches

Figure 4.2.15: Guide to Rescuscitation signage at Council beaches.

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National Parks and Wildlife Service

Figure 4.2.16: Safety signage at national parks. Figure 4.2.17: Safety signage at national parks.

Department of Defence

Figure 4.2.18: Rock fishing safety signage. Figure 4.2.19: Rock fishing safety signage.

Department of Lands (Crown Lands)

Figure 4.2.20: Breakwater safety signage.

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There have also been signs erected at the Burrill Lake Entrance by members of the public.

Figure 4.2.21: Signage at Burrill Lake. Figure 4.2.22: Signage at Burrill Lake.

Recommended Controls: The Shoalhaven City Council, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of Defence should be commended for implementing safety signage at numerous locations along the coastline. Appendix A lists further locations where signage could be implemented as funding becomes available.

Signage Types (National Aquatic and Recreational Signage Style Manual)

Level 1 Road Signs: Land Managers have the option to place this type of signage at the closest intersection location for directional purposes.

Level 2 Car Park Signs (Primary access sign): Land Managers have the option to place this type of signage at the main entrance/car park to an aquatic environment. The recommended content includes location name, emergency contact information, safety hazards/prohibitions and lifesaving/lifeguard service information.

Level 3 Access Signs (Secondary access sign): Land Managers can place this type of sign at access points or pathways that lead to the aquatic environment (beach, rock pool or rock platform). Level 3 access signs follow the same principles as those of Level 2 car park signs and typically display the location name, emergency contact information, safety hazards/prohibitions and lifesaving/lifeguard service information.

Level 4 Individual Hazard and Regulation sign: Land Managers have the option to us this sign where a hazard is localised and has been identified at a level of risk that warrants sign posting.

Examples of these signs can be referenced in ‘Appendix A’.

Consistent Signage It is the view of Australian CoastSafe that a consistent strategy of signage should be implemented within an LGA. Consistent signs are encouraged to avoid confusion and give a clear and consistent message. Below is an excerpt from AS 2416:2010 Water Safety Signs and Beach Safety Flags, Part 3, Guidance for Use (p.iv).

The standard states that “a standardized method of signing with the use of appropriate supplementary text throughout the working and public environment assists the process of education and instruction on the meaning of water safety signs and beach safety flags, and the appropriate actions to take.” The intention of AS2416:2010 Part 3 is “to ensure a uniformity of application of water safety signs and beach safety flags which leads to increased familiarity, and therefore improved safety, for the users including visitors and for the general public.”

The above examples of current signage demonstrate the diverse range of signs which appear under the same LGA across certain sections of the coastline. It is recognised that implementing consistent signage throughout the entire Shoalhaven LGA will be challenging, however at minimum a consistent style should be adopted within land management authorities. Signs which do not meet a consistent style should be replaced through natural attrition or removed.

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Safety Symbols As outlined in the Facilitation Visitation Rating – Section 3.8, all potential hazards identified within the facility that have a risk rating of high should appear on the sign as warning symbols. There are some instances in the Shoalhaven Local Government Area where existing signs have an insufficient number of hazard symbols when compared to the Risk Register and Treatment Plan – ‘Appendix B’. This information may be of assistance in determining which hazards should be included on signage. It is recommended that the required hazard symbols are updated on these signs through the use of stickers or natural attrition. Furthermore, some of the current symbols do not meet the current Australian standards and these should also be replaced by the use of stickers or natural attrition.

Signage Consolidation It is important to note that at most locations, an improved safety signage system usually results in an overall reduction in the quantity of signage due to the elimination of duplicate or ineffectual signs and the consolidation of key information into other signs. For Land Managers this may see a reduction in the implementation and maintenance costs related to signage and a reduction in the visual pollution of a site. Below is an example of signs at Huskisson that could be consolidated into a single sign or repositioned to other areas away from the access location. ‘Appendix A’ references those signs that have the opportunity to be consolidated by natural attrition.

As shown in Figure 3.2.23 below, some locations within the Shoalhaven LGA are saturated with signage. When there are too many signs at one location the effectiveness of all signs is reduced as beach users are overloaded with information.

Signage Removal There are some existing signs within the Shoalhaven LGA such as the below example from Sussex Inlet SLSC that inform people that “this beach is patrolled by volunteers”. While this is true, it may be misinterpreted by those people who are not familiar with the exact patrol dates / times and therefore should be removed. These details could be made available within car park or access signage.

Figure 4.2.24: Options for signage removal.

Figure 4.2.23: Signage that has the opportunity for consolidation.

Throughout ‘Appendix A’ existing signs that should be replaced or removed due to the sign being old and/or faded have also been outlined.

Temporary Signage Temporary individual hazard signs may be used where a hazard is localised, has been identified at a level of risk that warrants a sign posting and is not permanent in nature.

Temporary hazards signs can be utilised in the following ways: 1. Where there is a higher risk of injury from temporary hazards 2. Where a hazard may exist at a patrolled beach either side of the flags 3. To direct patrons to a flagged area

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4. When the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) release a dangerous surf warning once the swell reaches a certain height and wave period. Dangerous surf warnings will appear on the official BOM weather forecast.

Caravan Parks Guests of coastal caravan parks in the Shoalhaven LGA are most likely to swim at the section of beach immediately in front of the park. Temporary signage should therefore be used to inform people of when beach conditions warrant the ‘closing of a beach’. The Surf Life Saving NSW will be able to inform these caravan parks of when dangerous swell events are occurring through a media release. A temporary sign could be positioned in front of the main access path.

National Parks During Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) issued dangerous surf warnings, temporary signage could be used at the main vehicle roads to the Murramarang National Park e.g. the corner of Mount Agony Road and North Durras Road, Durras Road (Eurobodalla LGA) and at the corner of Merry Beach Road and Pretty Beach Road – (Figure 4.2.26). Such signage would target patrons who intend to use the coast (beaches and rock platforms), warning of large/dangerous waves. Relying on dangerous surf warnings issued by the BOM would ensure that park rangers would not have to monitor conditions on a daily basis, as this implies a level of expertise required to assess the surf conditions. Surf Life Saving NSW are also in a position to inform national parks when dangerous swell events are occurring.

Figure 4.2.25: Example of the type of temporary signage that could be used in National Parks areas.

Figure 4.2.26: Map of temporary signage warning of dangerous surf.

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Summary Table

Table 4.2.2 Summary table of aquatic and recreational signage recommendations for the Shoalhaven LGA. Locations Existing Maintenance Possible Proposed Proposed Proposed Total Net Signs Required Consolidate Level 2 Car Level 3 Level 4 Proposed Signage /Remove Park/Open Access Individual Signs Seven Mile 66 1 23 1 1 0 2 Beach -21 Comerong 20 0 1 0 0 0 0 Island -1 Crookhaven 16 1 2 0 0 0 0 Heads -2 Crookhaven/ 70 1 32 0 0 0 0 Culburra -32 Tilbury Cove 6 0 3 0 0 0 0 -3 Penguin Head 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 -1 Warrain North 32 0 14 0 2 0 2 -12 Kinghorn Point 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Warrain South 17 0 2 0 2 0 2 0 Currarong 29 1 15 0 1 0 1 -14 Currarong Point 19 0 4 0 1 0 1 -3 Abrahams 42 2 7 0 0 0 0 Bosom -7 Whale Point 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Wilson 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Abrahams Head 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 / Honeysuckle Point 0 Lobster Bay 2 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 Little Beecroft 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 Head 1 Mermaids Inlet 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Beecroft Head 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Moores Inlet 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 -1 Crocodile 7 0 1 0 0 0 0 Head/Three Graves -1 Point 35 0 0 0 0 0 0 Perpendicular 0 Outer Tubes 13 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 The Docks 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Inner Tubes 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Boat Harbour 10 0 4 0 0 0 0 -4 Target 5 0 0 0 1 0 1 1/Fisherman’s Beach 1 Target 2/Little 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Target Beach 0 Target 9 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 Longnose Point 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Silica Cove 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 Dart Point 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Groper Coast 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

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Locations Existing Maintenance Possible Proposed Proposed Proposed Total Net Signs Required Consolidate Level 2 Car Level 3 Level 4 Proposed Signage /Remove Park/Open Access Individual Signs Honeymoon Bay 47 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 Bindijine Beach 21 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 Figtree Inlet 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Long Beach 25 2 1 0 0 0 0 -1 Cabbage Tree 6 1 0 0 0 0 0 Beach 0 Chainman’s/ 9 2 0 0 0 0 0 Green Point 0 Hare Bay 16 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 Red Point 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Callala Bay 36 1 10 2 0 0 2 -8 Callala Point 18 0 2 0 1 0 1 -1 Callala Beach 55 0 25 0 0 0 0 -25 Huskisson Point 21 0 1 0 0 0 0 / Inlet -1 Shark Net Beach 41 0 10 0 0 0 0 / Tapalla Point -10 Huskisson 60 0 32 0 2 0 2 -30 Collingwood 81 0 19 0 2 0 2 Beach -17 Orion Beach 14 0 9 0 0 0 0 -9 Barfleur Beach 13 0 5 0 0 0 0 -5 Plantation Point 10 0 1 0 0 0 0 -1 Nelson Beach 38 0 15 0 0 0 0 -15 Blenheim Beach 30 0 11 0 1 0 1 -10 Greenfield 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 Beach 0 Duck Gully 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Chainman’s 15 0 3 0 1 0 1 Beach -2 Hyams Point 15 0 4 0 0 0 0 -4 Hyams Beach / 8 1 2 0 0 0 0 Seamans -2 Sussex Inlet 5 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 Farnham 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Headland 0 Cudmirrah 27 3 5 1 0 0 1 -4 Berrara/Kirby’s 4 1 2 0 0 0 0 -2 Berrara Point 3 0 2 0 0 0 0 -2 Berrara South 11 1 2 0 0 0 0 -2 Bangalay 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Monument 10 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 Flat Rock 8 0 4 0 0 0 0 -4 Dee 6 0 3 0 0 0 0 -3 Washerwoman 12 0 5 0 0 0 0 -5 Boat Harbour 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 Red Head Point 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Red Head/One 4 0 2 0 0 0 0 Tree Beach -2 Bendalong / 17 0 6 0 0 0 0 Inyadda -6 Inyadda Point 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

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Locations Existing Maintenance Possible Proposed Proposed Proposed Total Net Signs Required Consolidate Level 2 Car Level 3 Level 4 Proposed Signage /Remove Park/Open Access Individual Signs Manyana 17 0 7 0 1 0 1 -6 Cunjurong 14 0 3 0 0 0 0 -3 Green Island 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Conjola 31 0 5 0 0 0 0 -5 Buckleys 7 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 Narrawallee 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 Head 0 Narrawallee 80 8 31 0 0 0 0 -31 Bannister Point 31 3 3 0 2 0 2 -1 Jones Beach 3 1 1 0 0 0 0 -1 Mollymook 64 9 29 0 4 0 4 -25 Golf Course 4 1 2 0 0 0 0 Reef -2 Collers 10 1 3 0 1 0 1 -2 Ulladulla Head 90 0 3 0 0 0 0 -3 Ulladulla 11 0 3 0 0 0 0 Harbour North -3 Ulladulla 47 0 4 0 3 0 3 Harbour -1 Ulladulla 22 0 8 0 0 0 0 Harbour Sea Pool -8 Warden Head 10 0 1 0 2 0 2 North 1 Warden Head 10 0 2 0 0 0 0 South -2 Ulladulla 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 Bommie -1 Rennies 5 1 2 0 0 0 0 -2 Racecourse 8 0 1 0 0 0 0 -1 Racecourse 10 0 5 0 0 0 0 South / Supertubes -5 Burrill 7 0 3 0 0 0 0 -3 Dolphin Point 28 0 6 0 0 0 0 -6 Lagoon 6 0 2 0 1 0 1 Head/Pot Holes -1 Wairo Beach 45 1 19 0 0 0 0 -19 Tabourie 21 1 4 0 1 0 1 -3 Stokes Island 9 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 Sunburnt 31 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Termeil Lake 15 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 Meroo Head 32 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 Meroo 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Nuggan Point 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 North Beach 15 0 4 0 0 0 0 -4 Bawley Beach 15 0 8 0 0 0 0 -8 Bawley Point 4 0 3 0 0 0 0 -3 Cormorant 10 0 5 0 0 0 0 -5 Jewin Head 3 0 2 0 0 0 0 -2 Gannet 35 0 14 0 1 0 1 -13 Murramarang 16 0 5 0 1 0 1 -4

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Locations Existing Maintenance Possible Proposed Proposed Proposed Total Net Signs Required Consolidate Level 2 Car Level 3 Level 4 Proposed Signage /Remove Park/Open Access Individual Signs Cat & Kitten 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Wilfords Point 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Bull Pup 10 0 1 0 0 0 0 -1 Racecourse 23 1 8 0 0 0 0 -8 Shelly 12 0 5 0 0 0 0 -5 Avenue 3 1 1 0 0 0 0 -1 Kioloa 10 0 5 0 0 0 0 -5 Boat Ramp 15 0 4 0 0 0 0 -4 O'Hara Head 8 0 1 0 0 0 0 -1 Merry Beach 6 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 Snapper Point 3 0 0 0 2 0 2 2 Pretty Beach 18 0 1 0 0 0 0 -1 Island 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 O'Hara (S1) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 O'Hara (S2) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 O'Hara (S3) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Dawson Island 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 North 0 Dawson Island 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 South 0 Snake Bay 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Snake Bay South 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Clear Point 3 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 Burns Bay 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Pebbly Beach 27 0 2 0 2 0 2 0 Pebbly Coast 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Depot Beach 21 0 6 0 4 0 4 -2 Tranquillity Bay 2 0 2 0 1 0 1 -1 Point Upright 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Durras North 14 0 6 0 4 0 4 -2 Totals 2111 53 530 7 59 1 67 -462

Note: Net signage = proposed signage minus consolidated signage. For example 67 signs have been proposed in the Shoalhaven LGA however 530 existing signs have the opportunity to be consolidated or removed, leaving a net sum negative 462 signs.

When implementing future signage, the following points are recommended:

1. Safety signs as recommended in this report should meet Australian Standard ‘AS/NZS 2416.3:2010 Water Safety Signs and Beach Safety Flags’, and align signage style/layout with the ‘National Aquatic and Recreational Signage Style Manual, 3rd Edition, July 2006’ or the State-wide Mutual guide. It is the recommendation of this report that style is aligned to the former.

2. Signage layout (top-down order) consists of the following:

a) Location name and emergency marker (if/when applicable) or street address b) Hazards and warnings within the designated area c) Safety information or general location/area details d) Regulations e) Facility / Land Manager

3. Safety signs should meet the size/height/placement specifications outlined in ‘AS/NZS 2416.3:2010 Water safety signs and beach safety flags’.

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4. ‘Diamond’ hazard symbols should be utilised (not triangle). Context: AS/NZS 2416.3:2010 provides for the use of either ‘diamond’ or ‘triangle’ hazard symbols. For consistency with existing signage and across local government areas the more effective diamond symbols should be utilised.

5. Effective placement of aquatic and recreational safety signage in a public reserve cannot be underestimated. Location, height and existing visual distractions are major factors which contribute to the effectiveness of a sign when installed.

6. Signs positioned in car parks should be placed central to the parking area and where parked vehicles will not obscure the sign.

7. Signs that are positioned in relation to open access areas should be spaced at regular intervals, with the distance between individual signs dependent upon the calculated Facility Visitation Rate (FVR).

8. Signs that are positioned in relation to defined access points should be sited as close as practical to the access point, or other appropriate location, and need to be consistently applied where possible e.g. on the left of the track entrance.

9. To effectively capture the attention of visitors, improve overall visual amenity and avoid confusion as a result of too many signs. Repetitive and/or unnecessary information and signs should be removed. Further, any non-essential signage (not related to location, safety, hazard, prohibition information) that is present at a location should be considered for removal or re-located as appropriate so as not to impact on the recognition of the safety orientated priority signage.

Treatment Options 1.14, 2.9 & 3.7 Standardised water safety signage that aligns to Australian standards and best-practice ‘style’ should be implemented at the locations listed in ‘Appendix A’. This may include the maintenance and upgrade of existing signage through planned works schedules, the consolidation of multiple existing signs into a single sign (less signs) or the removal of unnecessary signage.

Treatment Options 1.15, 2.10 & 3.8 As outlined in the Facilitation Visitation Rating, all potential hazards identified within the facility that have a risk rating of high ‘Appendix B’ should appear on existing signs as warning symbols.

Treatment Options 1.16 & 5.5 Temporary signage should be used at accommodation providers that have direct coastal access to inform people of when beach conditions warrant the ‘closing of a beach’. Surf Life Saving NSW will be able to alert park operators when dangerous swell events are predicted through the dangerous surf advisory process.

Treatment Option 2.11 Investigate the use of temporary signage at the main vehicle entry points to the Murramarang National Park during Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) issued dangerous surf warnings – warning the public of large/hazardous waves.

Treatment Option 5.6 Temporary signage should continue to be used at access locations near patrolled areas to direct patrons to a supervised swimming area and where here is a higher risk of injury due to temporary hazards such as strong currents, creek openings and pollution.

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4.2.5 Emergency Marker System When an incident occurs at a specific street address, it is relatively simple for emergency services to identify the location of the caller/incident. However, when an incident occurs at locations such as open-space parkland, walking trails, beaches or rock platforms (where no cross-street or other reference point is available) it can delay the identification of a location and the subsequent emergency service response.

Emergency location markers enable triple zero call takers to immediately and accurately verify the location of an emergency triple zero call. (Figure 4.2.27) provides an example of how an emergency marker sign might look.

Figure 4.2.27: Example of emergency marker sign.

Emergency markers display a unique number to a specific location, most commonly on existing access/safety signage. These emergency marker displays could be a sticker placed over already existing signage.

For an emergency marker system to be effective, a standardised state-wide program is required, that engages Police and other emergency service CAD systems and land management authority signage plans. No current program exists in NSW.

The Shoalhaven LGA has a local emergency marker system in place, where current signage displays a numbering code at some locations (see Figure 4.2.28). Although there is a general awareness that these signs exist, they are not documented in any current local emergency plans, nor would they be known to any NSW triple zero call centres (Police, Ambulance and Fire). Following on from recent meetings, Australian CoastSafe will be supplying the Emergency Information Coordination Unit (EICU) (NSW LPI) with the locations and numbers of these signs so there is a greater chance that a triple zero operator will recognise these numbers.

Figure 4.2.28: Existing emergency marker sign at Mollymoook.

Australian CoastSafe is currently working with key government departments and emergency services to develop a best practice emergency marker system which can be rolled out on a state-wide basis in the near future.

Treatment Option 4.2 With guidance from the Ministry for Police and Emergency Services and Lands and Property Information, a state aligned emergency marker system at all identified access locations should be considered.

Treatment Option 5.7 To reduce the likelihood of confusion which may lead to delays in an emergency response, Australian CoastSafe will supply the Emergency Information Coordination Unit (EICU) (NSW LPI) with data and information collected referencing the existing localised marker system for inclusion in the Spatial Information and Mapping System (SIMS).

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4.2.6 Access Infrastructure and Ongoing Capital Works/Maintenance Programs The way the coast is accessed is a significant factor in the management of coastal risk. While preventing public access/use to the coastal environment is not desired, a number of options exist to minimise the risks associated with the access way itself and the hazards that may be encountered on the coast (via that access way).

In reference to the assessment process, access points have been broken down into formal (defined), and informal (undefined) access.

Access issues are interrelated to other risk management initiatives/options such as water safety signage, emergency access numbering/reporting, supervision (lifeguard) information and public rescue equipment. An effective access plan for an area may optimise the effectiveness and efficiency of other initiatives.

Figure 4.2.29: Formal access at Racecourse Beach. Figure 4.2.30: Informal access at Warrain South.

Formal Access The majority of formal access tracks in the Shoalhaven LGA are well maintained. Periodic inspections take place due to vegetation overgrowth, degraded footings and unattached fence posts.

Formal, well maintained access ways are effective in promoting and facilitating the use of a generally safer ‘track’, exposing people to the relevant safety signage/information, reducing the quantity of signage required and enhancing emergency access, reporting and location identification.

Informal Access A number of informal access tracks also exist. Informal access ways may create higher risk through use (uneven ground/hazards), may expose people to dangerous locations (cliffs/unstable and uneven surfaces), may require duplicate/multiple signage (inefficient/costly) and may make emergency location reporting difficult (location awareness).

Options for formalising, redirecting or consolidating informal access use may include man-made barriers, vegetation growth and fencing. It is noted that for some locations and situations it may be difficult to formalise access and/or restrict the use of informal access.

Restricted Access During the course of the assessment Australian CoastSafe endeavoured to reach every beach and rock platform within the Shoalhaven LGA. However a number of the identified locations were unable to be assessed as they were either restricted by private road/property, or there was no identifiable or safe way of reaching these locations from land. Although some determined people may be able to get to these locations on foot, CoastSafe assessors were of the opinion that these locations would be inaccessible to a reasonable person.

These locations included: The Docks, Inner Tubes, Boat Harbour and Dart Point

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Table 4.2.3 Access provision within assessed locations in Shoalhaven. Location Open Formal Vehicle Informal / Private Total Possible Net Access Pedestrian Access Old Access Access Access Redirection Access Seven Mile 0 12 1 0 0 13 2 11 Beach Comerong 0 4 0 1 0 5 1 4 Island Crookhaven 0 4 0 2 0 6 2 4 Heads Crookhaven/ 0 18 2 3 0 23 3 20 Culburra Tilbury Cove 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 Penguin Head 0 0 0 3 0 3 1 2 Warrain North 0 8 1 2 0 11 0 11 Kinghorn Point 0 1 1 0 0 2 0 2 Warrain South 0 14 0 3 0 17 5 12 Currarong 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Currarong Point 3 1 1 2 0 7 0 7 Abrahams 0 2 3 0 0 5 0 5 Bosom Whale Point 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 Wilson 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 Abrahams Head 0 2 0 1 0 3 1 2 / Honeysuckle Point Lobster Bay 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 Little Beecroft 0 1 0 1 0 2 0 2 Head Mermaids Inlet 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 Beecroft Head 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 2 Moores Inlet 0 0 0 2 0 2 1 1 Crocodile 0 2 0 3 0 5 0 5 Head/Three Graves Point 0 2 2 1 0 5 0 5 Perpendicular Outer Tubes 0 1 1 1 0 3 1 2 The Docks 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Inner Tubes 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Boat Harbour 3 0 3 0 0 6 1 5 Target 0 1 1 0 0 2 0 2 1/Fisherman’s Beach Target 2/Little 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Target Beach Target 0 1 1 0 0 2 0 2 Longnose Point 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Silica Cove 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 Dart Point 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Groper Coast 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 Honeymoon Bay 0 7 0 0 0 7 0 7 Bindijine Beach 0 4 5 0 0 9 0 9 Figtree Inlet 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Long Beach 0 1 2 0 0 3 0 3

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Location Open Formal Vehicle Informal / Private Total Possible Net Access Pedestrian Access Old Access Access Access Redirection Access Cabbage Tree 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 Beach Chainman’s/ 0 1 1 0 0 2 0 2 Green Point Hare Bay 0 4 1 0 3 8 0 8 Red Point 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Callala Bay 0 8 1 1 5 15 1 14 Callala Point 0 5 0 2 0 7 2 5 Callala Beach 0 20 3 0 5 28 1 27 Huskisson Point 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 / Inlet Shark Net Beach 1 5 0 0 0 6 0 6 / Tapalla Point Huskisson 2 13 0 1 0 16 2 14 Collingwood 0 15 2 2 20 39 0 39 Beach Orion Beach 0 4 0 0 1 5 0 5 Barfleur Beach 0 3 1 1 0 5 0 5 Plantation Point 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Nelson Beach 0 6 0 1 0 7 1 6 Blenheim Beach 0 8 0 4 0 12 1 11 Greenfield 0 4 0 4 0 8 0 8 Beach Duck Gully 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 2 Chainman’s 0 3 0 0 0 3 0 3 Beach Hyams Point 0 1 1 0 1 3 0 3 Hyams Beach / 0 2 1 0 2 5 1 4 Seamans Sussex Inlet 0 0 1 2 1 4 2 2 Farnham 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 Headland Cudmirrah 0 4 3 0 0 7 0 7 Berrara/Kirby’s 0 1 0 1 1 3 1 2 Berrara Point 0 1 0 1 0 2 1 1 Berrara South 0 3 0 0 0 3 0 3 Bangalay 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 2 Monument 0 5 0 0 0 5 0 5 Flat Rock 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 2 Dee 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 2 Washerwoman 0 4 0 4 0 8 4 4 Boat Harbour 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Red Head Point 0 0 0 2 0 2 1 1 Red Head/One 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 Tree Beach Bendalong / 0 5 0 0 0 5 0 5 Inyadda Inyadda Point 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 Manyana 0 5 0 1 1 7 0 7 Cunjurong 0 4 0 0 0 4 0 4 Green Island 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Conjola 0 4 1 1 0 6 0 6

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Location Open Formal Vehicle Informal / Private Total Possible Net Access Pedestrian Access Old Access Access Access Redirection Access Buckleys 0 1 2 1 0 4 1 3 Narrawallee 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 Head Narrawallee 0 12 1 2 0 15 0 15 Bannister Point 0 6 0 5 0 11 2 9 Jones Beach 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 Mollymook 3 20 2 5 3 33 8 25 Golf Course 1 1 0 0 1 3 0 3 Reef Collers 2 2 1 0 2 7 0 7 Ulladulla Head 0 2 1 1 0 4 0 4 Ulladulla 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 2 Harbour North Ulladulla 2 3 2 0 2 9 0 9 Harbour Ulladulla 1 1 1 0 0 3 0 3 Harbour Sea Pool Warden Head 0 5 1 0 0 6 0 6 North Warden Head 0 3 0 1 0 4 0 4 South Ulladulla 0 1 0 2 0 3 1 2 Bommie Rennies 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 2 Racecourse 0 2 0 1 1 4 0 4 Racecourse 0 5 0 0 2 7 0 7 South / Supertubes Burrill 0 3 0 1 0 4 0 4 Dolphin Point 1 5 0 2 0 8 3 5 Lagoon 0 2 1 0 0 3 0 3 Head/Pot Holes Wairo Beach 0 10 2 2 1 15 3 12 Tabourie 0 5 0 0 0 5 0 5 Stokes Island 0 1 1 0 0 2 0 2 Sunburnt 0 3 1 0 0 4 0 4 Termeil Lake 0 4 0 1 0 5 0 5 Meroo Head 0 2 1 2 0 5 0 5 Meroo 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 Nuggan Point 1 0 0 1 0 2 0 2 North Beach 0 2 1 1 0 4 1 3 Bawley Beach 1 2 0 3 0 6 3 3 Bawley Point 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 Cormorant 0 1 1 0 2 4 0 4 Jewin Head 0 1 0 1 1 3 0 3 Gannet 0 9 0 1 4 14 1 13 Murramarang 0 3 1 0 0 4 0 4 Cat & Kitten 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Wilfords Point 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Bull Pup 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 Racecourse 0 9 0 0 0 9 0 9 Shelly 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 2

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Location Open Formal Vehicle Informal / Private Total Possible Net Access Pedestrian Access Old Access Access Access Redirection Access Avenue 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 Kioloa 1 6 0 2 0 9 2 7 Boat Ramp 1 2 1 0 0 4 0 4 O'Hara Head 0 1 0 2 0 3 0 3 Merry Beach 2 3 1 1 0 7 0 7 Snapper Point 0 4 0 3 0 7 0 7 Pretty Beach 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 Island 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 O'Hara (S1) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 O'Hara (S2) 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 O'Hara (S3) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Dawson Island 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 North Dawson Island 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 South Snake Bay 0 1 0 2 0 3 0 3 Snake Bay 0 1 0 1 0 2 0 2 South Clear Point 0 1 0 1 0 2 0 2 Burns Bay 0 2 0 1 0 3 0 3 Pebbly Beach 1 3 0 0 1 5 0 5 Pebbly Coast 0 0 0 Depot Beach 1 4 0 1 0 6 1 5 Tranquillity Bay 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 Point Upright 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 Durras North 1 4 1 1 0 7 1 6 Totals 2 10 1 2 0 674 63 611

Note: Net Access = the total of all access types minus consolidated/redirected access. For example, 674 access points have been located in the Shoalhaven LGA, however 63 of these access points have the opportunity to be redirected, leaving a net access of 611.

Treatment Options 1.17, 2.12 & 3.9 Formal access paths identified in ‘Appendix A’ should continue to be regularly maintained through ongoing infrastructure and capital works programs. This will encourage formal access use (rather than informal), enhance the effectiveness of water safety signage and minimise the quantity of signage needed.

Treatment Option 1.18, 2.13 & 3.10 Informal access paths identified in ‘Appendix A’ should be considered for redirection or consolidation, in order to promote/facilitate the use of formal access.

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4.2.7 Public Rescue Equipment The table below provides an overview of Public Rescue Equipment (PRE) currently in or available for use in Australia.

Table 4.2.4 An overview of Public Rescue Equipment (PRE) (Bradstreet, et al., 2012). PRE Type Morphology Advantages Disadvantages Extensive Recommended of current Training uses in NSW installations Required Rescue Tube Sandy Can be thrown Requires the rescuer Yes None beaches and short distances to enter the water rock pools themselves Throw Bag Not in use Distance of Risk of theft, risk of No May be used on a deployment using the line to case by case basis. return the patient towards the rocks, Further not strong/tough effectiveness enough to be investigation resilient from required. environmental conditions Throw Sticks Personal Mobility – easily Requires 2 to off-set No Yes. Relevant (Stormy device deployed to ‘miss-throw’ of the personnel /staff grenades) (mobile) incident locations first (emergency services/SLS Effective mid-range /rangers) (thrown) Life Ring Steep Ease of use. Single use device. No Steep (>1:1) (Angel ring) rampart rock Rugged design. Distance of rampart rock platforms Awareness deployment. platforms campaign Requires rescuer to established. approach the platform edge. Weight. Silent Sentry Sloping EPIRB unit EPIRB units were No Sloping (<1:1) platforms immediately alerts vulnerable to rampart rock emergency vandalism and platforms. services. Multiple disabled balls can be rolled Recommended down slopes to the redesign to patient keeping the remove EPIRB rescuer at a safer housing. distance

Life Rings (Angel Rings™3) Life rings are an instantly recognised lifesaving mechanism and their functionality is easily understood by both a rescuer and the casualty. The national ‘Angel Ring ™ Project’ has seen the installation of 116 rings in NSW with 47 confirmed rescues involving their use (ANSA, 2013).

The Australian National Sportsfishing Association recently received additional funding for the expansion and maintenance of the Angel Ring Project through the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust.

There are currently 11 life rings situated in the Shoalhaven LGA. Proposed life ring locations are provided in Table 4.2.5 and further information can be found in Appendix C.

3Angel Ring is a registered trade mark of the Australian National Sportfishing Association.

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Table 4.2.5 Proposed life ring locations.

Priority Location 1 Burrill Lake Entrance 2 Racecourse Headland - Supertubes 3 Narrawallee Head 4 Ulladulla North Breakwall 5 Ulladulla South Breakwall 6 Bannisters Point 7 Warden Head South 8 Penguin Head 9 Point Up Right

The priority for implementation is based on previous drowning statistics (since July 2004), emergency response statistics (since January 2008), visitation, ease of access and facilities that may attract rock fishers to a location.

In regards to any maintenance issues that may arise, ANSA NSW has stated the following:

“ANSA NSW will maintain contact with the local clubs, NSW Government agencies and individuals who have installed or agreed to manage the angel rings and continue communication to ensure that management targets are met.

As a minimum ANSA NSW or its nominated management team must complete a visual check at least every 2 months to determine the rings status.” (ANSA, 2013)

The Angel Ring Policy Directive (National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2005) also states that ANSA is responsible for the continued inspection and maintenance of all rings installed by ANSA in parks.

Global Positioning Satellite (GPS): GPS technology is available to be used within public rescue equipment such as life rings. Recreational fishing bodies have already trialled certain tracking devices in some areas and should be consulted with in relation to this matter. This technology may be beneficial by the way of a daily audit that can record when a life ring has been washed away or stolen as part of an asset management system.

Rescue Tubes There is currently one rescue tube for public use in the Shoalhaven LGA and this is located at the Burrill Lake Entrance.

Figure 4.2.31: Rescue Tube located at Burrill Lake.

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In 2012, the NSW Department of Primary Industries commissioned a report titled a Research Review of Rock Fishing Safety in New South Wales (Bradstreet et al., 2012). The extract below is taken from pages 48 – 49 of this report and relates to the use of rescue tubes as items of public rescue equipment.

Rescue tubes are presently used in a small number of coastal council areas in NSW, generally around sandy beaches and rock pools. Their use is currently limited to sandy beaches and rock pools.

The use of a rescue tube as public rescue equipment is considered inappropriate for four reasons: 1. The use of the equipment could not be adequately taught to the rescuer in under 10 seconds preferably in pictures; 2. There is significant aquatic ability and skill required to use a rescue tube effectively; and 3. The effective use of the equipment requires the rescuer to enter the water, assuming a degree of aquatic skill and exposing the rescuer to further risk 4. The use of swimming fins is highly recommended with a rescue tube.

An argument for the use of rescue tubes is related to human nature, and that loved ones will enter the water to conduct a rescue, and any flotation that can be provided is beneficial. This topic, for the case of the child drowning victim, is discussed in a paper by Pearn and Franklin, who term the process of the rescuer drowning following a rescue as aquatic victim-instead-of-rescuer (AVIR) syndrome. The results of this study advocate both an increase in basic rescue skills (aquatic skill development) and use of non-contact rescues.

The Royal National Lifeboat Association (RNLI) also uses rescue tubes for trained lifeguards, but the equipment is not recommended for use on beaches, rocky coasts, tidal inlets, estuaries, or man-made coasts. The descriptions of the geomorphology included in the RNLI guide are consistent with the descriptions included in the SLSA Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue Manual learners guide, therefore the guideline has been considered transferrable to the Australian environment.

Training provided to lifesavers and lifeguards in the use of rescue tubes strongly recommends the use of swim fins (flippers) to aid the effectiveness and speed with of aided and unaided rescues. This has also been displayed through scientific research. It has been noted by stakeholders that storage of swim fins in situ as a piece of public rescue equipment would be impossible due to theft, and inability to provide a variety of sizes to suit different rescuer sizes.

The RNLI guide also states that “PRE is not generally suitable for shallow shelving beaches (...) PRE has proven to be ineffective in areas where an adult is able to stand at any point within 25m of the shoreline and the gradient of the seabed or the beach is low and gentle”. In the case where PRE is going to be installed, RNLI recommend small-medium life rings are used.

Action Item 1.17: Based on the available evidence, rescue tubes are not recommended for use as PRE.

Treatment Option 1.19 Based on the available evidence outlined in the report, rescue tubes are not recommended for use as Public Rescue Equipment and therefore the rescue tube located at the Burrill Lake car park should be removed.

Treatment Option 4.3 Explore the means to fund the expansion and continued maintenance of the ‘Angel Ring Project’ in consultation with the Australian National Sports Fishing Association (NSW Branch), the Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW and Shoalhaven City Council at the locations outlined in ‘Appendix C’. Final positioning should be determined by these fishing associations.

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4.2.8 System of Supervision The supervision of aquatic coastal locations is often required to manage the risk of the location, whether due to prevailing weather and beach conditions, the proximity to large population bases, or the attendance of the beach/coastal area due to its location or attractiveness.

The primary decision to be made by Land Managers before establishing a lifesaving/lifeguard service is to determine which areas will be patrolled or unpatrolled. A patrolled beach is one at which a trained lifesaver and/or lifeguard is stationed during prescribed times and designated by the flying of red and yellow flags. A mobile lifesaver/lifeguard or lifeguard vehicle that periodically visits or checks a location may be effective as a proactive education initiative but should not be considered as providing a patrolled swimming location.

Uncertainties may exist when deciding whether supervision at a given location is appropriate, since: o The provision of a service may encourage attendance at a non-suitable location, such as when the beach topography and morphology create a highly hazardous location. This factor would be reflected in the ABSAMP beach hazard rating; o Such services may be deemed too expensive and therefore not provided by the responsible land manager; o The patronage of the location is low and the assessed risk level is minimal.

There are a range of aquatic supervisory services that should be considered, as it is not “one size fits all”. They include: o Full time comprehensive lifesaving/lifeguard service with appropriate levels of trained personnel, fixed and portable facilities, equipment, craft, vehicles and links to central command and emergency services. o Seasonal lifesaving/lifeguard service with appropriate levels of trained personnel, portable facilities, equipment, craft, vehicles and links to central command and emergency services. o Seasonal lifesaving/lifeguard service with trained personnel, portable facilities, some equipment and craft, and links to a command centre. o A flexible demand based service with trained personnel provision which allocates resources to where they are most needed. o Surveillance cameras. o No service, but the provision of safety signs and controlled access.

Lifesaving Service Level Calculator The lifesaving service level calculator takes into consideration the ABSAMP beach hazard ratings, visitation levels, frequency of use, residency of visitors, incident history and remoteness of location to determine best practice lifesaving service levels.

The first decision that needs to be made by a Land Manager is whether or not a location should be patrolled. The Action Planning Priority Index should be used to guide decision making on which locations are of greater risk and therefore a higher priority for a lifesaving service. The lifesaving service level calculations should not be used in isolation to determine whether or not a lifesaving service should be provided, however once a decision has been made to provide a service the calculations should be referred to for guidance on the minimum service level required. Calculations for all beaches can be found in Appendix G.

International Best Practice The International Life Saving Federation (ILSF) is the peak body for lifeguard and water safety organisations internationally.

Lifeguard/lifesaving uniforms The ILSF recommends the colours for uniforms be red & yellow4. Lifeguards/lifesavers throughout the world are called upon to provide safety services at a range of water environments that include swimming pools, beaches, lakes, river front and other waterfronts. In providing these aquatic safety services, it is important that the people using these environments for aquatic activity can readily identify the lifeguards/lifesavers for: o Guidance on safety issues, and o Assistance in times of need

4 Lifesaving Position Statement - LPS 05 - Lifesaver And Lifeguard Uniforms

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As such the lifeguards should be readily distinguishable against the many people and colours they may be wearing while in, on or around these aquatic environments.

The red and yellow colours have been used by a number of International Lifesaving Member Federations for many years to such an extent and with much success that red and yellow has become synonymous with lifesavers and lifeguards in these countries.

Lifeguard uniforms within the Shoalhaven LGA comply with ISLF recommendations.

Red and yellow flags The use of red & yellow feathered flags is undertaken to provide the maximum visual effect to identify a designated swimming area. The flags used in the Shoalhaven LGA comply with (AS/NZS 2416.2:2010).

Volunteer Lifesaving Service Below are the patrol dates and hours from the 2013/2014 season over weekends and public holidays.

Table 4.2.6 Volunteer Lifesaving Services in the Shoalhaven LGA. Sundays / Club Patrol Dates Saturdays Public Holidays 21/09/2013 to 07/10/2013 No Patrol 10am – 3pm 12/10/2013 to 15/12/2013 No Patrol 10am – 2pm Shoalhaven Heads SLSC 21/12/2013 to 27/01/2014 No Patrol 9am – 5pm 01/02/2014 to 30/03/2014 No Patrol 10am – 2pm 05/04/2014 to 27/04/2014 No Patrol 10am – 3pm

21/09/2013 to 07/10/2013 9am – 3pm 9am – 3pm 12/10/2013 to 15/12/2013 9am – 2pm 9am – 2pm Nowra Culburra SLSC 21/12/2013 to 27/01/2014 9am – 5pm 9am – 5pm 01/02/2014 to 30/03/2014 9am – 2pm 9am – 2pm 05/04/2014 to 27/04/2014 9am – 3pm 9am – 3pm

21/09/2013 to 25/12/2013 No Patrol No Patrol Sussex Inlet SLSC 26/12/2013 to 27/01/2014 No Patrol 9am – 5pm 01/02/2014 to 27/04/2014 No Patrol No Patrol

21/09/2013 to 07/10/2013 10am – 3pm 10am – 3pm 12/10/2013 to 15/12/2013 9am – 4pm 9am – 4pm Mollymook SLSC 21/12/2013 to 27/01/2014 9am – 5pm 9am – 5pm 01/02/2014 to 30/03/2014 9am – 3pm 9am – 3pm 05/04/2014 to 27/04/2014 10am – 3pm 10am – 3pm

Mollymook SLSC 26/12/2013 to 27/01/2014 9am – 5pm 9am – 5pm (North Mollymook)

Mollymook SLSC 26/12/2013 to 27/01/2014 9am – 5pm 9am – 5pm (Narrawallee)

Mollymook SLSC is acknowledged for being the only club in NSW that patrols three locations.

Regular roving patrols are also encouraged as part of SLSNSW Standard Operating Procedures and are incorporated into a Clubs Patrol Operation Manual. Roving patrols can be conducted by ATV, IRB/RWC or walking and should continue to be conducted at the following locations throughout a patrol. o Shoalhaven Heads SLSC: 200m north of the SLSC to 100m south of the SLSC o Nowra Culburra SLSC: North end of beach to Lake Wollumboola o Sussex Inlet SLSC: Sussex Inlet Entrance to south end of beach

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o Mollymook SLSC: North Mollymook to Collers

RWC Patrols The benefits of an RWC on patrol include: o An efficient rescue tool for major / mass rescues o Preventative actions of user groups e.g. swimmers, surfcraft users, fisherman, and boaters o Roving patrols can be conducted at sections of a beach that are not patrolled / are of high risk o The capability of responding to nearby locations in an emergency that are not patrolled

It is acknowledged that the South Coast Branch through its support services already conducts roving patrols through an RWC on Saturday, Sundays and Public Holidays. This service operates between Green Island to Dolphin Point but has the capacity to respond to emergencies between Bendalong and Bawley Point. This service has conducted search and rescue operations and been involved in preventative actions.

The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter (South Coast) is also a vital service that operates along the coastline of the Shoalhaven LGA. This service is activated through the surf rescue emergency response system, mostly outside of patrol hours at unpatrolled locations. The service also conducts regular roving patrols on weekends, looking out for swimmers, surfcraft users, rock fishermen and boaters who may be in need of assistance as well as scanning for dangerous marine life around patrolled locations.

Paid Lifeguard Service - Existing The Shoalhaven lifeguard patrol dates and hours for the 2013/2014 season are provided in Table 4.2.7.

Table 4.2.7 Paid Lifeguard Services in the Shoalhaven LGA. Beach Patrol Dates Days of Service Patrol Times Shoalhaven Heads 19/12/2013 to 28/01/2014 6 days 9am - 5pm

Crookhaven (North 19/12/2013 to 28/01/2014 7 days 9am - 5pm Culburra)

Tilbury (South 19/12/2013 to 28/01/2014 7 days 9am - 5pm Culburra)

Warrain (Nowra Culburra 19/12/2013 to 28/01/2014 5 days 9am - 5pm SLSC)

Cudmirrah 19/12/2013 to 28/01/2014 6 days (Mon - Sat) 9am - 5pm (Sussex Inlet SLSC)

Narrawallee 19/12/2013 to 28/01/2014 5 days 9am - 5pm

North Mollymook 19/12/2013 to 28/01/2014 5 days 9am - 5pm

South Mollymook 02/12/2013 to 28/02/2014 5 days 9am - 5pm (Mollymook SLSC) 22/04/2014 to 24/04/2014 3 days 10am - 3pm

Over the 2014 Easter break the Mollymook lifeguard service patrolled at South Mollymook to cover this busy period. This service was supported by three local businesses: Bannisters Restaurant, Akwa Surf Shop and Mollymook Golf Club.

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Paid Lifeguard Service – Proposed Australian CoastSafe acknowledges the challenges that arise for Shoalhaven City Council in regards to funding lifeguard services due to the large size of the Local Government Area.

Some options to assist in funding lifeguard services may include: 1. Slight levy applied to rates at Tourist Parks 2. Paid parking at Mollymook for non-residents 3. Joint funding arrangements with tourism organisations, local businesses and the national parks and wildlife service 4. Future grant funding

The lifeguard treatment options listed below are based upon the research and data contained within this Project Blueprint coastal public safety risk assessment: o Lifesaving service level calculator ‘Appendix G’ o Anecdotal evidence and feedback obtained through the various methods of consultation o Historical drowning and emergency response incidents o Historical beach visitation data (where available) o Tourism NSW and ABS population data

Suggested Area One – South Mollymook Extension: The Shoalhaven is the most visited Local Government Area in Regional NSW (Shoalhaven City Council 2012).

Geographically, Ulladulla is central in the Shoalhaven LGA and is the coastal economic hub. The population of the Ulladulla significant urban area (Narawallee to Dolphin Point, including Milton) is approximately 14,200 people (ABS, 2011). Information obtained through the Shoalhaven Visitor Information Centre indicates that the population increases fourfold to approximately 60,000 people during peak holiday periods such as the summer school holidays and Easter.

It is proposed that the current lifeguard service at South Mollymook be extended to provide coverage over weekdays from the start of December until the end of the surf life saving season (late April). If this beach was patrolled over this time period positive public relations/media and local educational campaigns may be able to further attract visitors (domestic and international) to Mollymook. This will not only provide a supervised place for recreational activities but there may also be an increase in the local economy as beachgoers will utilise local businesses such as cafes/restaurants etc. The benefit of this service is that tourists and locals would have the option to swim at a patrolled beach during this period.

During the months of December to April, water temperatures are also at its highest which correlates to Mollymook Beach being at its busiest. Water temperatures recorded at nearby Batemans Bay are provided in the following table.

Table 4.2.8 Average monthly water temperatures for Batemans Bay (Hydro Metoc, 2014).

Average Monthly Water Temperatures – Batemans Bay Area Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 21.5 21.9 21.6 21.2 19.2 17.7 16.2 15.4 16.1 17.2 17.8 19.2

Suggested Area Two – Burrill Lake: Since January 2008, there have been 4 emergency callouts through the Surf Rescue Emergency Response System (SRERS) and 2 coastal drowning incidents at the Burrill Lake Entrance, ‘Appendix H’. There was also a third drowning incident that occurred at the northern end of Burrill Beach off the rocks in December 2013.

Burrill Lake is backed by three tourist parks, attracting domestic and international travelers – see (Table 3.10.7) for maximum numbers that can be accommodated. The population of Burrill Lake and Dolphin Point is 1,500 people and these towns also have numerous holiday homes for rent which sees the existing population rise further.

Stakeholder consultation confirmed that attendance of people using the lake for recreational purposes is high during the summer school holiday periods. The location is also highly accessible with a medium sized car park

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and open access from Seaside Parade. The Lake entrance can become increasingly hazardous on the outgoing tide due to the strong currents, deep water drop off and the potentially large waves at the entrance.

A new lifeguard service has been proposed at Burrill Lake during the summer school holiday period (6 weeks). This lifeguard service would be set up without the use of the red and yellow flags as containing people in a designated swimming area in flat water conditions would be challenging. Lifeguards stationed here would be stationed further inside the lake, not at the lake entrance and would be continually monitoring activity to ensure people are not caught in the tidal current, conducting preventative actions and being rescue ready. Establishing this service would also encourage beach goers to swim under supervision in a more protected environment rather than the nearby Burrill Beach which is highly hazardous in modal conditions. If equipped to do so, Lifeguards stationed here may also be able to respond quicker to incidents that may occur at the nearby Burrill and Racecourse Beaches.

Lifeguards also have the opportunity to be involved in community education to include people staying at the nearby tourist parks.

Figure 4.2.32: Burrill Lake Entrance Overview.

Suggested Area Three – Conjola: Due to population demands in the Conjola, Manyana and Bendalong areas during the summer school holidays, there is the need for a lifeguard service over this period. The most suitable location for a lifeguard service in this area would be Conjola. Five tourist parks are situated in the town of Conjola as well as holiday homes for rent. The combined maximum capacity of these tourist parks is approximately 3,000 people and this correlates to high beach visitation during the summer school holidays.

If a lifeguard service were to be established at Conjola, a targeted awareness campaign would provide the opportunity for people to swim at this location from the nearby towns of Bendalong and Manyana as visitors/locals from these towns would be more unlikely to drive to Mollymook for a swim due to the longer travel time. Lifeguards also have the opportunity to be involved in community education involving people staying at the Lake Conjola Entrance Tourist Park.

Since January 2008, there have been 4 emergency callouts through the Surf Rescue Emergency Response System (SRERS) and 1 coastal drowning incident in the Conjola area, ‘Appendix H’. If equipped to do so, lifeguards stationed here may also be able to respond quicker to incidents that may occur at nearby Cunjurong/Green Island and Manyana.

Suggested Area Four – Tabourie: Another gap within the Local Government Area for lifeguard services is the area south of Ulladulla to Bawley Point. Duty to the population demands during the summer school holidays there is the need for a lifeguard service over this period. The most suitable location for a lifeguard service in this area would be at Lake Tabourie, in front of the Tourist Park.

If a lifeguard service were to be established at Tabourie, a targeted awareness campaign would provide the opportunity for people to swim at this location from the nearby adjoining beach of Wario (backed by 2 tourist parks) and from people staying at the nearby Bawley Point area as people from these locations would be more

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unlikely to drive to Mollymook for a swim due to the longer travel time. Lifeguards also have the opportunity to be involved in community education involving people staying at the Lake Tabourie Tourist Park.

Since January 2008, there have been 3 emergency callouts through the Surf Rescue Emergency Response System (SRERS) and 2 coastal drowning incidents at Tabourie and Wario beaches, ‘Appendix H’. If equipped to do so, lifeguards stationed here may also be able to respond quicker to incidents that may occur at the adjoining Wario Beach.

Suggested Area Five - Durras North When examining the action planning priority index scores (section 4.1.6) the highest rated national park beach was Durras North in the Murramarang National Park. Durras North including Durras South (under the management of Eurobodalla Shire Council) has high attendance figures due to the coastal accommodation providers that have direct coast access. During peak summer periods, the maximum capacities for these tourist parks are approximately 2,000 people. This figure does not include the 288 residents (ABS, 2011) and the number of people staying in rented holiday homes.

Since January 2008, there have been 2 emergency callouts through the Surf Rescue Emergency Response, ‘Appendix H’. Feedback from these emergency callouts was that the response time for emergency services and lifesaving/lifeguard callout teams is delayed as the distance is approximately 14km from Batemans Bay and 35km for Ulladulla. A lifeguard service stationed here would reduce this response time.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service should hold discussions with the Eurobodalla Shire Council about co- funding a lifeguard service during the peak summer school holidays (2 week period).

Feedback from the National Parks and Wildlife Service outlined that they will be unlikely to make any commitment in regards to funding or partial funding of this lifeguard service at this point in time. 5

Suggested Area Six – Autumn School Holiday Patrols: The thirty five accommodation providers visited during the risk assessment in the Shoalhaven LGA all confirmed that they are just as busy during the autumn school holiday / Easter period as they are during the summer school holidays. This tourism influx together with the water warmer results in high beach attendance.

On average, swell events are also more consistent in Autumn than summer resulting in more hazardous conditions. The graph below shows the number of hazardous surf warnings per month in the greater Sydney area dating back 33 years (Bureau of Meteorology , 2014).

80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Figure 4.2.33: Hazardous surf warnings per month - January to December (Bureau of Meteorology , 2014).

Due to the above reason it is recommended that as funding becomes available all existing services within the Shoalhaven LGA could be extended to provide coverage over the autumn school holiday / Easter period.

5 Draft report feedback from National Parks and Wildlife Service received 4 July 2014

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Jervis Bay area – Huskisson/Collingwood Beach: Throughout the consultation period several stakeholders stated that certain beaches within the Jervis Bay area have extremely high attendance due to the proximity and number of accommodation providers in the area and the picturesque beaches. Stakeholders also expressed concern that the Moona Moona Creek at the north end of Collingwood Beach can be hazardous on the outgoing tide.

There have been 5 emergency incidents through the Surf Rescue Emergency Response System (SRERS) and 2 drowning incidents in the entire Jervis Bay area since January 2008.

Notwithstanding the occurrence of these incidents, establishing a paid lifeguard service at this location would be a lower priority than the aforementioned locations. This is due to the low beach hazard ratings and the minimal modal conditions during the summer school holidays.

This area is also serviced by the Marine Rescue unit situated at Huskisson Point. This service is operational during day light hours for 365 days of the year and has two operational boats.

Sussex Inlet/Berrara: There is currently an ongoing issue with the lack of volunteer membership at the Sussex Inlet SLSC. The future of this volunteer service is still unknown, however if this service were to no longer exist a review of the existing paid lifeguard service would have to be reviewed.

Stakeholder consultation revealed that the southern end of the beach around the Berrara township has regularly higher beach attendance than the northern end of the beach and therefore a lifeguard service may be better positioned here if the Sussex Inlet SLSC ceases to exist.

Treatment Option 1.20 Explore the means to fund the lifeguard service at South Mollymook to cover weekdays from the start of December to the end of the NSW autumn school holidays.

Treatment Option 1.21 Explore the means to fund a lifeguard service at Burrill Lake during the 6 week summer school holiday period.

Treatment Option 1.22 Explore the means to fund a lifeguard service at Conjola Beach (in front of the tourist park) during the 6 week summer school holiday period.

Treatment Option 1.23 Explore the means to fund a lifeguard service at Tabourie (in front of the tourist park) during the 6 week summer school holiday period.

Treatment Option 1.24 Explore the means to fund all existing services to be extended to provide coverage over the autumn school holiday / Easter period.

Treatment Option 2.14 The National Parks and Wildlife Service should hold discussions with the Eurobodalla Shire Council about co- funding a lifeguard service during the peak summer school holidays (2 week period).

Treatment Option 5.8 Branch and club procedures should continue to ensure that roving patrols are performed on a regular basis to cover a nearby beach/section of a beach that is not patrolled.

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5 Emergency Response

The relatively high rate of emergency incidents in the Shoalhaven LGA in previous years makes consideration of issues in relation to emergency response extremely relevant to a drowning prevention strategy for the area.

Emergency response considerations include but are not limited to: o Emergency communications/reporting Triple Zero (000) o Emergency phones/alarms o Emergency response beacons o Emergency service response o Radio coverage o Emergency service communications (internal and joint service)

5.1 Emergency Communications/Reporting - Triple Zero (000) The ability of members of the public to request assistance in an emergency is an important component of a drowning prevention strategy.

The Australian Government, through the Attorney-General’s Department are currently running a national Triple Zero (000) campaign which aims to build awareness of the Triple Zero (000) number and educate the community about when to use the number. The campaign serves to reinforce to members of the public their responsibilities when calling the Triple Zero (000) emergency number both in nominating the required emergency service and identifying the location they are calling from. The campaign uses the internet, newspapers, radio and television to promote messages of Triple Zero (000). In addition, elements of the campaign have been translated to reach culturally and linguistically diverse communities throughout Australia.

“Triple Zero (000) should not be referred to as 'Triple Oh', as this can cause confusion and could result in people incorrectly dialing 666 on some alpha-numeric keypads. If dialed within Australia, emergency calls to 666 will not be re-routed to Triple Zero (000)” (Australian Government, Attorney's-General Department, 2012).

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5.2 Emergency Response Beacons Emergency Response Beacons can be positioned in high use/risk areas. They are highly visible and once activated, link via radio to lifesaving/lifeguard services.

The two main types of ERB are:

Mobile: A movable unit which can be placed at a designated location for a limited period (usually daylight hours) before being removed for security/monitoring reasons. They usually complement an existing on-beach lifesaving service (nearby) or on-duty staff hours (non lifesaving).

Fixed/permanent: A unit which is permanently or semi-permanently positioned (secured) at a location, and provides 24/7 capacity. Such an ERB should fit within a coordinated emergency communications system, whereby the unit is monitored 24/7 and complemented with specific procedures for emergencies by those monitoring the ERB.

Fixed ERBs are generally only considered for use in high risk locations, where:  Limited or no mobile phone coverage exists,  A service can consistently monitor the beacon, and  A daily process of equipment checking/testing is in place.

More information about ERB can be provided by Surf Life Saving New South Wales.

Figure 5.2.1: Example of a mobile emergency response beacon on a beach.

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5.3 Emergency Service Response Emergency services and support organisations play a vital role in responding to coastal emergencies within the Shoalhaven LGA (see table and figure below). Resources that may respond include: o NSW Police (including Water Police) o NSW Ambulance (including the Westpac Helicopter) o NSW Fire and Rescue o State Emergency Service (SES) o NSW Rural Fire Service o Marine Rescue NSW o Shoalhaven City Council Lifeguards o Surf Life Saving South Coast (Branch and Club Callout Teams)

Table 5.3.1 Coastal Emergency Service locations for Shoalhaven LGA. Emergency Services – Shoalhaven Local Government Area Emergency Service Street Address Suburb NSW Police 88 Plunkett Street Nowra NSW Police 56 Victoria Street Berry NSW Police Culburra Road Culburra NSW Police Corner of Woollamia and Huskisson Roads Huskisson NSW Police Nielson Road Sussex Inlet NSW Police 73 Princes Highway Ulladulla NSW Ambulance Service Bunderra Street Bomaderry NSW Ambulance Service Prince Edward Ave Culburra NSW Ambulance Service 35 Currumbene Street Huskisson NSW Ambulance Service 27 Thomson St Sussex Inlet NSW Ambulance Service 242 Princes Highway Ulladulla Marine Rescue Corner Currumbene Street and Owen Street Huskisson Marine Rescue Corner Watson Street and Burrill Street South Ulladulla Marine Rescue Scerri Drive Kioloa Marine Rescue Greenwell Point Road Shoalhaven Heads NSW Fire and Rescue 26 Prince Alfred Street Berry NSW Fire and Rescue Unit 1/34 Norfolk Avenue Nowra NSW Fire and Rescue 46 Nurrawallee Street Ulladulla NSW Rural Fire Service Albatross Road Nowra NSW Rural Fire Service Corner Carlton Crescent and The Lake Circuit Culburra NSW Rural Fire Service Corner Dunsila Street and Leumeah Street Sanctuary Point NSW Rural Fire Service Corner Woodstock and Croobyar Road Milton NSW Rural Fire Service Greenwell Point Road Greenwell Point NSW Rural Fire Service Corner Greenway and Lennox Road Callala Beach NSW Rural Fire Service Thrush Street Bawley Point NSW Rural Fire Service Cunjurong Point Road Cunjurong NSW Rural Fire Service Corner First Ave and Koolyn Drive Cudmirrah NSW Rural Fire Service Thomson Street Sussex Inlet NSW Rural Fire Service Corner Nowra Road and Fishery Road Currarong NSW Rural Fire Service Beach Street Tabourie NSW Rural Fire Service Craig Street Conjola

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Emergency Services – Shoalhaven Local Government Area Emergency Service Street Address Suburb NSW Rural Fire Service Matthews Street Shoalhaven Heads NSW Rural Fire Service Murramarang Road Kioloa NSW Rural Fire Service Jacaranda Ave Bendalong NSW Rural Fire Service The Corso Callala Bay NSW Rural Fire Service Corner Owen Street and Park Street Huskisson NSW Rural Fire Service Carr Street Depot Beach NSW Rural Fire Service Albert Street Berry NSW Rural Fire Service Rose Street Hyams Beach NSW Rural Fire Service Naval Parade Erowal Bay NSW Rural Fire Service Tasman Road St Georges Basin State Emergency Service Albatross Road Nowra State Emergency Service Camden Street Ulladulla SLSC & Lifeguard Service McIntosh Street Shoalhaven Heads Lifeguard Service Prince Edward Ave Crookhaven Lifeguard Service Allerton Street Culburra SLSC & Lifeguard Service Corner Duke Street and Eastbourne Ave Culburra SLSC & Lifeguard Service Pacificana Drive Sussex Inlet Lifeguard Service Surfers Ave Narrawallee Lifeguard Service Beach Road Mollymook SLSC & Lifeguard Service Ocean Street Mollymook

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Figure 5.3.1: Emergency services within the Shoalhaven LGA.

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5.4 Radio Coverage The State Operations Centre in Belrose (SLSNSW) assist lifeguards and lifesavers during normal operations and emergency incidents via UHF radio communication. The below figures show the UHF radio signal strength on the Shoalhaven coastline. Radio strength varies, however due to the topography and remoteness of the southern area south of Mollymook, signal strength is often limited.

Figure 5.4.1 Saddleback Radio Repeater.

Figure 5.4.2: Point Perpindicular Repeater.

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Figure 5.4.3: Sussex Inlet Translator.

Key:

No coverage Signal strength Signal strength Signal strength

(black spot) (limited) (average) (strong)

To improve radio communications coverage in the Ulladulla area a new radio repeater site is currently pending for Bannisters Point. This location will improve radio communications around this area from Sussex Inlet to Bawley Point. Limited to no radio coverage still exists however south of the Bawley Point area in Murramarang National Park.

Below is a map of the coverage area expected for the Ulladulla area if the radio repeater site will be stationed at Bannisters Point.

Figure 5.4.4: Expected radio coverage for Ulladulla area.

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Surf Life Saving NSW should continue to hold discussions with Surf Life Saving South Coast to raise any current issues and opportunities which could see further radio infrastructure installed to improve communication.

Treatment Option 5.9 Surf Life Saving should continue to hold discussions with Surf Life Saving South Coast to raise any current issues and opportunities which could see further radio infrastructure installed to improve communication.

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5.5 Joint Emergency Response (Lifesavers and Lifeguards)

Surf Rescue Emergency Response System (SRERS) The Surf Rescue Emergency Response System (NSW) was established in January 2008 and provides a single point of contact for emergency services when there is a need to utilise surf rescue assets in coastal incidents. The emergency number can be contacted 24/7 and operators (State Duty Officers) can task/notify any surf rescue asset in NSW. Through the growth of this system the South Coast Branch have an effective Branch Duty Officer system and dedicated Club Callout Teams that can respond to incidents outside of patrolled locations/after hours. Lifeguards and lifesavers do an outstanding job responding to emergency incidents (many of which occur at unpatrolled locations and/or after hours). The most appropriate resource at the time whether this be volunteer lifesavers, paid lifeguards or other emergency services are notified first and activated.

Marine Rescue Marine Rescue are at times the most appropriate resource to respond to incidents along the coastline (particular vessel incidents). As part of the SRERS, Surf Life Saving NSW should continue to work with and develop relationships with the Shoalhaven Heads, Jervis Bay, Mollymook and Kioloa Marine Rescue Units.

Duplicate Location Names There have been a few instances through the SRERS where there has been confusion in regards to emergency response between the locations of Racecourse Beach in Ulladulla and Racecourse Beach in Bawley Point which has resulted in a delayed response. Until such time when a state-wide emergency marker sign has been established (Section 4.2.3) the Shoalhaven Local Emergency Management Committee should discuss options to ensure that emergency resources do not respond to the incorrect location.

Other locations within the Shoalhaven LGA which have duplicate names are Boat Harbour (one in the Department of Defence and one in Bendalong) and Chinamen’s (one in the Department of Defence and one next to Hyams).

Emergency Scenario Training Communications and emergency response could be enhanced by conducting an annual emergency response scenario training day for lifesaving and lifeguarding services. Such exercises help to establish and cement the chain of command, cooperation and adherence operational procedures in the event of a joint emergency response with local emergency services.

Treatment Option 1.25 The Shoalhaven Local Emergency Management Committee should discuss options to ensure that local emergency resources do not respond to the incorrect location where duplicate names exist within the Shoalhaven Local Government area e.g. Racecourse Beach, Boat Harbour and Chinamen’s.

Treatment Option 5.10 An emergency response training scenario should be conducted with South Coast Branch Duty Officers/Support Operations, senior Shoalhaven Lifeguards and the local emergency services once a year before the commencement of the surf life saving season.

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6 Monitor and Review

The process of monitor and review ensures that risk treatment options are meeting their objectives, new hazards and risks are identified in a timely manner and evolving strategies are in line with community expectations.

Land Managers are encouraged to ensure that a there is a process of regular review of the effectiveness of any risk mitigation strategies that have been implemented. This can include a process for the review of any drowning or emergency response incidents affecting public safety at the locations assessed. The treatment options outlined in this report can also be used as a benchmark as future funding opportunities become available and when budget preparations occur annually.

Land Managers may determine to further engage peak water safety organisations to assist with the monitor and review process. The process should include the review of all incident data, access points, signage, education, public rescue equipment, supervision and emergency response.

Treatment Option 1.26, 2.15 & 3.11 In consultation with relevant stakeholders, this document should be reviewed annually to measure the effectiveness of any risk mitigation strategies and drowning prevention initiatives that have been implemented and where future funding opportunities can be directed.

Treatment Options 1.27, 2.16 & 3.12 All drowning prevention strategies have the opportunity to be documented and incorporated into the relevant strategic and management plans. This will ensure consistency throughout the management area and a structured approach to maintenance.

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