Sydney Metropolitan Beaches Sydney Beaches

Home , Boat Harbour (Kurnell), Bondi Beach, Bronte Beach, Cronulla Beach, Elouera Beach, Greenhills Beach

Waverley Council

The Beachwatch Program 65

Waverley Council Beaches: Bondi, Tamarama and Bronte Sydney Beaches

66 State of the Beaches 2007–2008

Waverley Council Location Tamarama Beach had very high rankings, with both beaches ranked equal first. Bronte Waverley Council covers an area of nine Beach was ranked equal seventh (Table 6). square kilometres in the Eastern Suburbs of Actions to improve water quality Sydney and has a population of approximately 60,700 people. Actions specific to individual beaches are included on the beach pages. Improvements The Waverley beaches encompass a in water quality will also be achieved as a 2.5-kilometre stretch of coastline from Bondi result of a number of management plans Beach in the north to Bronte Beach in the and many other initiatives. south. Intertidal Protection Areas are located along the coastline between Bondi Beach Management Plans and Programs and Tamarama Beach and between Bronte Local Environmental Plan: This plan assesses Sydney Beaches Beach and Coogee Beach. environmental performance and identifies Land uses within the Waverley beach strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for catchments include residential, commercial, improvement in delivering sustainable industrial, recreational and bushland. outcomes for Bondi Junction. Additionally, it will incorporate best practice Compliance with guidelines environmental controls. Compliance with swimming guidelines was Environmental Management System (EMS): generally very good at beaches in the Council has developed an EMS that Waverley Council area during summer integrates environmental controls into 2007–2008 (Table 6). standard work practices within council. Compliance was excellent at Bondi Beach Through training, implementation and and Tamarama Beach where both bacterial review, the EMS minimises the impact of indicator levels complied with guidelines council’s outdoor operations on local 100% of the time. Bronte Beach complied waterways. with faecal coliform guidelines 100% of the Environmental Program of Works: The time and with enterococci guidelines 87% of Environmental Levy Program of Works the time. identifies, schedules, and prioritises environmental works that address The range of bacterial levels measured at sustainability issues in Waverley for the Sydney beaches during summer 2007–2008 period 2006–2011. These include the is shown in Figure 9, with Waverley Council integration of Water-Sensitive Urban Design beaches highlighted in grey. Levels of both (WSUD) features into park, street and faecal coliforms and enterococci were within building upgrades, a comprehensive the range of values measured at other city business education and accreditation program, ongoing maintenance of dog tidy beaches in Sydney. stations and the rehabilitation of coastal Ranking of beaches bushlands and creeks. These programs help to prevent foreign materials from washing All monitored harbour and ocean beach into the drains and onto the beaches. swimming locations in the Hunter, Sydney Council Chambers WSUD upgrade: In and Illawarra regions were ranked on the December 2007 a development application basis of their compliance with swimming was approved to install a rainwater tank for guidelines during summer 2007–2008. A the use of Waverley Council Chambers. total of 41 distinct ranks were determined Further feasibility investigations are for the 131 sites monitored for both faecal currently being undertaken to use the coliforms and enterococci, with many sites harvested water to supply the majority of ranked equally. Council Chambers potable water needs, which will include toilet flushing and The rankings for the Waverley Council drinking water. beaches were very good. Bondi Beach and

The Beachwatch Program 67

Review of planning controls: Waverley Council including improved waste storage, litter updated the Development Control Plan for management and wastewater disposal Water Management in its area. This will practices. An educational and compliance program was also undertaken for all of the decrease the pressure on the stormwater businesses at Bronte beach. system and receiving waters. Free environmental workshops: Waverley Soil and water management program: Council Council runs a series of free environmental Sydney Beaches continues to implement the Southern workshops, including ‘Living with Less Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils Chemicals’, ‘Gardening with Native Plants’, (SSROC) soil and water management and ‘Household Water Conservation’. program. This program aims to prevent degradation of waterways and stormwater Marine Discovery Centre: Council supports systems by minimising the loss of soil and the Marine Discovery Centre at the Bondi building materials from construction sites. Beach Pavilion, which raises awareness about conservation of coastal areas. Council Grant Funding has supported the development of an Groundwater irrigation: Waverley Council interactive stormwater education display at was successful in gaining $74,900 in funding the Centre. from the NSW Government’s Water Saving Our Beaches are not Ashtrays: Fund to install groundwater bores in two of ‘Butthead’performers accompanied Council its major sporting fields, saving 16 million staff on Bondi Beach over the summer litres of drinking water each year. Council is weekends to help inform and educate beach also working with Sydney Water and goers that ‘our beaches are not ashtrays’. A consultants as part of the Every Drop ban on smoking on Waverley beaches Counts Program to determine best practice (Bondi, Bronte and Tamarama) came into irrigation regimes for the playing fields and effect on 17 December 2004. Other ensure water is not wasted. educational strategies to increase awareness Illegal dumping: Council this year adopted of the smoking ban amongst beach users the ‘Dumping is Dumb’ branding for its and to establish a social norm that smoking illegal dumping campaign and successfully is no longer acceptable on the beach obtained a grant with neighbouring councils included ‘no smoking’ signage and to coordinate a regional education stencilling, display of an ‘our beaches are campaign. Council’s ongoing work in this not ashtrays’ banner and the distribution of area reduces windblown litter and postcards. The education campaigns and the stormwater pollution. use of a new beach rake have resulted in Educational Programs significant environmental benefits, including cleaner beaches. World Environment Day: Waverley Council held a festival at Bondi Pavillion in Other Projects conjunction with local environmental Water-saving initiatives: In June 2007 council groups. Workshops, tours and seminars, as installed rainwater tanks for toilet flushing, well as children’s activities and school as well as waterless urinals and timer taps, events were conducted to provide in two coastal amenity blocks. community members with the knowledge, Water Monitoring Program: Waverley Council skills and practical tools to enable them to undertakes weekly water monitoring of two minimise water and energy use and their ocean pools. Additionally, the council impact on water quality. conducts regular water quality snapshots of all stormwater outlets to monitor water Permanent Wave Business Environmental quality, isolate problem catchments and Education Program: This program aims to identify pollution sources. encourage environmental awareness amongst businesses. Audits have been Bronte Park stormwater reuse: Approval has conducted of over 35 businesses in Charing been granted for the construction and Cross, resulting in the implementation of installation of a stormwater treatment and improved environmental practices,

68 State of the Beaches 2007–2008 reuse system in Bronte Park. This is due to Litter control: Council introduced a new begin operation in September 2008. When containerised waste and recycling service in completed, this system will improve the 2005 that reduces the potential for quality of water discharged to the ocean, windblown litter. In 2008 a containerised enable sustainable irrigation of the park and system for garden waste collection was provide harvested water for toilet flushing. introduced to reduce the amount of organics being washed into the stormwater system. The Water CampaignTM: Council continues to In 2007, comprehensive litter audits were work with the International Council for completed for Bronte, Bondi, and Tamarama Local Environmental Initiatives to identify beaches. These audits will inform the Council and community actions to improve development of targeted education water quality. campaigns.

Table 6: Compliance and Ranking of Waverley Beaches for Summer 2007–2008 Sydney Beaches Compliance (%) Overall rank Site Faecal Coliforms Enterococci (out of 41) Bondi Beach 100 100 1 Tamarama Beach 100 100 1 Bronte Beach 100 87 7

Figure 9: Range of Bacterial Levels at Sydney Beaches during Summer 2007–2008

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

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

The Beachwatch Program 69

Bondi Beach See page 66 for key to map Description The beach is 800 metres long and backed by a promenade, car park and parklands. Rock baths are located at the northern and southern ends. Beach conditions are safest at the northern end and lifeguards patrol the beach year round. Sydney Beaches Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge to the beach.

Actions There are no actions specific to this beach.

Compliance Faecal coliform levels complied with swimming guidelines 100% of the time over the last five years. Enterococci compliance has ranged from 81% to 100% over the last five years.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 91 81 75 75

winter season 50 50 summer season % Compliance 25 25

0 0 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Response to rainfall Bacterial densities generally increased with increasing rainfall. Faecal coliform levels often exceeded the median guideline limit after 20 millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci levels often exceeded the median guideline limit after ten millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100

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

Season data Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 100000 0 ⏐ rainfall 10000 o individual result 50 ⎯ rolling median 1000 − − rolling 80th percentile 100 100 150 Guidelines 10 (see page 7 for details) (mm) Rainfall Daily Bacterial count/100 mL ⎯ median threshold 1 200 May-07 Jul-07 Sep-07 Nov-07 Jan-08 Mar-08 May-08 May-07 Jul-07 Sep-07 Nov-07 Jan-08 Mar-08 May-08 − − 80th percentile threshold

70 State of the Beaches 2007–2008

Tamarama Beach See page 66 for key to map Description The beach is approximately 80 metres long and is closed to board riders during patrol hours. Swimming can be very hazardous because of the rips, and lifeguards patrol the beach from October to April.

Pollution sources A stormwater drain discharges to the beach in dry and wet weather. Elevated bacterial levels have been detected in the stormwater.

Actions There are no actions specific to this beach.

Compliance With the exception of winter 2007, faecal coliform levels complied with swimming guidelines 100% of the time over the last five years. Enterococci compliance

has ranged from 77% to 100% over the last five Sydney Beaches years.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 10097 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 91 100 77 75 75

winter season 50 50 summer season % Compliance 25 25

0 0 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Response to rainfall Bacterial densities generally increased with increasing rainfall. Faecal coliform levels often exceeded the median guideline limit in response to 20 millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci levels usually exceeded the median guideline limit after ten millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100

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

The Beachwatch Program 71

Bronte Beach See page 66 for key to map Description The beach is 250 metres long and is backed by a large park and picnic area. There is a rock-enclosed tidal swimming area and an ocean pool at the southern end. Swimming can be hazardous because of two or three large rips. Lifeguards patrol the beach

Sydney Beaches from October to April.

Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge to the beach in dry and wet weather. Elevated bacterial levels have been detected in the stormwater.

Actions There are no actions specific to this beach.

Compliance Faecal coliform levels complied with swimming guidelines 100% of the time over the last five years. Enterococci compliance has been more varied, ranging from 75% to 100%, with higher levels of compliance recorded in winter seasons.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 94 83 87 75 75 75

winter season 50 50 summer season % Compliance 25 25

0 0 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Response to rainfall Bacterial densities generally increased with increasing rainfall. Faecal coliform densities occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit in response to ten millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci levels occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit in response to no rain, and regularly exceeded the median guideline after five millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. Bacterial levels exceeding the median guideline limit after little to no rain may indicate a dry-weather contamination problem.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100

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

72 State of the Beaches 2007–2008

Sydney Metropolitan Beaches Sydney Beaches

Randwick City Council

The Beachwatch Program 73

Randwick City Council Beaches: Clovelly, Coogee, Maroubra, Malabar and Little Bay Sydney Beaches

74 State of the Beaches 2007–2008

Randwick City Council Location basis of their compliance with swimming guidelines during summer 2007–2008. A total Randwick City Council covers an area of of 41 rankings were determined for the 131 37 square kilometres in the eastern suburbs sites monitored for both faecal coliforms and of Sydney and has a population of enterococci, with many sites ranked equally. approximately 128,400 people. The rankings for the Randwick City Council The Randwick beaches occur along a ten- beaches were varied (Table 7). Clovelly and kilometre stretch of coastline from Clovelly Maroubra beaches ranked equal first, and Beach in the north to Little Bay in the south. Little Bay beach ranked equal third. Coogee Land uses within the Randwick beach beach ranked twenty-sixth and Malabar catchments include residential, commercial, beach ranked thirty-ninth. industrial, recreational and bushland. Actions to improve water quality Sydney Beaches Compliance with guidelines Actions specific to individual beach Compliance with swimming guidelines was locations are included on the beach pages. generally good at beaches in the Randwick Improvements in water quality will also be City Council area during summer 2007–2008 achieved as a result of management plans (Table 7). and a range of other projects. Management Plans and Programs Compliance was excellent at Clovelly and Maroubra beaches, where bacterial indicator Eastern Coastal Catchments Stormwater levels complied with guidelines 100% of the Management Plan: Randwick Council has time. Similarly, Little Bay performed very identified a number of actions to combat well and complied with faecal coliform stormwater pollution in the Stormwater guidelines 100% of the time, and 94% of the Management Plan for the Eastern Coastal time with enterococci guidelines. Coogee Catchments. Source control actions include beach complied 87% of the time with faecal an ongoing street sweeping program and coliform guidelines, and 74% of the time education programs in the Randwick area. with enterococci guidelines. Council has installed stormwater quality improvement devices aimed at controlling Malabar beach recorded 84% compliance for stormwater pollution in-system. End-of-pipe faecal coliform and complied 29% of the actions include the installation of continuous time with enterococci criteria. It should be deflective separator gross pollutant traps noted that levels of bacteria occasionally (GPTs) on stormwater drains to collect exceeded the median guideline limits after stormwater contaminants. Council has little or no rainfall, indicating a possible dry- conducted sampling to determine water weather contamination problem. quality at receiving waters and after rain The range of bacterial levels measured at events. Sydney beaches during summer 2007–2008 is shown in Figure 10, with Randwick Soil and water management programs: beaches highlighted in grey. Levels of both Randwick City Council continues to faecal coliforms and enterococci at most implement the Southern Sydney Regional beaches in Randwick City Council area were Organisation of Councils (SSROC) soil and comparable to those measured in Manly and water management program. This program Waverly council areas. Bacterial levels at aims to prevent degradation of waterways Malabar Beach were higher than levels and stormwater systems by minimising the recorded at most Sydney beaches. loss of soil and other building materials from building and construction sites. Ranking of beaches Stormwater devices: A five-year All monitored harbour and ocean beach environmental levy program continues to swimming locations in the Hunter, Sydney fund a number of programs, including new and Illawarra regions were ranked on the GPTs to prevent street litter and organic

The Beachwatch Program 75

material from washing off streets, into Rainwater tank fact sheet: A rainwater tank drains and onto oceans and beaches. Work fact sheet was developed by Council to also includes repairs and improvements to encourage residents to install rainwater adjacent drainage lines, which will tanks to conserve water and promote the contribute to improved water quality. efficient use of stormwater, which can be Educational Programs used within the premises for flushing of

Sydney Beaches toilets and in laundries, as well as for Summer activities program: Held over a two- external uses. This fact sheet is supported by week period in January, the summer a Council rainwater tank rebate scheme for activities program aimed to increase the residents. understanding and appreciation of marine Other Projects and coastal water quality and conservation issues by both residents and visitors to the Stormwater drain relining: A number of area. This year participants enjoyed many sections of stormwater drains, thought to be new activities in the program, as well as the close to 100 years old, have been replaced or old favourites, including snorkelling at relined in the last year. This will contribute Gordons Bay and Bare Island and learning to improved water quality and flow. to surf at Maroubra Beach. Plastic bags: The local chambers of commerce EcoLiving Fair: Randwick’s second EcoLiving are working directly with Council to Fair was held in April to celebrate Earth Day highlight the environmental issues 2008. This provides residents with practical associated with plastic bag use and the sustainability workshops and benefits that come with a plastic bag-free demonstrations for the home and garden, city, such as fewer plastic bags in our ocean. such as keeping chemicals and cleaning

agents out of the drainage system.

76 State of the Beaches 2007–2008

Table 7: Compliance and Ranking of Randwick Beaches for Summer 2007–2008 Compliance (%) Overall rank Site Faecal Coliforms Enterococci (out of 41) Clovelly Beach 100 100 1 Coogee Beach 87 74 26 Maroubra Beach 100 100 1 Malabar Beach 84 29 39 Little Bay 100 94 3

Figure 10: Range of Bacterial Levels at Sydney Beaches during Summer 2007–2008

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

The Beachwatch Program 77

Clovelly Beach See page 74 for key to map Description The beach backs a 300 metres long bay and has a pool-like atmosphere. Wheelchair access to the water is provided. It is one of the safest beaches in Sydney and is patrolled from September to April. Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge at the entrance to, and Sydney Beaches within, Clovelly Bay. Actions Randwick Council installed two continuous deflective separators in Bundock Park to capture gross pollutants carried by stormwater. All known stormwater drains in the catchment lead to a GPT prior to entering Clovelly Bay. Council regularly undertakes street sweeping and beach cleaning. Clovelly Beach won the 2008 regional Keep Australia Beautiful Friendly Beach award. Compliance Faecal coliform levels complied with swimming guidelines 100% of the time over the last five years. Enterococci levels complied 100% of the time over the last five years, with the exception of summer 2004–2005, when 91% compliance was recorded. Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 91

75 75

winter season 50 50 summer season % Compliance 25 25

0 0 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform densities tended to increase slightly with increasing rainfall, but generally remained below the median guideline limit across all rainfall categories. Enterococci densities generally increased with increasing rainfall, occasionally exceeding the median guideline limit in response to five millimetres of rain or more and often exceeding the median guideline limit in response to ten millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. 10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100

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

Season data Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 100000 0 ⏐ rainfall 10000 o individual result 50 ⎯ rolling median 1000 − − rolling 80th percentile 100 100 150 Guidelines 10 (see page 7 for details) (mm) Rainfall Daily Bacterial mL count/100 ⎯ median threshold 1 200 May-07 Jul-07 Sep-07 Nov-07 Jan-08 Mar-08 May-08 May-07 Jul-07 Sep-07 Nov-07 Jan-08 Mar-08 May-08 − − 80th percentile threshold

78 State of the Beaches 2007–2008

Coogee Beach See page 74 for key to map Description The beach is 400 metres long and is backed by a promenade and parklands. There are rock baths at the southern and northern ends. The beach has a reputation for safe swimming and lifeguards patrol the beach all year round. Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge to the beach in dry and wet weather. Elevated bacterial levels have been detected in the stormwater. Actions Randwick Council installed an additional continuous deflective separate on Neptune Street. Council regularly maintains six GPTs and undertakes street sweeping and beach cleaning in the catchment. Regular water sampling of the stormwater seepage at the south end of Coogee Beach is conducted. Coogee Sydney Beaches Beach won the 2008 regional Keep Australia Beautiful Environment Protection award and was highly commended in the Friendly Beach award. Compliance Faecal coliform compliance with swimming guidelines has ranged from 87% to 100% over the last five years. Enterococci compliance has been more varied, ranging from 63% to 100% over the last five years. Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 97 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 87 100 87 91 90 90 81 74 75 75 63

winter season 50 50 summer season % Compliance 25 25

0 0 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci densities tended to increase with increasing rainfall. Faecal coliform densities occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit in response to five millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci densities occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit after no rain, indicating a possible dry-weather contamination problem. 10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100

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

The Beachwatch Program 79

Maroubra Beach See page 74 for key to map Description The beach is one kilometre long. Strong rips create hazardous conditions at the beach, particularly in the centre and north. Lifeguards patrol the beach all year round.

Sydney Beaches Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge to the beach, one in both dry and wet weather. Elevated bacterial levels have been detected in the stormwater.

Actions Randwick Council has installed an additional continuous deflector separator GPT in Byrne Crescent, South Maroubra. Council regularly undertakes street sweeping and beach cleaning. Maroubra Beach was highly commended in the 2008 regional Keep Australia Beautiful Community Partnership and Action award.

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

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

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

75 75

winter season 50 50 summer season % Compliance 25 25

0 0 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci densities tended to increase with increasing rainfall, occasionally exceeding the median guideline limits in response to five millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100

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

80 State of the Beaches 2007–2008

Malabar Beach See page 74 for key to map Description The beach is 150 metres long and situated at the end of a long, narrow bay. It is backed by a small park and picnic area. Lifeguards patrol the beach in the summer season.

Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge to the beach and into Long Bay. The long, narrow bay has longer flushing time after rain.

Actions Randwick Council maintains four GPTs in the catchment. Council regularly undertakes street cleaning and beach sweeping in the catchment area. Drain stencilling was also recently conducted in the area. Sydney Beaches Compliance Faecal coliform compliance has ranged from 74% to 100% over the last five years. Enterococci compliance has been more variable, ranging from 29% to 100% over the last five years.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 84 87 76 78 74 70 75 75 68 65 68

winter season 50 50 summer season 29 % Compliance 25 25

0 0 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci densities tended to increase with increasing rainfall and occasionally exceeded the median guideline limits after little or no rainfall, indicating a possible dry-weather contamination problem.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100

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

The Beachwatch Program 81

Little Bay See page 74 for key to map Description The beach is situated at the end of a long, narrow bay. It is backed by a golf course and new residential development. The beach is unpatrolled.

Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge to the beach and into

Sydney Beaches Little Bay. The long, narrow bay has longer flushing time after rain.

Actions There are no actions specific to this beach.

Compliance Monitoring at Little Bay began in December 2006. Since then faecal coliform levels have complied with swimming guidelines 100% of the time and enterococci compliance has ranged from 91% to 100%.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100100 100 100 100 100 91 94

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summer season % Compliance 25 25

0 0 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Response to rainfall Bacterial densities tended to increase with increasing rainfall. After 20 millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours faecal coliform levels occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit and enterococci levels often exceeded the median guideline limit.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

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

Season data Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 100000 0 ⏐ rainfall 10000 o individual result 50 ⎯ rolling median 1000 − − rolling 80th percentile 100 100 150 Guidelines 10 (see page 7 for details) (mm) Rainfall Daily Bacterial mL count/100 ⎯ median threshold 1 200 May-07 Jul-07 Sep-07 Nov-07 Jan-08 Mar-08 May-08 May-07 Jul-07 Sep-07 Nov-07 Jan-08 Mar-08 May-08 − − 80th percentile threshold

82 State of the Beaches 2007–2008

Sydney Metropolitan Beaches Sydney Beaches

Sutherland Shire Council

The Beachwatch Program 83

Sutherland Shire Council Beaches: Boat Harbour, Greenhills, Wanda, Elouera, North Cronulla, South Cronulla, Shelly and Oak Park Sydney Beaches

84 State of the Beaches 2007–2008

Sutherland Shire Council Location Actions to improve water quality Sutherland Shire Council covers an area of Actions specific to individual swimming 370 square kilometres and has a population sites are included on the beach pages. of approximately 215,000 people. Improvements in water quality are also expected as a result of various management The Sutherland beaches are situated around plans and a number of key programs. the rim of Bate Bay. The upgrade to the Cronulla Sewage Land uses within the Sutherland beach Treatment Plant (STP) in April 2001 catchments include urban residential, significantly improved the water quality at commercial, industrial, recreational and the Cronulla beaches. bushland.

Management Plans and Programs Sydney Beaches Compliance with guidelines Bate Bay Management Plan: Sutherland Shire Compliance with swimming guidelines at Council is currently implementing the Sutherland beaches during summer 2007– management plan for Bate Bay, 2008 was excellent, with seven of the eight encompassing the area from Potter Point in beaches complying with both bacterial the north to Jibbon Beach in the south. The indicators 100% of the time (Table 8). The plan covers beach facilities and use, safety, exception was Boat Harbour, which vegetation, water quality and the impact of achieved 100% compliance for faecal adjacent urban development, as well as coliforms and 65% with enterococci criteria. emergency action plans. The plan identified The range of bacterial levels measured at stormwater pollution as the greatest threat Sydney beaches during summer 2007–2008 to recreational water quality in the area now is shown in Figure 11, with Sutherland that the Cronulla Sewage Treatment Plant beaches highlighted in grey. Bacterial levels has been upgraded. Sewer overflows and at the Sutherland beaches were generally leachate from a former landfill site in Wanda low, with most beaches recording levels Reserve were also identified as potential similar to those within Warringah council sources. area. Bacterial levels at Boat Harbour were Bate Bay Coastline Management Committee: A higher than at other Sutherland Council Coastal Hazard Study and Beach beaches. Nourishment Strategy have been completed. Ranking of beaches Council is undertaking work to reconstruct the Prince Street seawall over the winter All monitored harbour and ocean beach period, with work scheduled to be swimming locations in the Hunter, Sydney completed by September 2008. The seawall and Illawarra regions were ranked on the prevents erosion of the foreshore and basis of their compliance with swimming protects Prince Street and the properties guidelines during summer 2007–2008. A behind it. Beach renourishment was total of 41 distinct ranks were determined undertaken in 2007–2008, with 90,000 m3 of for the 131 sites monitored for both faecal compatible sandy material sourced from coliforms and enterococci, with many sites dredging of the Port Hacking navigation ranked equally. channels. The material was placed in the With the exception of Boat Harbour, all wave zone off Cronulla beach and helped to Sutherland Council beaches were ranked protect the beaches from the affects of equal first. Boat Harbour was ranked winter storms. twenty-third. Clean Waters Management Plan: The management plan outlines actions undertaken to improve water quality, including the installation of water quality

The Beachwatch Program 85

control device such as artificial wetlands, Street help to inform the community about gross pollutant traps, continuous deflective preventing pollution from entering our separators, a natural sand filter system, and waterways, ensuring that beach and harbour educational programs, drainage pit environments are suitable for swimming stencilling and an extensive water and recreational use. Council monitoring program encompassing the representatives attend ‘Water Tight’ and

Sydney Beaches majority of the sub-catchments within the other educational activities days held at shire. Computer-based mapping local primary and high schools and run by (Geographic Information Systems, GIS) of the Observatory Hill Environmental water quality devices and catchments Education Centre. By involving the children served, as well as other data pertinent to the in water audits of their schools, water Sutherland area has also been completed by quality testing of the local waterways, council. Council plans to update this stormwater simulations, ecosystem studies resource and to compile all water and water-related arts and crafts programs, management information in the one they learn about water conservation and document. water quality. Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD): The Other Projects current stormwater management SewerFix: Sydney Water has been operating Development Control Plan (DCP) and the SewerFix program in the Sutherland stormwater specifications DCP require that Shire area during 2007 and 2008. SewerFix is WSUD be implemented for all new an extensive program of activities designed development, with conventional drainage to improve the performance of the sewerage systems a last resort. network, reduce the frequency of sewage Educational Programs overflows and protect public health. The key projects in Cronulla are the amplification of Environmental education: Council is involved sewer mains and upgrades of sewage in programs to educate the community on pumping stations. pollution and water quality. Programs such as Streamwatch, Enviroworks and Green

86 State of the Beaches 2007–2008

Table 8: Compliance and Ranking of Sutherland Beaches for Summer 2007–2008 Compliance (%) Overall rank Site Faecal Coliforms Enterococci (out of 41) Boat Harbour 100 65 23 Greenhills 100 100 1 Wanda Beach 100 100 1 Elouera Beach 100 100 1 North Cronulla Beach 100 100 1 South Cronulla Beach 100 100 1 Shelly Beach 100 100 1 Oak Park 100 100 1 Sydney Beaches Figure 11: Range of Bacterial Levels at Sydney Beaches during Summer 2007–2008

10000

1000

100

10000

1000

100

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

The Beachwatch Program 87

Boat Harbour See page 84 for key to map Description Boat Harbour is a narrow 150 metres long private beach at the northern end of Bate Bay. It is the closest beach to Cronulla STP’s Potter Point cliff-face outfall. Boat Harbour is not patrolled by lifeguards.

Sydney Beaches Pollution sources Cronulla STP discharges tertiary treated disinfected effluent via the cliff-face outfall at Potter Point and may be a potential pollution source during bypass and overflow conditions. There are unsewered fishing shacks behind the beach.

Actions Sutherland Council continued to implement the Bate Bay Management Plan to ensure water quality remained suitable for swimming at Boat Harbour.

Compliance With the exception of summer 2005–2006, faecal coliform levels complied with swimming guidelines 100% of the time over the last five years. Compliance with enterococci has been more varied, ranging from 52% to 100%, with higher compliance occurring during the winter seasons over the last five years.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100100 100 100 95 100 100 100 90 100 86 81 84 80 75 75 68 65 52 winter season 50 50 summer season % Compliance 25 25

0 0 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Response to rainfall Bacterial densities displayed a slight response to rainfall, with densities occasionally exceeding the median guideline limit after little to no rain in the previous 24 hours, indicating a possible dry-weather contamination problem.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100

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

88 State of the Beaches 2007–2008

Greenhills See page 84 for key to map Description The beach is three kilometres long and situated at the northern end of Bate Bay. The north end of the beach is protected by Merries Reef, with larger waves and rips more prevalent at the southern end. Lifeguards do not patrol the beach.

Pollution sources Leachate from a former landfill site at Wanda Reserve could pose a threat to water quality in the area. Cronulla STP discharges tertiary treated disinfected effluent via the cliff-face outfall at Potter Point and may be a potential pollution source during bypass and overflow conditions.

Actions Sutherland Council continued to implement the Bate Bay Management Plan to ensure water quality Sydney Beaches remained suitable for swimming at Greenhills Beach.

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

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

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

75 75

winter season 50 50 summer season % Compliance 25 25

0 0 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform levels displayed little response to rainfall and generally remained below the median guideline limit across all rainfall categories. Enterococci levels showed little response to rainfall but occasionally exceeded median guideline limit after rain.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100

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

The Beachwatch Program 89

Wanda See page 84 for key to map Description Wanda, Elouera and North Cronulla beaches form a 1.5 kilometre stretch of beach towards the southern end of Bate Bay. Swimming can be hazardous, with numerous rips. Lifeguards patrol Wanda Beach from October to April. Sydney Beaches Pollution sources Leachate from a former landfill site at Wanda Reserve could pose a threat to water quality in the area. Cronulla STP discharges tertiary treated disinfected effluent via the cliff-face outfall at Potter Point and may be a potential pollution source during bypass and overflow conditions.

Actions Sutherland Council continued to implement the Bate Bay Management Plan to ensure water quality remained suitable for swimming at Wanda Beach. Funding was obtained to reduce stormwater outflows and improve access south of the surf club.

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

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

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

75 75

winter season 50 50 summer season % Compliance 25 25

0 0 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci levels displayed little response to rainfall and generally remained below the median guideline limits across all rainfall categories.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100

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

Season data Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 100000 0 ⏐ rainfall 10000 o individual result 50 ⎯ rolling median 1000 − − rolling 80th percentile 100 100 150 Guidelines 10 (see page 7 for details) (mm) Rainfall Daily Bacterial mL count/100 ⎯ median threshold 1 200 May-07 Jul-07 Sep-07 Nov-07 Jan-08 Mar-08 May-08 May-07 Jul-07 Sep-07 Nov-07 Jan-08 Mar-08 May-08 − − 80th percentile threshold

90 State of the Beaches 2007–2008

Elouera See page 84 for key to map Description Wanda, Elouera and North Cronulla beaches form a 1.5 kilometre stretch of beach towards the southern end of Bate Bay. Swimming can be hazardous, with numerous rips. Lifeguards patrol Elouera Beach from October to April.

Pollution sources Cronulla STP discharges tertiary treated disinfected effluent via the cliff-face outfall at Potter Point and may be a potential pollution source during bypass and overflow conditions.

Actions Sutherland Council continued to implement the Bate Bay Management Plan to ensure water quality remained suitable for swimming at Elouera Beach. Sydney Beaches Compliance Faecal coliform and enterococci levels complied with swimming guidelines 100% of the time over the last five years.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

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

75 75

winter season 50 50 summer season % Compliance 25 25

0 0 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Response to rainfall Bacterial densities displayed little response to rainfall and generally remained below the median guideline limits across all rainfall categories.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100

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

The Beachwatch Program 91

North Cronulla See page 84 for key to map Description Wanda, Elouera and North Cronulla beaches form a 1.5 kilometre stretch of beach towards the southern end of Bate Bay. Swimming can be hazardous, with numerous rips. Lifeguards patrol North Cronulla Beach from October to April. Sydney Beaches Pollution sources Urban runoff discharges to the beach via an open drain. Cronulla STP discharges tertiary treated disinfected effluent via the cliff-face outfall at Potter Point and may be a potential pollution source during bypass and overflow conditions.

Actions Sutherland Council continued to implement the Bate Bay Management Plan to ensure water quality remained suitable for swimming at North Cronulla Beach.

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

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

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

75 75

winter season 50 50 summer season % Compliance 25 25

0 0 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Response to rainfall Bacterial densities tended to increase with increasing rainfall. Faecal coliform levels generally remained below the median guideline limit across all rainfall categories. Enterococci levels occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit in response to five millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100

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

Season data Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 100000 0 ⏐ rainfall 10000 o individual result 50 ⎯ rolling median 1000 − − rolling 80th percentile 100 100 150 Guidelines 10 (see page 7 for details) (mm) Rainfall Daily Bacterial mL count/100 ⎯ median threshold 1 200 May-07 Jul-07 Sep-07 Nov-07 Jan-08 Mar-08 May-08 May-07 Jul-07 Sep-07 Nov-07 Jan-08 Mar-08 May-08 − − 80th percentile threshold

92 State of the Beaches 2007–2008

South Cronulla See page 84 for key to map Description The beach is 300 metres long and situated at the southern end of Bate Bay. An ocean pool is located at the northern end of the beach. Swimming is relatively safe, but rips occasionally form at either end of the beach. Lifeguards patrol the beach all year round.

Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge to the beach. Cronulla STP discharges tertiary treated disinfected effluent via the cliff-face outfall at Potter Point and may be a potential pollution source during bypass and overflow conditions.

Actions Sutherland Council continued to implement the Bate Bay Management Plan to ensure water quality remained suitable for swimming at South Cronulla Sydney Beaches Beach. The Cronulla rock pools were regularly cleared of weed and sand. During summer, the southern rock pool was tested fortnightly by Council for faecal coliforms and enterococci.

Compliance Faecal coliform levels complied with swimming guidelines 100% of the time over the last five years. With the exception of summer 2003–2004, enterococci levels complied with swimming guidelines 100% of the time over the last five years. Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 81 75 75

winter season 50 50 summer season % Compliance 25 25

0 0 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform densities generally remained below the median guideline limit across all rainfall categories. Enterococci densities tended to increase slightly with increasing rainfall, occasionally exceeding the median guideline limit after little rain. 10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100

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

The Beachwatch Program 93

Shelly Beach See page 84 for key to map Description The beach is 50 metres long and backed by a foreshore walk and a large park and picnic area. The adjacent ocean pool is the most suitable area for swimming. Lifeguards do not patrol the swimming area. Sydney Beaches Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge to the beach. Estuarine plumes from Port Hacking may also be a source of pollution during and after wet weather. Cronulla STP discharges tertiary treated disinfected effluent via the cliff-face outfall at Potter Point and may be a potential pollution source during bypass and overflow conditions.

Actions Sutherland Council implemented the Bate Bay Management Plan to ensure water quality remained suitable for swimming at Shelly Beach. Ongoing maintenance was carried out on the tidal pool to ensure the pool was safe for swimmers.

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

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

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

75 75

winter season 50 50 summer season % Compliance 25 25

0 0 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Response to rainfall Bacterial densities increased slightly with increasing rainfall but generally remained below the median guideline limits across all rainfall categories.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100

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

94 State of the Beaches 2007–2008

Oak Park See page 84 for key to map Description The beach is 15 metres long, with the most suitable area for swimming adjacent to the ocean pool. The beach is backed by a foreshore walk, a park and a picnic area. Lifeguards do not patrol the swimming area.

Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge to the beach. Estuarine plumes from Port Hacking can pollute the beach. Cronulla STP discharges tertiary treated disinfected effluent via the cliff-face outfall at Potter Point and may be a potential pollution source during bypass and overflow conditions.

Actions Sutherland Council implemented the Bate Bay Management Plan to ensure water quality remained Sydney Beaches suitable for swimming at Oak Park Beach. Ongoing maintenance was carried out on the tidal pool to ensure the pool was safe for swimmers.

Compliance Faecal coliform levels complied with swimming guidelines 100% of the time over the last five years. Enterococci compliance varied from 90% to 100% over the last five years.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 10097 100100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 90

75 75

winter season 50 50 summer season % Compliance 25 25

0 0 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Response to rainfall Bacterial densities did not display a clear response to rainfall. Faecal coliform levels generally remained below the median guideline limit across all rainfall categories. Enterococci levels occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit after light rain in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100

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

The Beachwatch Program 95

Sydney Beaches

96 State of the Beaches 2007–2008