Sydney Metropolitan Area Harbour Swimming Sites

Lower Georges River Harbourwatch

The Harbourwatch Program 251

Lower Georges River Sites: Jew Fish Bay Baths, Como Baths, Oatley Bay Baths, Carss Point Baths, Sandringham Baths and Dolls Point Baths

g3 g3

King Georges Rd g3 HURSTVILLE KOGARAH 8É

8É 8É 8É Princes Hwy 8É 8É g3

The Grand Parade g3 g3 g3 h3 OATLEY g3 g3B5 g3 g3 Jew Fish Oatley g3 Bay g3 Bay 5 g3 g3 g3B Baths Baths SANS SOUCI BOTANY B5 g3 BAY

g3 Carss Point Como GEORGES RIVER g3 Baths g3 g3 B5 B5 g3 Baths 8É 8É Dolls Point g3 8É g3 Baths 8É g3 B5 g3 Sandringham Baths COMO 8É

8É 8É 8É SYLVANIA

8É Port Hacking Rd 8É 8É y

00.51 WOOLOOWARE Taren Point Rd Kilometres 8É BAY 8É LEGEND B5 Sampling Site CARINGBAH Major road 8É

g3 Small stormwater drain 8É g3 Medium stormwater drain

g3 Large stormwater drain

s 4 Open stormwater8É drain 8É e 8É Harbourwatch 8É Creek 8É h3 8É 8É Designed structure sewage overflow 4 e hh33 h3 8É Undirected sewage overflow

@® Sewage treatment plant Park / reserve

Other land

252 State of the Beaches 2004–2005

Lower Georges River Location Combined Councils Committee, which includes the ‘Riverkeeper Program’. The Lower Georges River is the 10- Georges River Combined Councils Committee kilometre downstream reach of the 96- kilometre-long Georges River. Land use in The Georges River Combined Councils the Lower Georges River catchment is Committee consists of nine Councils mostly residential, with some industrial, working together to lobby for the protection commercial, recreational and bushland. of the River. The Committee manages the ‘Riverkeeper Program’, which has held a Hurstville, Kogarah, Rockdale and number of clean-ups removing litter from Sutherland Councils operate in this area. the foreshores for the Georges River. It Compliance with guidelines assists Councils and other stakeholders to rehabilitate the River to ensure a sustainable Compliance of Lower Georges River sites future. with the guidelines was varied during summer 2004–2005 (Table 21). Grant Funding Dolls Point Baths complied 100% of the time Hurstville Council, Kogarah Council and for both indicators, and a relatively high Rockdale City Council received funding level of compliance was also recorded at through the DEC Sustainability Grants Jew Fish and Sandringham baths. Program for the Sustainable Living in St Enterococci compliances of less than 80% George – Retrofitting for Residents were recorded at Como, Oatley Bay and program, involving environmental Carss Point Baths. assessments and retrofits for 63 households in the area. The range of indicator bacteria levels Rockdale Council measured at Botany Bay, Lower Georges River and Port Hacking swimming areas Street Sweeping: Council has continued its during summer 2004–2005 is shown in street sweeping program and monitors the Figure 28. Lower Georges River sites are waste collected by street sweepers. highlighted in grey. Levels of faecal Scott Park Wetland: The wetland officially coliforms and enterococci tended to be opened in March 2005 after construction similar to the range of values measured over the last 2 years on a disused soccer across the local estuaries. field at Dolls Point. The wetland treats Ranking of beaches water flowing into the lower Georges River. All monitored harbour and ocean beach School Education: Council visited local swimming locations in the Hunter, Sydney primary schools to conduct an and Illawarra regions were ranked on the environmental education lesson focusing on basis of their compliance with swimming stormwater management. Stage 1 and 5 guidelines during summer 2004–2005. A students participated in the program, and at total of 23 rankings were determined for the the end of the session were given a take- 126 sites, with many sites ranked equally. home exercise to encourage them to take the environmental messages home to their Dolls Point Baths was ranked equal first, families. while Jew Fish Bay Baths, Como and Sandringham baths were also in the top ten Council has also prepared a 'Schools rankings. Carss Point Baths was ranked Environmental Management Kit', which 14th and Oatley Bay Baths 17th (Table 21). includes posters, stickers, and a drain stencil. The Kit has been distributed to all Actions to improve water quality primary schools in the Rockdale area.

Actions specific to individual swimming Community Education: Educational signage Harbourwatch locations are included on the beach pages. has been designed for the Georges River Improvements in water quality are also Catchment. The signs consist of an aerial expected as a result of the Georges River The Harbourwatch Program 253

photo of the catchment, with arrows Sutherland Shire Council showing where stormwater flows. Residents are able to locate where they live Woronora Estuary Management Plan: Council on the signs and see where their drains has completed data collection and discharge into the waterways. interpretation of the first stage of the plan. Commencement of the second and final As part of Council’s educational program, stage of the plan is underway and involves tours have been held at local wetlands, led the preparation of an estuary processes by a local wetland specialist, and there was model and finalising of the Woronora a ‘Coastal Activities Day’ aimed at Estuary Management Plan. educating the whole family. Kogarah Council Lower Georges River Stormwater Action Project: In reviewing its progress in Water Quality Management Strategy: Kogarah implementing the Lower Georges River Council has developed a targeted ‘Water Stormwater Management Plan, Council Quality Management Strategy’ (WQMS) developed a new set of Council-wide based on the framework of risk assessment stormwater management actions and and management. The WQMS aims to be a integrated them into its Environment Plan key decision-making tool for council. A and consequently Management Plan. community-based water quality monitoring Implementation of these actions is ongoing. program has also been established, targeting areas that have been identified in Hurstville Council the water quality management strategy. The Plan of Management for Oatley Park: Council monitoring program involves the collection has prepared a Plan of Management for of water samples from a variety of locations Oatley Park that identifies and addresses within the local government area every key issues for Oatley Park and provides month. guidelines for the short- and long-term New Gross Pollutant Traps: The last management of this significant area of remaining untreated stormwater outlets remnant bushland. draining into Kogarah Bay at Mayor Street Stormwater Training and Internal Audit and Payten Street have been fitted with Program: Council’s staff developed this litter and sediment control devices. A program to improve awareness, knowledge combination of pit litter baskets, Permapave and skills of staff. The internal audit pavers and pit lintel skirts were installed in program ensures that standard operational February March 2005 to capture and filter environmental procedures are being gross pollutants and sediments. applied and that good practices are being A continuous deflective separator (CDS) implemented. unit was installed (November 2004) on the Stormwater Management: Council has western side of the Moore Reserve Wetland installed 13 GPTs, as well as around 500 stormwater drainage system. It is believed litter traps in pits around the Hurstville that this GPT will improve the health of CBD. It has also constructed the Riverwood Moore Reserve Wetland and Oatley Bay. and Lime Kiln Bay Wetlands. The Installation of litter and sediment control stormwater devices are regularly devices at Donnelly Reserve, Kyle Bay; and maintained and improve the stormwater

Harbourwatch at Connells Point Reserve, Connells Point quality entering the Georges River. and Shipwright Bay, Blakehurst, will Catchment Care at Hurstville: The Council improve the stormwater quality in the Bays continues to deliver a primary school and the Georges River. education program, which covers Stormwater Quality Device Management: stormwater pollution and catchment Around 113 tonnes of rubbish was collected management issues. A catchment model is last year from pits and small GPTs and also used to demonstrate stormwater disposed of by Kogarah Council. The larger pollution and how it affects our waterways. GPTs located in Poulton Park (South Hurstville), Moore Reserve (Hurstville

254 State of the Beaches 2004–2005

Grove), Empress Reserve (Hurstville South), Reserve and Grosvenor Reserve. These Donnelly Reserve (Connells Point) and signs explain how a GPT functions, how Grosvenor Reserve (Hurstville South) are many pollutants are removed, and what the cleaned on a regular maintenance cycle. impact is on receiving waters. This year, approximately 85 tonnes of At Sans Souci public schools, Council has rubbish was removed from our larger GPTs. implemented an interactive stormwater Community Education: Educational signage education project called Catchment has been installed in Moore Reserve, Crusaders that aims to minimise the Poulton Park, Empress Reserve, Donnelly generation of pollution and its impact.

Table 21: Compliance and Ranking of Lower Georges River Sites during Summer 2004–2005 Site Compliance (%) Overall ranking Faecal Coliforms Enterococci (out of 23) Jew Fish Bay Baths 100 94 3 Como Baths 100 78 10 Oatley Bay Baths 84 69 17 Carss Point Baths 97 69 14 Sandringham Baths 100 94 3 Dolls Point Baths 100 100 1

Harbourwatch

The Harbourwatch Program 255

Figure 28: Bacterial Levels at Lower Georges River, Botany Bay and Port Hacking Sites during Summer 2004–2005

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s s s s s s s s s s h y y y h s s s h h a th th th c a a c th c c th th th th th th th a th th a a a a a a a a a a a B a a a a e B B e a e e a s g B B B B B B B B B B t B t B B r n n B B B B y o y y s h r r y y y n m n te s a a o a s n a a i i e d g e e a a n m o a a r n Y m w o h o a r lv r B o B g te a o h g i B B B e b h y P g P s m c li a b Faecal coliform density (cfu/100 mL) C n n n h S l d i is e s i ls m S e s n o tta i e r J tl s r l o e r a e e e a o F a d o M l y r r C i P m a R m l y H w O n D n K o F il C a a G e to F n L J S h n ig u r G B

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s s s s s s s s s s h y y y h s s s h h a th th th th c a a c th c c th th th th th th a th th a a a a a a a a a a a B a a a a e B B e a e e a s g B B B B B B B B B r B

Enterococci density (cfu/100 mL) n B t B t B y s B r n B y y B B y o y m h s a r y s a a in in te e d g a o a a n m a a r e e a n o o o n a r Y m w v r B o B h g l B B b te a o h g i i B e h C y P g P s m c n l a b n n h S l d i is e s i ls m S e s n o tta i e r J tl s r l o e r a e e e a o F a d o M l y r r C i P m a R m l y H w O n D n K o F il C a a G e to F n L J S h n ig u r G B

Harbourwatch

256 State of the Beaches 2004–2005

Jew Fish Bay Baths See page 252 for key to map Description This is a 200-metre-long netted swimming enclosure with a narrow, sandy beach. The baths are situated within the 45-hectare Oatley Park. Oatley Park Pollution Sources Stormwater drains discharge directly to the beach

area. This site may also be affected by poor quality Scenic Dr water from the upper Georges River. g3 h3

B5 Jew Fish Bay Actions Hurstville Council has installed gross pollutant traps g3 Baths and rehabilitated a large wetland to remove pollutants g3 and enhance the water quality of Jew Fish Bay.

Compliance Faecal coliform and enterococci compliance with swimming guidelines has generally been high over the last 5 years, ranging from 81% to 100%.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 94 81 84 81 84 75 75 ■ winter season 50 50 ■ summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05

Response to Rainfall Bacterial densities increased with increasing rainfall. Faecal coliform levels occasionally exceeded the median guidelines after 5 mm of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. Elevated enterococci levels were frequently recorded after 10 mm of rain or more in the previous 24 hours.

100000 100000 Faecal Coliforms z Enterococci 10000 z 10000 z 1000 z 1000 z z 100 100 − − median guidelines 10 10 Bacterial count/100 mL 1 1 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 24-h rainfall (mm) 24-h rainfall (mm)

Season Data Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 100000 0  rainfall 10000 o individual result 50  rolling median 1000 − − rolling 80th percentile 100 100 Guidelines 150 10 (see page 7 for details) (mm) Daily Rainfall Bacterial count/100 mL  median guidelines 1 200 th − − 80 percentile May-04 Jul-04 Sep-04 Nov-04 Jan-05 Mar-05 May-05 May-04 Jul-04 Sep-04 Nov-04 Jan-05 Mar-05 May-05 Harbourwatch

The Harbourwatch Program 257

Como Baths See page 252 for key to map Description The enclosed tidal baths are approximately 25 metres

wide and include a narrow, sandy beach. The baths Georges River are situated adjacent to Como marina and back on to Como Bridge the Como Pleasure Gardens. B5 Como Baths Pool Pollution Sources Several stormwater drains discharge in the vicinity of Como the baths. Waters from the Woronora River may also Reserve g3 affect water quality. Septic tank seepage from several Scylla Bay g3 unsewered properties in Como may also be a source Reserve

of pollution. Cremona Rd 8É g3 Actions Sutherland Shire Council continues to implement the Woronora Estuary Management Plan.

Compliance With the exception of one season, faecal coliform levels complied 100% of the time over the past 5 years. Enterococci compliance has been more varied, with compliances of less than 85% recorded in three seasons (including summer 2004–2005).

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 81 81 78 75 75 58 ■ winter season 50 50 ■ summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05

Response to Rainfall Faecal coliform densities generally increased with increasing rainfall, occasionally exceeding the median guideline in response to 5 mm of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci densities often exceeding the median guideline in response to 5 mm of rain or more in the previous 24 hours.

10000 z 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci z

1000 z 1000 z z z 100 100 − − median guidelines 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 Harbourwatch  rolling median 1000 − − rolling 80th percentile 100 100 Guidelines 150 10 (see page 7 for details) (mm) Daily Rainfall Bacterial count/100 mL  median guidelines 1 200 th − − 80 percentile May-04 Jul-04 Sep-04 Nov-04 Jan-05 Mar-05 May-05 May-04 Jul-04 Sep-04 Nov-04 Jan-05 Mar-05 May-05

258 State of the Beaches 2004–2005

Oatley Bay Baths See page 252 for key to map

Description This netted swimming enclosure is approximately 50 Oatley Pleasure metres long and backs on to a small beach. A Grounds recreational reserve and picnic area border the beach. B5 g3 Oatley Bay

Pollution Sources A stormwater drain discharges alongside the Annette St Baths swimming enclosure. Sewer overflows discharge into

Oatley Bay during wet weather. Queens Rd

Actions Kogarah Council is committed to the Oatley Pleasure Grounds Creek Restoration and Moore Reserve Oatley Point Wetlands Projects to improve water quality in Oatley Reserve Bay through litter and sediment reduction.

Compliance Faecal coliform levels complied with swimming Georges River guidelines between 81% and 100% of the time over the last 5 years. Compliance with the enterococci criteria has ranged from 48% to 100% of the time.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 95 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 90 100 90 90 86 81 84 75 75 69 ■ winter season 48 50 50 ■ summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05

Response to Rainfall Bacterial densities increased with increasing rainfall. Faecal coliform levels often exceeded the median guideline limit after 10 mm of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. Elevated enterococci densities have frequently been recorded when 5 mm of rain or more has fallen in the previous 24 hours. These trends are also apparent in the Season Data plots below.

1000000 z 1000000 Faecal Coliforms z Enterococci 100000 z 100000 z 10000 10000 z z 1000 z 1000 − − median guidelines 100 100 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 Harbourwatch Program 259

Carss Point Baths See page 252 for key to map Description This is a 100-metre by 60-metre netted swimming enclosure that backs on to a narrow beach. g3

Pollution Sources Stormwater drains discharge in the vicinity of the swimming enclosure, bringing litter from two major Carrs Bush Park roadways: the Princes Highway and King Georges Road. Sewer overflows can discharge into Kogarah B5

Bay during wet weather. g3 Carss Point Baths Actions Kogarah Council maintains gross pollutant traps at

Beach St Carss Park canal, and has developed the Kogarah g3 Bay Estuary Management Plan, in partnership with Princes Hwy other stakeholders, to sustainably manage Kogarah Bay into the future.

Compliance Faecal coliform compliance with swimming guidelines has generally been high over the last 5 years, ranging from 81% to 100%. Compliance with the enterococci criteria has ranged from 58% to 100% of the time.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100 100 100 100 100 100 97 100 100 95 100 100 100 84 87 86 84 81 77 75 75 69 58 ■ winter season 50 50 ■ summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05

Response to Rainfall Faecal coliform densities often exceeded the median guideline limit in response to 5 mm of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. Elevated enterococci levels were frequently recorded after 5 mm of rain or more in the previous 24 hours.

10000 z 10000 z Faecal Coliforms Enterococci z 1000 z 1000 z z 100 100 − − median guidelines 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 th Harbourwatch − − rolling 80 percentile 100 100 Guidelines 150 10 (see page 7 for details) (mm) Daily Rainfall Bacterial count/100 mL  median guidelines 1 200 th − − 80 percentile May-04 Jul-04 Sep-04 Nov-04 Jan-05 Mar-05 May-05 May-04 Jul-04 Sep-04 Nov-04 Jan-05 Mar-05 May-05

260 State of the Beaches 2004–2005

Sandringham Baths See page 252 for key to map Description This is a 30-metre by 40-metre netted swimming g3 enclosure that is backed by a narrow beach and a g3

promenade. g3

Pollution Sources A stormwater drain discharges alongside the Ida St swimming enclosure.

Actions Rockdale City Council has constructed the Scotts Park Wetland, which treats water discharging in close B5 Sandringham vicinity of the baths. Baths Clareville Ave

g3 Compliance Faecal coliform and enterococci levels complied with swimming guidelines 86% of the time or more over the last 5 years.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 94 97 94 100 86 100 86

75 75 ■ winter season 50 50 ■ summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05

Response to Rainfall Elevated faecal coliform levels were recorded after 20 mm of rain or more. Enterococci densities generally increased with increasing rainfall, often exceeding the median guideline in response 10 mm of rain or more in the previous 24 hours.

10000 z 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci z z 1000 1000 z z 100 100 − − median guidelines 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 Harbourwatch Program 261

Dolls Point Baths See page 252 for key to map Description This is a 50-metre by 30-metre netted swimming

enclosure with a narrow sandy beach. A large Sandringham St recreational area backs the swimming area.

Pollution Sources An open stormwater channel and stormwater drains Russell Ave discharge to the beach in the vicinity of the swimming enclosure. Peter Depena Reserve g3

Actions Rockdale City Council has installed a specialised g3 B5 g3 Wharf Dolls Point gross pollution trap called a Bandalong boom in g3 Waradiel Creek at Peter Depena Reserve, which is Baths located near the baths.

Compliance Faecal coliform and enterococci levels complied with swimming guidelines 86% of the time or more over B5 the last 5 years.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100100 100 100100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 86 100 90 86

75 75 ■ winter season 50 50 ■ summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05

Response to Rainfall Bacterial densities increased with increasing rainfall. Faecal coliforms exceeded the median guidelines after 20 mm of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. Elevated enterococci levels were occasionally recorded after 10 mm of rain or more in the previous 24 hours and always after 20 mm of rain or more.

10000 z 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000 z z z 100 100 z − − median guidelines 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

Harbourwatch 100 Guidelines 150 10 (see page 7 for details) (mm) Daily Rainfall Bacterial count/100 mL  median guidelines 1 200 th − − 80 percentile May-04 Jul-04 Sep-04 Nov-04 Jan-05 Mar-05 May-05 May-04 Jul-04 Sep-04 Nov-04 Jan-05 Mar-05 May-05

262 State of the Beaches 2004–2005

Sydney Metropolitan Area Harbour Swimming Sites

Botany Bay Harbourwatch

The Harbourwatch Program 263

Botany Bay Sites: Ramsgate Baths, Monterey Baths, Brighton-Le-Sands Baths, Kyeemagh Baths, Foreshores Beach, Yarra Bay, Frenchmans Bay, Congwong Bay and Silver Beach

LEGEND B5 Sampling Site

Major road MARRICKVILLE g3 Small stormwater drain

g3 Medium stormwater drain

g3 Princes Hwy Large stormwater drain

s Open stormwater drain

Creek MASCOT 8É Designed structure sewage overflow

8É Undirected sewage overflow

@® Sewage treatment plant 8É Park / reserve 8É 8É Other land COOKS R 8É

Dr Anzac Pde g3 g3 g3 BOTANY 3 g3 HolmesgB5 8É g3 g3 g3 Kyeemagh Baths g3 Foreshore Rd g3 General h3 BRIGHTON− h3B5 LE−SANDS g3 Foreshores ® g3 @ B5 Brighton−Le−Sands Beach g3 Baths MATRAVILLE g3

B5 Monterey Baths h3 Yarra B5 Bay 8É g3

g3 h3 The Grand Parade Frenchmans B5 g3B5 Ramsgate BOTANY Bay h3 h3 g3 Congwong g3 Baths BAY B5 Bay

g3 g3 g3 g

GEORGES Harbourwatch RIVER Silver Beach

3 g3 g3 g3 B5g3 g3 g

QUIBRAY BAY KURNELL y

Cook Dr 00.51 Kilometres Captain

264 State of the Beaches 2004–2005

Botany Bay Location Stormwater management plans Botany Bay is a wide, shallow bay. Cooks Local councils have developed Stormwater River and Georges River flow into the bay. Management Plans for Mill Pond Creek, Land use in the Botany Bay catchment Lower Georges River and Cooks River. includes residential, industrial, commercial, These plans contain many structural and recreational and bushland (including non-structural actions that will be national parks and nature reserves). implemented over the next 5 years to improve water quality in these waterways Botany Bay, Randwick, Rockdale and and in Botany Bay. Sutherland Councils operate in this area. Cooks River Ecology Grant Compliance with guidelines Rockdale, Kogarah, Canterbury and Compliance of Botany Bay sites with the Marrickville Councils received a grant from swimming guidelines was varied during the Cooks River Foreshore Improvement summer 2004–2005 (Table 22). Program to undertake an ecological study in Congwong Bay was the only site to achieve relation to water quality, of the Cooks River. 100% compliance for both indicators, though The project’s objective is to establish a cost- high levels of compliance were also effective ecological monitoring program that recorded at Monterey Baths and Silver will develop information and guidelines for Beach. The lowest levels of compliance the management of tidal vegetation and were recorded at Brighton-Le-Sands Baths inform future capital works projects along and, despite improvement from last year, the riverbanks. Yarra Bay. Rockdale Council The range of indicator bacteria levels Gross Pollutant Traps: Council has installed measured at Botany Bay, Lower Georges 20 small gully pit traps in the Bardwell River and Port Hacking swimming areas Creek Catchment Area. These devices during summer 2004–2005 is shown in prevent gross pollutants from eventually Figure 29. Botany Bay sites are highlighted washing up on the beaches at the northern in grey. Bacterial levels at most sites were end of Botany Bay. A further trash rack and within the same range measured across local four large mesh screens along the estuaries. Scarborough Ponds Outlet Pipeline have been installed to improve water quality, Ranking of beaches ventilation and solar access to promote fish All monitored harbour and ocean beach access along the pipelines between the swimming locations in the Hunter, Sydney ponds and Botany Bay. and Illawarra regions were ranked on the Clean Beach Challenge: Rockdale City Council basis of their compliance with swimming received highly commended awards for guidelines during summer 2004–2005. A Lady Robinsons Beach in two categories at total of 23 rankings were determined for the the NSW final of the Keep Australia 126 sites, with many sites ranked equally. Beautiful Clean Beach Challenge Awards. The ranking for the Botany Bay swimming Lady Robinsons Beach Project: Rockdale City sites varied highly, with one site ranked Council, the New South Wales Government equal 1st and the remaining eight sites and the Sydney Airport Corporation ranked between equal 4th and 17th. Limited jointly funded the restoration of the Actions to improve quality section of Lady Robinsons Beach from Ramsgate to Brighton-Le-Sands across the Actions specific to individual swimming foreshore at Monterey. locations are included on the beach pages. Harbourwatch Improvements in water quality will also be Lady Robinsons Beach received achieved through stormwater management commendations for the Local Government plans. Leadership Award and the Beach Spirit The Harbourwatch Program 265

Award for the planning, developing and Community Liaison Committee, which is maintenance of the beach in an excellent monitoring the required cleanup and condition for residents and visitors. The provides a forum for owners and residents Local Government Leadership to be aware of the issues involved and the Award recognised Council's ability to work proposals for remediation. with a number of stakeholders for the best Other activities: Council was involved in interests of the beach. Examples of this are ‘Clean Up Australia Day’ at Foreshores the construction of the groynes to help Beach and Sir Joseph Banks Park. Council prevent the depletion of sand, and the also participated in the DEC Household coastal dune restoration along the foreshore. Chemical Collection Day to reduce the risk Part of the project is to re-plant seagrasses to of chemicals ending up in our waterways, anchor some of the sand. A second being dumped in public areas or stored maintenance process will be involved, inappropriately. including more dredging and restoration in Randwick City Council about 5 to 10 years’ time to replenish the beach back to useable form. Soil and water management: Randwick City Council continues to implement the City of Botany Bay Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Stormwater re-use: As the predominant Councils (SSROC) soil and water subsurface material in Botany is sand, which management program. This program aims forms an aquifer that drains to Botany Bay, to prevent degradation of waterways and Council has developed guidelines for the stormwater systems by minimising the loss design of stormwater drainage systems. The of soil and other building materials from guidelines require stormwater re-use for building and construction sites. non-potable purposes for developments Summer Activities Program: Council has wherever possible. Stormwater overflows conducted Summer Activities aimed at from such systems can be directed to increasing the understanding and Council’s stormwater system, subject to the appreciation of marine and coastal water provision of stormwater pollution quality and conservation issues by residents. prevention devices to remove litter and This program is resident-funded by the 5- sediment. year environmental levy. Watertight program: Council Officers EcoLiving Fair: Randwick's first EcoLiving attended and assisted in the implementation Fair was held on World Environment Day of the Department of Education’s Watertight and provided residents with practical Program at Banksmeadow Public School. sustainability workshops and The children were shown a drainage and demonstrations around the home and stormwater map of the local area depicting garden, such as keeping chemicals and the school and how the drains connected via cleaning agents out of the drainage system. pipes that lead to Botany Bay and the Sir The fair also included environmental theatre Joseph Banks Park reserve ponds. for children and adults, reinforcing A field trip to Sir Joseph Banks Park was messages on reducing litter. also conducted to view the health of the Rainwater tank policy: A policy applies to all ponds by identifying several indicator new developments in the council area. It Harbourwatch species. contributes to the efficient use of Orica (Former ICI Site) Botany Groundwater stormwater, which can be used within Project Community Liaison Committee: Botany premises for flushing of toilets and in Council facilitates and participates in the laundries, as well as externally. Orica Botany Groundwater Project

266 State of the Beaches 2004–2005

Table 22: Compliance and Ranking of Botany Bay Sites during Summer 2004–2005 Site Compliance (%) Overall ranking Faecal Coliforms Enterococci (out of 23) Ramsgate Baths 100 81 9 Monterey Baths 100 91 4 Brighton-le-Sands Baths 84 69 17 Kyeemagh Baths 84 84 12 Foreshores Beach 94 81 11 Yarra Bay 100 63 15 Frenchmans Bay 100 78 10 Congwong Bay 100 100 1 Silver Beach 100 91 4

Figure 29: Bacterial Levels at Lower Georges River, Botany Bay and Port Hacking Sites during Summer 2004–2005

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s s s s s s s s s s h y y y h s s s h h a th th th c a a c th c c th th th th th th th a th th a a a a a a a a a a a B a a a a e B B e a e e a s g B B B B B B B B B r B

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The Harbourwatch Program 267

Ramsgate Baths See page 264 for key to map Description The baths are a 50-metre-square swimming enclosure

situated at the southern end of Lady Robinsons g3 Beach. A boardwalk and a small recreational reserve Botany Bay back the swimming enclosure.

Pollution Sources Stormwater drains discharge to the beach in the vicinity of the swimming enclosure. Outflow from the Ramsgate Rd B5 Ramsgate Georges River and Cooks River may also affect the g3 Baths water quality of the swimming area. g3 Actions The Lady Robinsons Beach Restoration Project has commenced and is aimed at preventing further sand g3 The Grand Parade erosion, restoring foreshore areas and stabilising the beach area for recreational use.

Compliance Faecal coliform levels complied with swimming guidelines between 86% and 100% of the time over the last 5 years. Enterococci compliance has ranged from 77% to 100% in the past 5 years.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 91 100 87 86 100 86 77 78 75 75 ■ winter season 50 50 ■ summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05

Response to Rainfall Bacterial densities increased with increasing rainfall. Faecal coliform levels occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit after 5 mm of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci levels occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit after little rainfall and frequently exceeded the guidelines after 10 mm of rain or more in the previous 24 hours.

10000 z 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci z 1000 1000 z z 100 100 z − − median guidelines 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

Harbourwatch 10000 o individual result 50  rolling median 1000 − − rolling 80th percentile 100 100 Guidelines 150 10 (see page 7 for details) (mm) Daily Rainfall Bacterial count/100 mL  median guidelines 1 200 th − − 80 percentile May-04 Jul-04 Sep-04 Nov-04 Jan-05 Mar-05 May-05 May-04 Jul-04 Sep-04 Nov-04 Jan-05 Mar-05 May-05

268 State of the Beaches 2004–2005

Monterey Baths See page 264 for key to map Description This swimming area is situated towards the southern end of Lady Robinsons Beach. The baths are not netted and are backed by a sandy beach and a small recreational reserve.

Barton St Pollution Sources Stormwater drains discharge to the bay in the vicinity of the swimming enclosure. Outflows from the B5 Monterey Georges River and Cooks River can affect the water Baths quality of the swimming area.

Actions The Lady Robinsons Beach Restoration Project has The Grand Parade commenced and is aimed at preventing further sand Botany Bay erosion, restoring foreshore areas and stabilising the Hollywood St beach area for recreational use.

Compliance Faecal coliform levels complied with swimming guidelines 100% of the time in all but one season over the last 5 years. Enterococci compliance has also been high, ranging from 81% to 100% of the time.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 94 86 86 81 75 75 ■ winter season 50 50 ■ summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05

Response to Rainfall Elevated faecal coliform levels were occasionally recorded after 10 mm of rain in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci levels occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit after 5 mm of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. The response to rainfall is reflected in the Season Data plots below.

100000 100000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci z z 10000 10000 z z 1000 1000 z z 100 100 z − − median guidelines 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 Harbourwatch Program 269

Brighton-le-Sands Baths See page 264 for key to map Description This 60-metre by 50-metre netted swimming enclosure is situated towards the centre of Lady Bay St Robinsons Beach. The southern edge of the g3 swimming enclosure is a pier. Duke St g3 Brighton- le-Sands Pollution Sources Stormwater drains discharge to the beach in the Baths B5 vicinity of the swimming enclosure. Outflow from the Cooks River can also affect the water quality of the g3

swimming area. The Grand Parade

Actions The Lady Robinsons Beach Restoration Project has commenced and is aimed at preventing further sand g3 erosion, restoring foreshore areas and stabilising the President Av beach area for recreational use.

Compliance Faecal coliform levels complied with swimming guidelines 84% of the time or more over the last 5 years. Compliance with the enterococci criteria has been more variable, ranging from 69% to 100% of the time.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 90 100 86 84 87 87 86

75 75 69 ■ winter season 50 50 ■ summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05

Response to Rainfall Faecal coliform densities often exceeded the median guideline limits in response to 10 mm of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci levels frequently exceeded the median guideline limit after 10 mm of rain or more in the previous 24 hours These trends are also apparent in the Season Data plots below. 1000000 1000000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 100000 z 100000 z 10000 10000 z 1000 1000 z − − median guidelines 100 z 100 z z 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

Harbourwatch  rolling median 1000 − − rolling 80th percentile 100 100 Guidelines 150 10 (see page 7 for details) (mm) Daily Rainfall Bacterial count/100 mL  median guidelines 1 200 th − − 80 percentile May-04 Jul-04 Sep-04 Nov-04 Jan-05 Mar-05 May-05 May-04 Jul-04 Sep-04 Nov-04 Jan-05 Mar-05 May-05

270 State of the Beaches 2004–2005

Kyeemagh Baths See page 264 for key to map Description This 50-metre by 70-metre netted swimming Cooks River

enclosure is situated at the northern end of Lady Tancred Ave Robinsons Beach. The baths have a narrow, sandy beach and are backed by a recreational reserve.

Pollution Sources Stormwater drains discharge in the immediate vicinity General Holmes Dr of the swimming enclosure. Outflow from the Cooks g3 Cook B5 River may also affect water quality. Park Kyeemagh Baths Actions Rockdale City Council have installed 20 small gully pit g3 traps in the Bardwell Creek Catchment Area to prevent gross pollutants from eventually washing up g3 on Kyeemagh Beaches. Council have also erected Botany Bay educational signs illustrating the Bardwell Valley Catchment and stormwater flows and discharge points.

Compliance Faecal coliform compliance with swimming guidelines has varied over the last 5 years, ranging from 81% to 100%. Enterococci compliance has also varied over the last 5 years, ranging from 74% to 100%.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 95 94 95 97 100 90 87 100 90 81 84 81 84 74 75 75 ■ winter season 50 50 ■ summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05

Response to Rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci levels frequently exceeded the median guideline limits in response to 10 mm of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. The response to rainfall is also apparent in the Season Data plots below.

1000000 1000000 Faecal Coliforms z Enterococci 100000 100000 z 10000 z 10000 z z z 1000 1000 z − − median guidelines 100 100 z 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 Harbourwatch Program 271

Foreshores Beach See page 264 for key to map Description This narrow beach, approximately 2.2 kilometres long, is opposite Sydney Airport’s third runway. The Botany Rd swimming area is not netted. Sir Joseph Banks Park Foreshore Rd Pollution Sources Stormwater drains discharge along the length of the beach. Sewage overflows discharge into Mill Pond h3 Diversion Channel at the western end of the beach, h3 and industrial and urban runoff discharge into Foreshores B5 Penrhyn estuary at the eastern end of the beach. Beach Actions City of Botany Bay Council has been involved with numerous environmental education programs and has also developed guidelines for the design of stormwater drainage systems to improve water quality.

Compliance Faecal coliform compliance has ranged from 55% to 100% of the time. Enterococci compliance has also been varied. Winter compliances have mostly been higher than summer compliances for both indicators.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 90 94 100 94 81 77 81 76 75 75 67 55 59 58 59 ■ winter season 50 50 ■ summer season 32

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05

Response to Rainfall Faecal coliform densities often exceeded the median guideline limit in response to rainfall of 5 mm or more in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci levels occasionally exceeded the median guideline after little or no rainfall and frequently exceeded the guidelines after 5 mm of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. The response to rainfall is reflected in the Season Data plots below.

1000000 1000000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 100000 100000

10000 10000

1000 1000 − − median guidelines 100 100 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 Harbourwatch  rainfall 10000 o individual result 50  rolling median 1000 − − rolling 80th percentile 100 100 Guidelines 150 10 (see page 7 for details) (mm) Daily Rainfall Bacterial count/100 mL  median guidelines 1 200 th − − 80 percentile May-04 Jul-04 Sep-04 Nov-04 Jan-05 Mar-05 May-05 May-04 Jul-04 Sep-04 Nov-04 Jan-05 Mar-05 May-05

272 State of the Beaches 2004–2005

Yarra Bay See page 264 for key to map Description This is a narrow beach, approximately 750 metres long, with a rock groyne 100 metres from the southern

Wales Dr end. The swimming area is not netted. The southern of

half of the beach is bordered by Yarra Bay Prince Bicentennial Park and Yarra Bay Sailing Club. Yarra Bay h3 Bicentennial Park

Pollution Sources A stormwater drain discharges at the centre of the Yarra Bay B5 Kooringai Av beach during both wet and dry weather. Leachate

from Botany Cemetery and market gardens can Groyne contaminate stormwater discharging to the beach.

Actions Randwick City Council regularly undertakes street sweeping and beach cleaning.

Compliance With the exception of the 2003–2004 season, faecal coliform levels have complied 90% of the time or more over the past 5 years. Compliance with the enterococci criteria has been far more variable, ranging from 52% to 100% of the time.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 94 100 90 100 9087 90 76 81 69 75 75 66 63 ■ winter season 52 50 50 ■ summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05

Response to Rainfall Bacterial densities increased with increasing rainfall. Faecal coliform levels frequently exceeded the median guideline limit after 10 mm of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci levels occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit after little or no rainfall and often exceeded the guidelines after 5 mm of rain or more in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100 − − median guidelines 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 Harbourwatch Program 273

Frenchmans Bay See page 264 for key to map Description This narrow beach is approximately 500 metres long, with a rock wall towards the northern end. The swimming area is not netted. A small recreational reserve is situated behind the beach at the southern h3 end. FrenchmansB5 Pollution Sources Stormwater drains discharge to the beach. Bay

Anzac Pde h3 Actions Randwick City Council regularly undertakes street sweeping and beach cleaning. h3 Botany Bay Compliance Faecal coliform levels complied with swimming National Park guidelines 90% of the time or more over the last 5 years. Compliance with the enterococci criteria has been more variable, ranging from 76% to 100% of the time.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 94 9795 97 94 100 90 90 100 87 86 7876 78 75 75 ■ winter season 50 50 ■ summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05

Response to Rainfall Faecal coliform densities sometimes exceeded the median guideline limit in response to 5 mm of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci densities regularly exceeding the median guideline limit in response to 5 mm of rain or more in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100 − − median guidelines 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

274 State of the Beaches 2004–2005

Congwong Bay See page 264 for key to map Description This narrow beach is approximately 150 metres long. h3 The swimming area is not netted, and the beach is h3 Botany Bay bordered by Botany Bay National Park. National Park

Pollution Sources A stormwater drain discharges to the beach. B5 Congwong Swimming water quality may also be affected by Bay outflows of poor quality waters from Mill Pond, Cooks Bare River and Georges River during wet weather. Island

Actions Randwick City Council regularly undertakes street sweeping and beach cleaning.

Compliance Faecal coliform levels complied with swimming guidelines 100% of the time over the last 5 years. With the exception of winter 2004, enterococci levels also complied 100% of the time over the past 5 years.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

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

75 75 ■ winter season 50 50 ■ summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05

Response to Rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci densities regularly exceeded the median guideline limit in response to 20 mm of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. This trend is also apparent in the Season Data plots below.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100 − − median guidelines 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 Harbourwatch Program 275

Silver Beach See page 264 for key to map

Description This narrow, sandy beach is approximately Botany Bay 2.8 kilometres long and divided by a number of rock walls. A 150-metre by 100-metre swimming enclosure is situated towards the centre of the beach. Silver Beach Groynes Pollution Sources Stormwater drains discharge to the beach Baths

B5 g3 immediately behind the swimming enclosure and also g3 g3 g3 g3 g3 in the vicinity of the enclosure. Prince Charles Pde

Actions Sutherland Shire Council will conduct an investigation of beach and coastal processes for the Silver Beach area.

Compliance With the exception of the 2004 winter season, faecal Captain Cook Dr coliform levels complied 100% with the swimming guidelines over the past 5 years. Enterococci levels have complied more than 85% of the time over the last 5 years.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 91 100 90 100 86 87 90

75 75 ■ winter season 50 50 ■ summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05

Response to Rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci densities occasionally exceeded their median guideline limits in response to 20 mm of rain or more in the previous 24 hours.

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

Season Data Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 100000 0  rainfall 10000 o individual result 50  rolling median 1000 − − rolling 80th percentile 100 100

Harbourwatch Guidelines 150 10 (see page 7 for details) (mm) Daily Rainfall Bacterial count/100 mL  median guidelines 1 200 th − − 80 percentile May-04 Jul-04 Sep-04 Nov-04 Jan-05 Mar-05 May-05 May-04 Jul-04 Sep-04 Nov-04 Jan-05 Mar-05 May-05

276 State of the Beaches 2004–2005

Sydney Metropolitan Area Harbour Swimming Sites

Port Hacking Harbourwatch

The Harbourwatch Program 277

Port Hacking Sites: Gunnamatta Bay Baths, Gymea Bay Baths, Lilli Pilli Bay Baths, Horderns Beach and Jibbon Beach

MIRANDA 8É

8É

Gymea CARINGBAH Kingsway Bay Baths 5 B 8É 8É BATE GYMEA BAY BAY 8É h3 8É

B5hh33 h3 YOWIE BAY Gunnamatta Port Hacking Rd Bay Baths

CRONULLA

Lilli PilliB5

Baths BURRANEER BAY

GUNNAMATTA BAY

PORT HACKING Jibbon ARM Beach Horderns B5 Beach WEST MAIANBAR B5 SOUTH BUNDEENA

LEGEND B5 Sampling Site

Major road ROYAL NATIONAL PARK

g3 Small stormwater drain

g3 Medium stormwater drain

g3 Large stormwater drain TASMAN SEA s Open stormwater drain Harbourwatch Creek

8É Designed structure sewage overflow

8É Undirected sewage overflow

@® Sewage treatment plant Park / reserve 00.51 Kilometres Other land y

278 State of the Beaches 2004–2005

Port Hacking Port Hacking Catchment management plan and Stormwater Trust grants. Port Hacking is the downstream reach of the Hacking River Stormwater Management Plan Hacking River, which flows into Bate Bay. Land use in the Port Hacking catchment is Sutherland and Wollongong councils have mainly residential on the northern shore, developed a Stormwater Management Plan with The Royal National Park on the for the Hacking River catchment. The plan southern shore. identified a number of short- and long-term stormwater management strategies, and was Sutherland Shire Council operates in this reviewed by council. Initiatives arising from area. The National Parks and Wildlife the plan include the establishment of a Service is also responsible for a large area of steering committee to assist in the integrated the catchment. management of stormwater in the Compliance with guidelines catchment; a program of works at ‘hot spots’; conducting and assessing the benefit Compliance with bacterial guidelines was of community education campaigns; an generally good in Port Hacking during audit of industrial and commercial summer 2004–2005 (Table 23). premises; and the production of a step-by- Four of the 5 sites complied with the faecal step brochure describing development coliform and enterococci criteria 100% of the application requirements in relation to time. Gymea Bay Baths complied with the stormwater management. faecal coliform criteria 88% of the time and Sutherland Council with the enterococci criteria 59% of the time. Estuary Management Plans (EMP): Sutherland The range of indicator bacteria levels Shire Council has established plans for the measured at Botany Bay, Lower Georges Gunnamatta and Gymea Bay estuaries. River and Port Hacking swimming areas These plans have made recommendations during summer 2004–2005 is shown in regarding specific actions to protect water Figure 30. Port Hacking sites are highlighted quality in those bays. in grey. Levels of faecal coliforms and enterococci were within the range of values New SQIDs: Council has also installed a new measured in other local estuaries. gully pit pollutant filter at Maianbar, a GPT at Tonkin Reserve, Gunnamatta Bay, and Ranking of beaches Kareena Park, Yowie Bay, and a trash rack at All monitored harbour and ocean beach Gymea Bay. swimming locations in the Hunter, Sydney Monitoring: Additional weekly water and Illawarra regions were ranked on the sampling is carried out by Council at basis of their compliance with swimming popular swimming spots at Swallow Rock at guidelines during summer 2004–2005. A Grays Point and Darook Park at total of 23 rankings were determined for 126 Gunnamatta Bay. sites, with many sites ranked equally. Port Hacking Riverkeeper Program: Council The ranking for Port Hacking swimming and the NSW Maritime Authority are areas ranged from equal 1st for Gunnamatta responsible for the implementation of the Bay Baths, Lilli Pilli Bay Baths, Hordens environmental management plans Beach and Jibbon Beach to 20th for Gymea applicable to Port Hacking. The program Bay Baths. provides enforcement of regulations, Actions to improve water quality development of policy and coordination of programs to rehabilitate the waterways and Actions specific to individual swimming foreshores to benefit its natural, commercial sites are included on the beach pages. and recreational values. Harbourwatch Improvements in water quality are also expected as a result of a stormwater

The Harbourwatch Program 279

Table 23: Compliance and Ranking of Port Hacking Sites during Summer 2004–2005 Site Compliance (%) Overall ranking Faecal Coliforms Enterococci (out of 20) Gunnamatta Bay Baths 100 100 1 Lilli Pilli Bay Baths 100 100 1 Gymea Bay Baths 88 59 20 Horderns Beach 100 100 1 Jibbon Beach 100 100 1

Figure 30: Bacterial Levels at Lower Georges River, Botany Bay and Port Hacking Sites during Summer 2004–2005

10000

1000

100

s s s s s s s s s s h y y y h s s s h h a th th th c a a c th c c th th th th th th th a th th a a a a a a a a a a a B a a a a e B B e a e e a s g B B B B B B B B B r B t B t B B r n n B y B B B y o y y s h a r y y n m n te d s a o a s n a a i i e g e e a a n m o a a r n Y m w o h o a r lv r B o B g te a o h g i B B B e b h y P g P s m c li a b Faecal coliform density (cfu/100 mL) C n n n h S l d i is e s i ls m S e s n o tta i e r J tl s r l o e r a e e e a o F a d o M l y r r C i P m a R m l y H w O n D n K o F il C a a G e to F n L J S h n ig u r G B

10000

1000

100

s s s s s s s s s s h y y y h s s s h h a th th th c a a c th c c th th th th th th th a th th a a a a a a a a a a a B a a a a e B B e a e e a s g B B B B B B B B B r B

280 State of the Beaches 2004–2005

Gunnamatta Bay Baths See page 278 for key to map Description This is a 50-metre by 30-metre enclosed tidal Excelsior Rd 8É swimming area with a narrow sandy beach. The beach is adjacent to a large reserve and picnic area. h3

Pollution Sources Stormwater drains and sewer overflows discharge to the bay during wet weather, and blocked or damaged sewer mains cause sewage leaks in dry weather.

h3 h3 Actions Sutherland Shire Council has implemented a program Gunnamatta Bay B5 Baths examining the sources of water pollution in h3 Gunnamatta Bay. Council also maintains a gross

pollutant trap at Tonkin Park, adjacent to the baths. Nicholson Pde

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 94 91 100 100 86 81 82 75 75 65 57 ■ winter season 50 50 ■ summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05

Response to Rainfall Bacterial densities increased with increasing rainfall. Faecal coliforms frequently exceeded the median guideline limit after 20 mm of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci levels occasionally exceeded the median guideline after little rainfall and often exceeded the guidelines after 10 mm of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. The response to rainfall is reflected in the Season Data plots below.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100 − − median guidelines 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 Harbourwatch Program 281

Lilli Pilli Bay Baths See page 278 for key to map Description This is a 50-metre by 30-metre tidal swimming area on the western side of Lilli Pilli Point. The pool is netted and is backed by a narrow strip of recreation reserve.

Pollution Sources Stormwater discharges from residential areas into Lilli Pilli Bay, and nearby water bodies are a potential Lilli Pilli B5 Swan St source of pollution. Baths Lilli Pilli Point Rd

Actions Sutherland Shire Council regularly maintain the baths.

Lilli Pilli Compliance Faecal coliform levels complied with swimming Point guidelines 100% of the time in all but two seasons Port Hacking over the last 5 years. Enterococci compliance has ranged from 81% to 100%, with 100% recorded during the last three seasons.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 95 100 100 100100 100 100 90 86 100 90 84 81 75 75 ■ winter season 50 50 ■ summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05

Response to Rainfall Faecal coliform densities occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit in response to 20 mm of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. Elevated enterococci levels were frequently recorded after 10 mm of rain or more.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100 − − median guidelines 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

282 State of the Beaches 2004–2005

Gymea Bay Baths See page 278 for key to map Description This is a 50-metre by 30-metre enclosed tidal swimming area with a narrow, sandy beach. Two Bunarba Rd small recreation reserves lead to the beach. Coonong Creek flows to Gymea Bay behind the beach.

B5 Gymea Pollution Sources Stormwater discharge from the surrounding Bay residential area and possible sewer overflows from Bath Baths blocked sewer mains. Res.

Actions Sutherland Shire Council has installed a trash rack in Alcheringa Creek, rehabilitated bushland and removed sediment from the baths as part of the Gymea Bay Estuary Management Plan. Ellesmere Rd Compliance Faecal coliform compliance with swimming guidelines has generally been high over the last 5 years, ranging from 84% to 100%. Compliance with the enterococci criteria has been far more variable, ranging from 45% to 100% of the time.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100 100 100 100 100 95 95 100 100 100 100 86 88 100 84 84 84 81 75 75 75 59 ■ winter season 45 50 50 ■ summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05

Response to Rainfall Bacterial densities increased with increasing rainfall. Faecal coliforms often exceeded the median guidelines after 10 mm of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci levels sometimes exceeded the median guideline after little or no rainfall and generally exceeded the guidelines after 10 mm of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. The response to rainfall is reflected in the Season Data plots below.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100 − − median guidelines 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 Harbourwatch Program 283

Horderns Beach See page 278 for key to map Description This is a 700-metre-long, narrow, sandy beach in Bundeena Bay on the southern side of Port Hacking. The Cronulla–Bundeena wharf and a recreation reserve border the beach on the eastern end. The beach is backed by Bundeena township. A small creek flows to the bay at the eastern end of the beach.

Pollution Sources There is potential septic tank seepage from the Wharf Horderns Bundeena 213 properties in Bundeena and Maianbar not yet Reserve Beach connected to Sydney Water’s sewerage system. B5 Stormwater discharge into Bundeena Bay is also a Bundeena Dr potential source of pollution.

Brighton St Actions Sutherland Shire Council maintains two Net Tech® stormwater devices in the immediate area.

Compliance Faecal coliform levels complied with swimming guidelines 100% of the time in all but two seasons over the last 5 years. Compliance with the enterococci criteria has been more variable, ranging from 76% to 100% of the time.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 94 100 90 100 87 84 81 76 76 75 75 ■ winter season 50 50 ■ summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05

Response to Rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci densities routinely exceeded the median guideline limit in response to 20 mm of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci levels occasionally exceeded the median guideline after 10 mm of rainfall or more in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100 − − median guidelines 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

284 State of the Beaches 2004–2005

Jibbon Beach See page 278 for key to map Description This is a 700-metre-long sandy beach located inside the southern entrance to Port Hacking. The beach is backed by the Royal National Park and can be accessed via Bundeena. The water is deep inshore and a popular boating destination. Beach conditions

are safest in the eastern corner. Jibbon Beach B5 Pollution Sources Stormwater discharge from the nearby residential area of Bundeena is a potential source of pollution,

along with discharge of untreated sewage from Eric St Jibbon Royal visiting vessels without holding facilities. Lagoons National Park Actions Although there are no actions specific to this beach, the improvements to sewage management in Bundeena and Maianbar should further safeguard the high water quality at this location.

Compliance Faecal coliform levels complied with swimming guidelines 100% of the time over the last 5 years. With the exception of 2003–2004, 100% compliance has also been recorded for enterococci.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 91 100 100 86

75 75 ■ winter season 50 50 ■ summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05

Response to Rainfall Elevated levels of faecal coliforms and enterococci were recorded in response to 20 mm of rain or more in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100 − − median guidelines 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 Harbourwatch Program 285

Harbourwatch