Bega Valley Local Government Area

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

June 2014 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

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

Page ii of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... VII 1 INTRODUCTION, SCOPE & CONTEXT ...... 6

1.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 6 1.2 CONTEXT AND SCOPE ...... 8 1.3 LIMITATIONS ...... 9 1.4 DEFINITION OF TERMS ...... 10 1.5 PROJECT TEAM / AUTHORS ...... 12 2 ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY ...... 13

2.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 13 2.2 SITE IDENTIFICATION ...... 13 2.3 SITE INSPECTION ...... 15 2.4 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND RISK ASSESSMENT ...... 18 2.5 BEACH HAZARD RATINGS AND OVERVIEW ...... 19 2.6 ABSAMP TYPES AND RATINGS ...... 20 2.7 ABSAMP BEACH TYPE CHARACTERISTIC OVERVIEW AND HAZARDS ...... 26 2.7.1 Rhythmic Bar and Beach ...... 26 2.7.2 Transverse Bar and Rip ...... 26 2.7.3 Low Tide Terrace ...... 27 2.7.4 Reflective...... 28 2.7.5 Rock Platforms and Rocky Coasts ...... 29 2.8 FACILITY VISITATION RATES (FVR) ...... 30 2.8.1 Facility Visitation Rating (FVR) Reference Tables ...... 30 2.9 FACILITIES AUDIT ...... 37 2.10 POPULATION, DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM...... 38 2.10.1 Population Statistics ...... 38 2.10.2 Development Plans in Bega Valley ...... 39 2.10.3 Tourism Information ...... 40 2.10.4 Beach Usage Statistics ...... 43 2.10.5 Drowning Incidents ...... 50 2.10.6 Emergency Callouts ...... 52 2.11 COMMUNICATION AND CONSULTATION ...... 55 3 RISK ASSESSMENT FINDINGS ...... 59

3.1 ACTION PLANNING PRIORITY (INHERENT GROSS RISK) ...... 59 3.1.1 Action Planning Priority Index ...... 59 3.1.2 Australian Beach Safety and Management Program ...... 60 3.1.3 Local Population Rating ...... 64 3.1.4 Human/Activity Interaction Rating ...... 68 3.1.5 Access Rating ...... 72 3.1.6 Action Planning Priority Score ...... 76 3.2 OVERVIEW OF PRINCIPAL RISK TREATMENTS ...... 91 3.2.1 Introduction ...... 91 3.2.2 Hierarchy of Risk Treatments (Controls) ...... 91 3.2.3 Education and Awareness Programs ...... 92 3.2.4 Safety Signage ...... 100 3.2.5 Emergency Marker System ...... 109 3.2.6 Access Infrastructure and Ongoing Capital Works/Maintenance Programs ...... 110 3.2.7 Public Rescue Equipment ...... 116 3.2.8 System of Supervision ...... 119 4 EMERGENCY RESPONSE ...... 125

4.1 EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS/REPORTING - TRIPLE ZERO (000) ...... 125

Page iii of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

4.2 EMERGENCY RESPONSE ALARM ...... 126 4.3 EMERGENCY RESPONSE BEACONS ...... 127 4.4 EMERGENCY SERVICE RESPONSE ...... 128 4.5 RADIO COVERAGE ...... 131 4.6 JOINT EMERGENCY RESPONSE (LIFESAVERS AND LIFEGUARDS) ...... 133 5 MONITOR AND REVIEW ...... 134 REFERENCES ...... 135

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

Page iv of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE 1.1.1:THE INTERNATIONAL LIFE SAVING FEDERATION DROWNING CHAIN (SOURCE: INTERNATIONAL LIFE SAVING FEDERATION (2008)...... 7 FIGURE 2.2.1: OVERVIEW OF BEGA VALLEY LGA COASTAL LOCATIONS ASSESSED BY AUSTRALIAN COASTSAFE...... 14 FIGURE 2.4.1 RISK MANAGEMENT PROCESS...... 18 FIGURE 2.7.1: ILLUSTRATION OF A RHYTHMIC BAR & BEACH BEACH...... 26 FIGURE 2.7.2: ILLUSTRATION OF A TRANSVERSE BAR AND RIP BEACH...... 26 FIGURE 2.7.3: ILLUSTRATION OF A LOW TIDE TERRACE BEACH...... 27 FIGURE 2.7.4: ILLUSTRATION OF A REFLECTIVE BEACH...... 28 FIGURE 2.10.1 PORT OF EDEN CONCEPT DIAGRAM...... 39 FIGURE 2.10.2: BEGA VALLEY SLS ATTENDANCE STATISTICS FROM JULY 2008 TO JUNE 2013...... 43 FIGURE 2.10.3: BEGA VALLEY LIFEGUARD SERVICE ATTENDANCE STATISTICS FROM JULY 2008 TO JUNE 2013...... 44 FIGURE 2.10.4 BEGA VALLEY SLS RESCUE STATISTICS FROM JULY 2008 TO JUNE 2013...... 45 FIGURE 2.10.5 BEGA VALLEY LIFEGUARD SERVICE RESCUE STATISTICS FOR 2008 TO 2013...... 46 FIGURE 2.10.6 SLS RESCUES, FIRST AID AND PREVENTION STATISTICS FOR 2008 TO 2013...... 47 FIGURE 2.10.7 BEGA VALLEY LIFEGUARD SERVICE RESCUES, FIRST AID AND PREVENTION STATISTICS FOR 2008 TO 2013...... 48 FIGURE 2.10.8 BEGA VALLEY DROWNING LOCATIONS AND POSTCODE OF VICTIM RESIDENCE...... 51 FIGURE 2.10.9 SURF RESCUE EMERGENCY RESPONSE BY LOCATION (SLSNSW, 2014)...... 52 FIGURE 2.10.10 SURF RESCUE EMERGENCY RESPONSE BY SEASON AND DAY (SLSNSW, 2014)...... 53 FIGURE 2.10.11 SURF RESCUE EMERGENCY RESPONSE BY ACTIVITY (SLSNSW, 2014)...... 53 FIGURE 2.10.12 SURF RESCUE EMERGENCY RESPONSE BY PATROL SEASON/HOURS (SLSNSW, 2014)...... 54 FIGURE 2.11.1: PROJECT BLUEPRINT FLYER...... 55 FIGURE 2.11.2 EXAMPLE OF WHAT A SWIMMING HAZARD RATING SIGN AT BAR BEACH COULD LOOK LIKE...... 57 FIGURE 2.11.3 THE POPULAR BAR BEACH KIOSK...... 57 FIGURE 2.11.4: AN EXAMPLE OF A SET OF LIGHTS USED BY THE ROYAL NATIONAL LIFEBOAT INSTITUATION FOR SAFETY REASONS IN REGARDS TO TIDAL CHANGES ...... 58 FIGURE 3.2.1: EXAMPLE OF A NATIONAL PARKS VISITOR INFORMATION BOARD WHERE WATER SAFETY INFORMATION COULD BE DISPLAYED...... 93 FIGURE 3.2.2: EXAMPLE OF A SURF SAFETY INFORMATION POSTER AT TATHRA BEACH...... 93 FIGURE 3.2.3 SURF SAFETY PRESENTATION AT NEWPORT BEACH (PITTWATER LGA) ...... 94 FIGURE 3.2.4 CAMP GROUND HOST AT SALTWATER CREEK, BEN BOYD NATIONAL PARK...... 95 FIGURE 3.2.5 EXAMPLE OF LARGE SIGNAGE THAT COULD BE IMPLEMENTED AT MERIMBULA AIRPORT...... 95 FIGURE 3.2.6 EDUCATIONAL SIGNAGE AT ROCK FISHING LOCATIONS...... 96 FIGURE 3.2.7 RECREATIONAL FISHING ALLIANCE ROCK FISHING SCHOOL...... 96 FIGURE 3.2.8 DON’T PUT YOUR LIFE ON THE LINE...... 98 FIGURE 3.2.9 SURVIVE A RIP CURRENT...... 98 FIGURE 3.2.10 BEACH SAFETY FOR TOURISTS / MIGRANTS...... 98 FIGURE 3.2.11 SWIM BETWEEN THE FLAGS...... 98 FIGURE 3.2.12: WARNING SIGNAGE AT BEACH ACCESS ...... 100 FIGURE 3.2.13:WARNING SIGNAGE AT BEACH ACCESS (HORSESHOE BAY – BERMAGUI)...... 100 FIGURE 3.2.14: WARNING SIGNAGE AT BEACH ACCESS (ASLINGS BEACH – EDEN)...... 100 FIGURE 3.2.15: WARNING SIGNAGE AT BEACH ACCESS (HORSESHOE BAY – BERMAGUI)...... 100 FIGURE 3.2.16: WARNING SIGNAGE AT BEACH ACCESS (HAYWARDS BEACH – BERMAGUI)...... 101 FIGURE 3.2.17: WARNING SIGNAGE AT BEACH ACCESS (CUTTAGEE BEACH - BERMAGUI)...... 101 FIGURE 3.2.18: WARNING SIGNAGE AT ROCK PLATFORM LOCATIONS...... 101 FIGURE 3.2.19: SAFETY WARNING SIGNAGE AT CLIFF EDGES...... 101 FIGURE 3.2.20:BREAKWATER WARNING SIGNAGE...... 101 FIGURE 3.2.21: WARNING SIGNAGE ON WHARVES...... 101 FIGURE 3.2.22: WARNING SIGNAGE ALONG COASTAL WALKS...... 102 FIGURE 3.2.23: CAMPING PROHIBITED SIGN THAT HAS THE OPPORTUNITY OF BEING CONSOLIDATED INTO A SINGLE ACCESS SIGN...... 103 FIGURE 3.2.24 CUTTAGEE BEACH SIGN...... 103 FIGURE 3.2.25 EXAMPLE EMERGENCY MARKER SIGN...... 109 FIGURE 3.2.26: EXISTING EMERGENCY MARKER SIGN AT ...... 109 FIGURE 3.2.27: FORMAL ACCESS AT MERIMBULA...... 110 FIGURE 3.2.28: INFORMAL ACCESS AT PASPALUM POINT...... 110 FIGURE 3.2.29: NADGEE NATURE RESERVE...... 111 FIGURE 3.2.30 AN AVERAGE SUMMER DAY AT BAR BEACH...... 122 FIGURE 3.2.31 MERIMBULA BEACH ON FRIDAY 31ST JANUARY 2014...... 122 FIGURE 3.2.32 SHORT POINT/TURA BEACH ON SATURDAY 1ST FEBRUARY 2014...... 123 FIGURE 4.2.1: EMERGENCY RESPONSE ALARM AT MERIMBULA WHARF...... 126 FIGURE 4.3.1: EXAMPLE OF A MOBILE EMERGENCY RESPONSE BEACON ON A BEACH...... 127 FIGURE 4.4.1EMERGENCY SERVICES WITHIN THE BEGA VALLEY LGA...... 130 FIGURE 4.5.1 RADIO SIGNAL STRENGTH - MONTAGUE ISLAND RADIO REPEATER...... 131 FIGURE 4.5.2 RADIO SIGNAL STRENGTH – BIMMIL HILL RADIO REPEATER (TATHRA AREA)...... 131 FIGURE 4.5.3 RADIO SIGNAL STRENGTH – BIMMIL HILL RADIO REPEATER (MERIMBULA – EDEN AREA)...... 132 FIGURE 4.5.4 RADIO SIGNAL STRENGTH – BIMMIL HILL RADIO REPEATER (BEN BOYD NATIONAL PARK – NADGEE NATURE RESERVE)...... 132

Page v of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

LIST OF TABLES

TABLE 1.4.1: DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS...... 10 TABLE 2.3.1: ASSESSED LOCATIONS AND ASSESSMENT DATES...... 15 TABLE 2.5.1 ABSAMP BEACH HAZARD RATINGS...... 19 TABLE 2.5.2 BEACH HAZARD RATING CALCULATION MATRICES FOR WAVE DOMINATE BEACHES...... 19 TABLE 2.6.1 ABSAMP BEACH HAZARD RATINGS – BEGA VALLEY LGA...... 20 TABLE 2.8.1 TYPICAL DEVELOPMENT AND NATURAL HAZARDS RATING FOR RESERVES – NON BEACH ENVIRONMENTS...... 30 TABLE 2.8.2 TYPICAL DEVELOPMENT RATINGS FOR BEACHES...... 30 TABLE 2.8.3 TYPICAL POPULATION USE RATING FOR A FACILITY...... 31 TABLE 2.8.4 SUGGESTED FREQUENCY USE RATING FOR A FACILITY...... 31 TABLE 2.8.5 FACILITY VISITATION RATES – FOR ASSESSED LOCATIONS...... 31 TABLE 2.9.1: THE 20 MOST COMMON FACILITIES ALONG THE BEGA VALLEY LGA COASTLINE...... 37 TABLE 2.9.2: THE TOP TEN LOCATIONS FOR FACILITIES WITHIN THE BEGA VALLEY LGA...... 37 TABLE 2.10.1 BEGA VALLEY POPULATION DATA (ABS, 2011)...... 38 TABLE 2.10.2 POPULATION COUNT OF COASTAL SUBURBS IN THE BEGA VALLEY LGA (ABS, 2011)...... 38 TABLE 2.10.3 TOURISM DATA AND VISITOR INFORMATION FOR BEGA VALLEY LGA (‘DESTINATION NSW’, 2014)...... 40 TABLE 2.10.4 DOMESTIC OVERNIGHT TRAVEL DATA AND VISITOR INFORMATION FOR BEGA VALLEY LGA (‘DESTINATION NSW’, 2014)...... 40 TABLE 2.10.5 DAY TRIP TRAVEL DATA AND VISITOR INFORMATION FOR BEGA VALLEY LGA (‘DESTINATION NSW’, 2014)...... 40 TABLE 2.10.6 INTERNATIONAL OVERNIGHT TRAVEL DATA AND VISITOR INFORMATION FOR BEGA VALLEY LGA (‘DESTINATION NSW’ 2014)...... 41 TABLE 2.10.7 ACCOMMODATION PROVIDERS WITH DIRECT COASTAL ACCESS IN THE BEGA VALLEY LGA...... 42 TABLE 2.10.8: SURF LIFE SAVING PREVENTIONS/RESCUES...... 49 TABLE 2.10.9: BEGA VALLEY LIFEGUARD SERVICE PREVENTIONS/RESCUES...... 49 TABLE 2.10.10 DROWNING INCIDENTS WITHIN BEGA VALLEY LGA (SLSA, 2013)...... 50 TABLE 3.1.1 ABSAMP AND INDICATIVE RATINGS APPLIED TO ASSESSED LOCATIONS...... 60 TABLE 3.1.2 LOCAL POPULATION RATING DESCRIPTORS...... 64 TABLE 3.1.3 LOCAL POPULATION RATINGS APPLIED TO ASSESSED LOCATIONS...... 64 TABLE 3.1.4 HUMAN/ACTIVITY INTERACTION DESCRIPTORS...... 68 TABLE 3.1.5 HUMAN/ACTIVITY INTERACTION RATINGS APPLIED TO ASSESSED LOCATIONS...... 68 TABLE 3.1.6 ACCESS RATING DESCRIPTORS...... 72 TABLE 3.1.7 ACCESS RATINGS APPLIED TO ASSESSED LOCATIONS...... 72 TABLE 3.1.8 SUMMARY OF ACTION PLANNING PRIORITY CALCULATIONS FOR EACH ASSESSED LOCATION...... 76 TABLE 3.1.9: KEY TO LAND MANAGEMENT OF LOCATIONS LISTED IN TABLE 3.1.10...... 80 TABLE 3.1.10: ACTION PLANNING PRIORITY SCORES FOR ASSESSED LOCATIONS...... 80 TABLE 3.2.1 EXAMPLES OF EDUCATION AND AWARENESS PROGRAMS...... 97 TABLE 3.2.2 SUMMARY TABLE OF AQUATIC AND RECREATIONAL SIGNAGE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE BEGA VALLEY LGA...... 104 TABLE 3.2.3: INACCESSIBLE LOCATIONS WITHIN THE BEGA VALLEY LGA...... 111 TABLE 3.2.4: ACCESS PROVISION WITHIN ASSESSED LOCATIONS IN BEGA VALLEY...... 112 TABLE 3.2.5 AN OVERVIEW OF PUBLIC RESCUE EQUIPMENT (PRE) (BRADSTREET, ET AL., 2012)...... 116 TABLE 3.2.6 PROPOSED LIFE RING LOCATIONS...... 117 TABLE 3.2.7 VOLUNTEER LIFESAVING SERVICES IN THE BEGA VALLEY LGA...... 120 TABLE 3.2.8 PAID LIFEGUARD SERVICES IN THE BEGA VALLEY LGA...... 121 TABLE 3.2.9 CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY PERIODS FOR NSW, ACT AND VICTORIA...... 122 TABLE 3.2.10 COMBINED ATTENDANCE FIGURES FOR THE EASTER WEEKENDS 2009 – 2013...... 123 TABLE 3.2.11 AVERAGE MONTHLY WATER TEMPERATURES FOR EDEN...... 123 TABLE 4.4.1 COASTAL EMERGENCY SERVICE LOCATIONS FOR BEGA VALLEY LGA...... 128

Page vi of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Executive Summary

This report contains findings and treatment options which align with current International and Australian standards, guidelines and best practice risk management processes. The report contains information specific to locations under the authority of Bega Valley Shire Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

These locations include (north to south):

1. Wallaga 42. Picnic North 83. Haycock Point 124. Munganno Point 2. Murunna Point 43. Picnic Beach 84. Long Beach/Haycock 125. Munganno (S) 3. Pebbly 44. Picnic Point 85. Quondolo 126. Munganno (N) 4. Camel Rock 45. Bithry Inlet North 86. Pinnacles 127. Jews Head 5. Haywards 46. Bithry Inlet 87. Terrace Point 128. Honeysuckle Point 6. Haywards Point 47. Penders Beach 88. Lennards Island 129. Red Point 7. Keatings Head 48. Stinking Bay 89. North Head 130. Red Sands Bay 8. Morehead 49. Middle North 90. Worang Point 131. Leatherjacket Bay 9. Bermagui Inlet (1) 50. Middle South 91. Aslings 132. Mowarry Point (1) 10. Bermagui Inlet (2) 51. Gillards 92. Yallumgo Cove 133. Mowarry Point (2) 11. Bermagui Point 52. Cowdroys 93. The Eagles Claw 134. Saltwater North 12. Horseshoe Bay 53. Boronda Head 94. Lookout Point 135. Saltwater Creek 13. Point Dickson 54. Nelson Beach 95. By Beach 136. Hegartys Bay 14. Blue Point 55. Wajurda Point 96. Snug Cove 137. Bittangabee Bay 15. Beares North 56. Moon Bay 97. Mirare Point 138. Pulpit Rock 16. Beares 57. Paspalum Point 98. Cattle Bay Wharf 139. Greencape 17. Breakaway 58. Mogareeka Inlet 99. Cocora 140. City Rock 18. Zane Grey Pool 59. Tathra 100. Cocora Point 141. Disaster Bay 19. Jerimbut Point 60. Tathra Head 101. Bungo Point 142. Baycliff 20. Baragoot Point 61. Kianinny Bay 102. Bungo 143. Wonboyn Bay 21. Jagger Beach 62. Wild Horse Bay 103. Oman Point 144. Greenglade Point 22. Baragoot 63. Boulder Bay 104. Rixons 145. Merrica 23. Cuttagee Point 64. White Rock 105. Murrumbulga Point 146. Merrica 1 24. Cuttagee 65. Games Bay 106. Quarantine Bay 147. Merrica 2 25. Mills 66. Wallagoot Gap 107. Legges 148. Jane Spiers 26. Barragga Point 67. Wallagoot-Bournda 108. Quandoa Point 149. Newtons 27. Barragga Bay 68. Bournda Island 109. Brandy Creek Beach 150. Little Creek 28. Golden Gate 69. North Tura/Dolphin 110. Currawulla 151. Nadgee Headland/Iron Reef Cove 29. Armonds Bay 70. Tura Head 111. Mungora Rocks 152. Nadgee Point/Blackhead 30. Murrah Head 71. Short Point/Tura 112. Northcote 153. Nadgee Lake 31. Murrah-Bunga 72. Short Point Headland 113. Northcote Point 154. Nadgee Moores/ Bunyip Hole 32. Goalen Head 73. Middle Beach 114. Boydtown 155. Cape Howe 33. Bunga North 74. Merimbula 115. Torarago Point 156. Conference Point Head/Long Point 34. Bunga 75. Bar Beach 116. Moutrys 35. Bunga South 76. Merimbula 117. Whale

36. Bunga Head 77. Pambula 118. Brierly Point 37. Mimosa Rocks 78. Little Beach/Jiguma 119. Brierly Point East 1 38. Aragunnu Bay 79. Bar Mouth North 120. Brierly Point East 2 39. Bengunnu Point Nth 80. Bar Mouth South 121. Fisheries 40. Bengunnu Point 1 81. Shelly Beach 122. Edrom 1 41. Bengunnu Point 2 82. Ioala Point 123. Edrom 2

Page vii of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Page viii of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Summary of Recommendations

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

Recommendation 1 Bega Valley Shire Council should consider implementing the following risk treatment options:

Strategic Coordination:

1.1 Existing and future coastal development plans scheduled for the Bega Valley Local Government Area, should consider the impact of increased coastal usage, discussing possible treatment options such as education, signage, access, public rescue equipment and supervision. (p. 39)

1.2 Coastal usage and incident data (drowning incidents, emergency callouts, lifesaving and lifeguard statistics) should be used when making informed decisions about the implementation of risk treatments for coastal safety. (p. 54)

1.3 Land Managers such as the Bega Valley Shire Council and National Parks and Wildlife should meet regularly with Surf Life Saving Far South Coast as an effective meeting which raises safety issues and implements coastal safety strategies in the Bega Valley Local Government Area. It is encouraged that the treatment options found in this report be addressed as part of these meetings. (p. 58)

1.4 Bega Valley Shire Council should host a workshop with key stakeholders and decision makers to discuss current issues and drowning prevention strategies for implementation at Bar Beach. (p. 58)

1.5 The Coastal Risk Assessment and Treatment Plan previously conducted by Australian CoastSafe for Bega Valley Shire Council, specific to the areas of Tathra and Merimbula Wharfs in 2009/10 should be reviewed to monitor the progress made and revisit any treatment options that have the opportunity of being implemented. (p. 58)

1.6 As funding becomes available, treatment options outlined in this report should be implemented using a staged/prioritisation approach, based on evidence. (p. 90)

Education:

1.7 Education and awareness programs within the Bega Valley Local Government Area should continue to be implemented, reviewed and supported. (p. 98)

1.8 Education and awareness programs should include standardised key safety messages which are recognised by the aquatic industry (e.g. http://www.watersafety.nsw.gov.au/). (p. 98)

1.9 Bega Valley Shire Council should consider providing beach and water safety information on the Bega Valley Shire Council website.

1.10 Develop relationships with tourism agencies with the aim of distributing standardised surf safety collateral (e.g. brochures and flyers) to all accommodation providers in the Bega Valley Local Government Area. (p. 98)

1.11 Surf safety information (for example rip current education), should be strategically placed in visual form at various coastal locations. Specific examples can be reference in the report. (p. 98)

1.12 Bega Valley Shire Council in conjunction with peak water safety organisations and local cinema providers have the opportunity to screen advertisements which promote key surf safety messages. (p. 98)

Page 1 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

1.13 Bega Valley Shire Council in conjunction with peak water safety organisations and caravan parks that have direct coastal access, should organise an education day with their guests to learn about basic surf safety awareness. (p. 98)

1.14 Surf safety collateral should be made available at the Merimbula Airport terminal for guests when they arrive. (p. 98)

1.15 Continue to promote and encourage rock fishermen and recreational boaters to wear lifejackets. (p. 99)

Safety Signage:

1.16 Standardised water safety signage that aligns to Australian standards and best-practice ‘style’ should be implemented at the locations listed in ‘Appendix A’. This may include the maintenance and upgrade of existing signage through planned works schedules, the consolidation of multiple existing signs into a single sign (less signs) or the removal of unnecessary signage. (p. 108)

1.17 As outlined in the Facilitation Visitation Rating, all potential hazards identified within the facility that have a risk rating of high ‘Appendix B’ should appear on existing signs as warning symbols. (p. 108)

1.18 Temporary signage should be used at coastal accommodation providers to inform people of when beach conditions warrant the ‘closing of a beach’. Surf Life Saving NSW will be able to inform these caravan parks of when dangerous swell events are occurring through a media release. (p. 108)

1.19 Current access signage that appears under the same land management authority should be a consistent style. Existing signage that does not meet an adopted style should be replaced through natural attrition or removed. (p. 108)

Access:

1.20 Formal access paths identified in ‘Appendix A’ should continue to be regularly maintained through ongoing infrastructure and capital works programs. This will encourage formal access use (rather than informal), enhance the effectiveness of safety signage and minimise the quantity of signage needed. (p. 115)

1.21 Informal access paths identified in ‘Appendix A’ should be considered for redirection or consolidation, in order to promote/facilitate the use of formal access. (p. 115)

Supervision and Surveillance:

1.22 Explore the means to fund an additional lifeguard at Bar Beach, taking the number of lifeguards serving this location to two lifeguards across the current coverage period over the summer school holidays. (p. 124)

1.23 Explore the means to fund an extension of all lifeguard services within the Bega Valley Local Government Area to cover all summer school holiday periods. (p. 124)

1.24 Explore the means to fund the lifeguard services at Merimbula, Bar Beach, Short Point, Camel Rock and Aslings to provide supervision on weekends (Saturday, Sunday and public holidays) until the end of February. These services should also provide coverage over the four day Easter holiday weekend. (p. 124)

1.25 Explore the means to fund mid-week patrols at Tathra and Pambula from the start of December to the end of February. (p. 124)

Emergency Response:

1.26 To reduce the response time of the callout team having to drive to Pambula SLSC and pick up equipment, Surf Life Saving and the Bega Valley Shire Council should work together to organise a specialty response

Page 2 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

shed that includes rescue equipment such as an Inflatable Rescue Boat, Rescue Boards/Tubes and vital first aid resources in the town of Eden. (p. 133)

Monitor and Review:

1.27 In consultation with relevant stakeholders, this document should be reviewed annually to measure the effectiveness of any risk mitigation strategies and drowning prevention initiatives that have been implemented and where future funding opportunities can be directed. (p. 134)

1.28 All drowning prevention strategies should be documented and incorporated into the relevant strategic and management plans. This will ensure consistency throughout the management area and a structured approach to maintenance. (p. 134)

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

Strategic Coordination:

2.1 Existing and future coastal development plans scheduled for the Bega Valley Local Government Area, should consider the impact of increased coastal usage, discussing possible treatment options such as education, signage, access, public rescue equipment and supervision. (p.39)

2.2 Coastal usage and incident data (drowning incidents, emergency callouts, lifesaving and lifeguard statistics) should be used when making informed decisions about the implementation of risk treatments for coastal safety. (p.54)

2.3 Land Managers such as the Bega Valley Shire Council and National Parks and Wildlife should meet regularly with Surf Life Saving Far South Coast as an effective meeting which raises safety issues and implements coastal safety strategies in the Bega Valley Local Government Area. It is encouraged that the treatment options found in this report be addressed as part of these meetings. (p.58)

2.4 As funding becomes available, treatment options outlined in this report should be implemented using a staged/prioritisation approach, based on evidence. (p.90)

Education:

2.5 Education and awareness programs within the Bega Valley Local Government Area should continue to be implemented, reviewed and supported. (p.98)

2.6 Education and awareness programs should include standardised key safety messages which are recognised by the aquatic industry (e.g. http://www.watersafety.nsw.gov.au/). (p.98)

2.7 Surf safety information (for example rip current education), should be strategically placed in visual form at various coastal locations. Specific examples can be reference in the report. (p.98)

2.8 Volunteer camp ground hosts at camping grounds within National Park areas could be trained in first aid. (p.98)

2.9 Campground hosts could communicate via the notice board when a dangerous surf warning has been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology. (p.98)

2.10 Continue to promote and encourage rock fishermen and recreational boaters to wear lifejackets. (p.99)

Safety Signage:

2.11 Standardised water safety signage that aligns to Australian standards and best-practice ‘style’ should be implemented at the locations listed in ‘Appendix A’. This may include the maintenance and upgrade of

Page 3 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

existing signage through planned works schedules, the consolidation of multiple existing signs into a single sign (less signs) or the removal of unnecessary signage. (p.108)

2.12 As outlined in the Facilitation Visitation Rating, all potential hazards identified within the facility that have a risk rating of high ‘Appendix B’ should appear on existing signs as warning symbols. (p.108)

Access:

2.13 Formal access paths identified in ‘Appendix A’ should continue to be regularly maintained through ongoing infrastructure and capital works programs. This will encourage formal access use (rather than informal), enhance the effectiveness of safety signage and minimise the quantity of signage needed. (p.115)

2.14 Informal access paths identified in ‘Appendix A’ should be considered for redirection or consolidation, in order to promote/facilitate the use of formal access. (p.115)

Monitor and Review:

2.15 In consultation with relevant stakeholders, this document should be reviewed annually to measure the effectiveness of any risk mitigation strategies and drowning prevention initiatives that have been implemented and where future funding opportunities can be directed. (p.134)

2.16 All drowning prevention strategies should be documented and incorporated into the relevant strategic and management plans. This will ensure consistency throughout the management area and a structured approach to maintenance. (p.134)

Recommendation 3 The Water Safety Advisory Council should consider implementing the following risk treatment options:

Education:

3.1 Develop relationships with tourism agencies with the aim of distributing standardised surf safety collateral (e.g. brochures and flyers) to all accommodation providers in the Bega Valley Local Government Area. (p.98)

Emergency Marker Signage:

3.2 With guidance from the Ministry for Police and Emergency Services and Lands and Property Information, a state aligned emergency marker system at all identified access locations should be considered. (p.109)

Public Rescue Equipment:

3.3 Explore the means to fund the expansion and continued maintenance of the ‘Angel Ring Project’ in consultation with the Australian National Sports Fishing Association (NSW Branch) and the Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW at the locations outlined in ‘Appendix C’. Final positioning should be determined by these fishing associations. (p.118)

Recommendation 4 Surf Life Saving (State, Branch & Club) and the Australian Lifeguard Service should consider implementing the following risk treatment options:

Strategic Coordination:

4.1 Research currently being conducted by the University of Melbourne, University of Wollongong and Surf Life Saving Australia into a rocky coast classification model and hazard rating system for rocky coast should be commended and supported. Once this research is completed the calculations related to rocky coasts in this report should be reviewed. (p.25)

Page 4 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

4.2 Land Managers such as the Bega Valley Shire Council and National Parks and Wildlife should meet regularly with Surf Life Saving Far South Coast as an effective meeting which raises safety issues and implements coastal safety strategies in the Bega Valley Local Government Area. It is encouraged that the treatment options found in this report be addressed as part of these meetings. (p.58)

Education:

4.3 Bega Valley Shire Council in conjunction with peak water safety organisations and local cinema providers have the opportunity to screen advertisements which promote key surf safety messages. (p.98)

4.4 The Telstra Beach to Bush Program should include schools within the Australian Capital Territory for the upcoming program to be held in November 2014. (p.99)

Safety Signage:

4.5 Temporary signage should be used at coastal accommodation providers to inform people of when beach conditions warrant the ‘closing of a beach’. Surf Life Saving NSW will be able to inform these caravan parks of when dangerous swell events are occurring through a media release. (p.108)

4.6 Temporary signage should continue to be used at access locations near patrolled areas to direct patrons to a supervised swimming area and where here is a higher risk of injury due to temporary hazards such as strong currents, creek openings and pollution. (p.108)

Supervision and Surveillance:

4.7 Branch and club procedures should continue to ensure that roving patrols are performed on a regular basis to cover a nearby beach/section of a beach that is not patrolled. (p.124)

4.8 Surf Life Saving New South Wales along with the Far South Coast Branch and Pambula SLSC should continue to work towards the goal of meeting the required dates and times set out in the Lifesaving Service Agreement for the RWC service stationed at Pambula. (p.124)

Emergency Response:

4.9 Surf Life Saving NSW should continue to hold discussions with Surf Life Saving Far South Coast to raise any current issues and opportunities which could see further radio infrastructure installed to improve communication. (p.132)

4.10 An emergency response training scenario should be conducted with Far South Coast Branch Duty Officers/Support Operations, Bega Valley Lifeguard Supervisors and the local emergency services once a year before the commencement of the surf life saving season. (p.133)

4.11 To reduce the response time of the callout team having to drive to Pambula SLSC and pick up equipment, Surf Life Saving and the Bega Valley Shire Council should work together to organise a specialty response shed that includes rescue equipment such as an Inflatable Rescue Boat, Rescue Boards/Tubes and vital first aid resources in the town of Eden. (p.133)

4.12 Cross-border joint operations between surf rescue agencies and other emergency services operating in both NSW and Victoria should be improved by developing formalised standard operating procedures. (p.133)

Page 5 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

1 Introduction, Scope & Context

1.1 Introduction

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

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

This document is a coastal public safety risk assessment and treatment plan specific to water safety related issues identified at every beach/rock platform located on the coast of the Bega Valley LGA. The Land Managers of this area include Bega Valley Shire Council, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) - Office of Environment and Heritage, Crown Lands and privately owned locations.

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

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

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

1 Surf Life Saving Incident Reporting Database

Page 6 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Figure 1.1.1:The International Life Saving Federation Drowning Chain (Source: International Life Saving Federation (2008).

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

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

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

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

Page 7 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

1.2 Context and Scope

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

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

Scope This coastal risk assessment and treatment plan has been prepared following an on-site risk assessment undertaken by Australian CoastSafe of the Bega Valley LGA which commenced on Thursday 16th January and concluded on Tuesday 18th February, 2014.

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

The geographical scope of this assessment has been determined by the northern and southern boundaries of the Bega Valley LGA. All accessible coastal environments within these boundaries have been included in this report.

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

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

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

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

Page 8 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

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

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

Page 9 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

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

Table 1.4.1: Definition of Key Terms. ABSAMP Australian Beach Safety and Management Program

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

ATV All-terrain vehicle

CALD Culturally And Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Communities

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

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

Consequence Outcome or impact of an event

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hazard A source of potential harm

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

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

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

Page 10 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

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

IRB Inflatable Rescue Boat

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

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

Likelihood Used as a general description of probability or frequency

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Residual Risk Risk remaining after implementation of risk treatments

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

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

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

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

Risk Evaluation Process of comparing the level of risk against criteria

Page 11 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

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

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

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

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

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

RWC Rescue water craft (jet ski)

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

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

1.5 Project Team / Authors

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

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

Page 12 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

2 Assessment Methodology

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

2.2 Site Identification The map in Figure 2.2.1 provides an overview of the locations of beaches and rock platforms within the Bega Valley LGA subject to the coastal risk assessment2. The specific locations can be referenced in Appendix E. All together the Australian CoastSafe team assessed approximately 180km of coastline in the Bega Valley LGA.

The area includes locations and/or facilities under the administration of: o Bega Valley Shire Council o National Parks and Wildlife Service o Crown Lands o Privately owned locations

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

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

Page 13 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Figure 2.2.1: Overview of Bega Valley LGA coastal Locations assessed by Australian CoastSafe.

Page 14 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

2.3 Site Inspection

Table 2.3.1: Assessed locations and assessment dates. Location Land Management Authority Date

Wallaga Bega Valley Shire Council Saturday 15th February 2014 Murunna Point Bega Valley Shire Council Saturday 15th February 2014 Pebbly Bega Valley Shire Council Saturday 15th February 2014 Camel Rock Bega Valley Shire Council Saturday 15th February 2014 Haywards Bega Valley Shire Council Saturday 15th February 2014 Haywards Point Bega Valley Shire Council Saturday 15th February 2014 Keatings Head Bega Valley Shire Council Saturday 15th February 2014 Morehead Bega Valley Shire Council Saturday 15th February 2014 Bermagui Inlet (1) Crown Lands Saturday 15th February 2014 Bermagui Inlet (2) Crown Lands Thursday 13th February 2014 Bermagui Point Bega Valley Shire Council Thursday 13th February 2014 Horseshoe Bay Bega Valley Shire Council Thursday 13th February 2014 Point Dickson Bega Valley Shire Council Thursday 13th February 2014 Blue Point Bega Valley Shire Council Saturday 15th February 2014 Beares North Bega Valley Shire Council Friday 14th February 2014 Beares Bega Valley Shire Council Friday 14th February 2014 Breakaway Bega Valley Shire Council Friday 14th February 2014 Zane Grey Pool Bega Valley Shire Council Friday 14th February 2014 Jerimbut Point Bega Valley Shire Council Friday 14th February 2014 Baragoot Point Not assessed (inaccessible) Jagger Beach Bega Valley Shire Council Friday 14th February 2014 Baragoot Biamanga National Park Friday 14th February 2014 Cuttagee Point Bega Valley Shire Council Friday 14th February 2014 Cuttagee Bega Valley Shire Council Friday 14th February 2014 Mills Bega Valley Shire Council Friday 14th February 2014 Barragga Point Bega Valley Shire Council Friday 14th February 2014 Barragga Bay Bega Valley Shire Council Thursday 13th February 2014 Golden Gate Headland/Iron Reef Bega Valley Shire Council Thursday 13th February 2014 Armonds Bay Bega Valley Shire Council Thursday 13th February 2014 Murrah Head Not assessed (inaccessible) Murrah-Bunga Bega Valley Shire Council Thursday 13th February 2014 Goalen Head Mimosa Rocks National Park Thursday 13th February 2014 Bunga North Mimosa Rocks National Park Thursday 13th February 2014 Bunga Mimosa Rocks National Park Thursday 13th February 2014 Bunga South Mimosa Rocks National Park Thursday 13th February 2014 Bunga Head Not assessed (inaccessible) Mimosa Rocks Mimosa Rocks National Park Wednesday 5th February 2014 Aragunnu Bay Mimosa Rocks National Park Wednesday 5th February 2014 Bengunnu Point Nth Not assessed (inaccessible) Bengunnu Point 1 Mimosa Rocks National Park Wednesday 5th February 2014 Bengunnu Point 2 Mimosa Rocks National Park Wednesday 5th February 2014 Picnic North Mimosa Rocks National Park Wednesday 5th February 2014 Picnic Beach Mimosa Rocks National Park Wednesday 5th February 2014 Picnic Point Mimosa Rocks National Park Wednesday 5th February 2014 Bithry Inlet North Not assessed (inaccessible) Bithry Inlet Bega Valley Shire Council Wednesday 5th February 2014 Penders Beach Mimosa Rocks National Park Tuesday 4th February 2014 Stinking Bay Not assessed (inaccessible) Middle North Mimosa Rocks National Park Tuesday 4th February 2014

Page 15 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Middle South Mimosa Rocks National Park Tuesday 4th February 2014 Gillards Mimosa Rocks National Park Tuesday 4th February 2014 Cowdroys Mimosa Rocks National Park Tuesday 4th February 2014 Boronda Head Not assessed (inaccessible) Nelson Beach Mimosa Rocks National Park Tuesday 4th February 2014 Wajurda Point Mimosa Rocks National Park Tuesday 4th February 2014 Moon Bay Mimosa Rocks National Park Tuesday 4th February 2014 Paspalum Point Mimosa Rocks National Park Tuesday 4th February 2014 Mogareeka Inlet Mimosa Rocks National Park Tuesday 4th February 2014 Tathra Bega Valley Shire Council Monday 3rd February 2014 Tathra Head Bega Valley Shire Council Sunday 2nd February 2014 Kianinny Bay Bega Valley Shire Council Sunday 2nd February 2014 Wild Horse Bay Bournda National Park Monday 3rd February 2014 Boulder Bay Bournda National Park Monday 3rd February 2014 White Rock Bournda National Park Monday 3rd February 2014 Games Bay Bournda National Park Monday 3rd February 2014 Wallagoot Gap Bournda National Park Sunday 2nd February 2014 Wallagoot-Bournda Bournda National Park Sunday 2nd February 2014 Bournda Island Bournda National Park Sunday 2nd February 2014 North Tura/Dolphin Cove Bega Valley Shire Council Sunday 2nd February 2014 Tura Head Bega Valley Shire Council Saturday 1st February 2014 Short Point/Tura Bega Valley Shire Council Saturday 1st February 2014 Short Point Headland Bega Valley Shire Council Saturday 1st February 2014 Middle Beach Bega Valley Shire Council Saturday 1st February 2014 Merimbula Head/Long Point Bega Valley Shire Council Saturday 1st February 2014 Bar Beach Bega Valley Shire Council Saturday 1st February 2014 Merimbula Bega Valley Shire Council Friday 31st January 2014 Pambula Bega Valley Shire Council / Friday 31st January 2014 Ben Boyd National Park Little Beach/Jiguma Bega Valley Shire Council Friday 31st January 2014 Bar Mouth North Bega Valley Shire Council Friday 31st January 2014 Bar Mouth South Ben Boyd National Park Wednesday 22nd January 2014 Shelly Beach Ben Boyd National Park Wednesday 22nd January 2014 Ioala Point Ben Boyd National Park Wednesday 22nd January 2014 Haycock Point Ben Boyd National Park Wednesday 22nd January 2014 Long Beach/Haycock Ben Boyd National Park Wednesday 22nd January 2014 Quondolo Ben Boyd National Park Wednesday 22nd January 2014 Pinnacles Ben Boyd National Park Wednesday 22nd January 2014 Terrace Point Ben Boyd National Park Wednesday 22nd January 2014 Lennards Island Ben Boyd National Park Wednesday 22nd January 2014 North Head Ben Boyd National Park Wednesday 22nd January 2014 Worang Point Ben Boyd National Park Wednesday 22nd January 2014 Aslings Bega Valley Shire Council Tuesday 21st January 2014 Yallumgo Cove Bega Valley Shire Council Thursday 16th January 2014 The Eagles Claw Bega Valley Shire Council Thursday 16th January 2014 Lookout Point Bega Valley Shire Council Thursday 16th January 2014 Snug Cove Crown Lands Thursday 16th January 2014 Mirare Point Bega Valley Shire Council Thursday 16th January 2014 Cattle Bay Wharf Bega Valley Shire Council Thursday 16th January 2014 Cocora Bega Valley Shire Council Thursday 16th January 2014 Cocora Point Bega Valley Shire Council Thursday 16th January 2014 Bungo Point Bega Valley Shire Council Thursday 16th January 2014 Bungo Bega Valley Shire Council Thursday 16th January 2014 Oman Point Bega Valley Shire Council Thursday 16th January 2014 Rixons Bega Valley Shire Council Thursday 16th January 2014

Page 16 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Murrumbulga Point Bega Valley Shire Council Thursday 16th January 2014 Quarantine Bay Bega Valley Shire Council Thursday 16th January 2014 Legges Bega Valley Shire Council Tuesday 21st January 2014 Quandoa Point Bega Valley Shire Council Tuesday 21st January 2014 Brandy Creek Beach Bega Valley Shire Council Tuesday 21st January 2014 Currawulla Bega Valley Shire Council Tuesday 21st January 2014 Mungora Rocks Not assessed (inaccessible) Northcote Not assessed (inaccessible) Northcote Point Not assessed (inaccessible) Boydtown Bega Valley Shire Council Tuesday 21st January 2014 Torarago Point Bega Valley Shire Council Tuesday 21st January 2014 Moutrys Bega Valley Shire Council Tuesday 21st January 2014 Whale Bega Valley Shire Council Tuesday 21st January 2014 Brierly Point Ben Boyd National Park Friday 17th January 2014 Brierly Point East 1 Not assessed (inaccessible) Brierly Point East 2 Ben Boyd National Park Friday 17th January 2014 Fisheries Privately owned Friday 17th January 2014 Edrom 1 Privately owned Friday 17th January 2014 Edrom 2 Privately owned Friday 17th January 2014 Munganno Point Not assessed (inaccessible) Munganno (S) Not assessed (inaccessible) Munganno (N) Not assessed (inaccessible) Jews Head Not assessed (inaccessible) Honeysuckle Point Not assessed (inaccessible) Red Point Ben Boyd National Park Friday 17th January 2014 Red Sands Bay Ben Boyd National Park Friday 17th January 2014 Leatherjacket Bay Ben Boyd National Park Friday 17th January 2014 Mowarry Point (1) Ben Boyd National Park Friday 17th January 2014 Mowarry Point (2) Ben Boyd National Park Friday 17th January 2014 Saltwater North Ben Boyd National Park Saturday 18th January 2014 Saltwater Creek Ben Boyd National Park Saturday 18th January 2014 Hegartys Bay Ben Boyd National Park Saturday 18th January 2014 Bittangabee Bay Ben Boyd National Park Saturday 18th January 2014 Pulpit Rock Ben Boyd National Park Saturday 18th January 2014 Greencape Ben Boyd National Park Sunday 19th January 2014 City Rock Ben Boyd National Park Sunday 19th January 2014 Disaster Bay Bega Valley Shire Council / Sunday 19th January 2014 Ben Boyd National Park Baycliff Nadgee Nature Reserve Sunday 19th January 2014 Wonboyn Bay Nadgee Nature Reserve Sunday 19th January 2014 Greenglade Point Nadgee Nature Reserve Sunday 19th January 2014 Merrica Nadgee Nature Reserve Sunday 19th January 2014 Merrica 1 Not assessed (inaccessible) Merrica 2 Not assessed (inaccessible) Jane Spiers Not assessed (inaccessible) Newtons Nadgee Nature Reserve Monday 20th January 2014 Little Creek Nadgee Nature Reserve Monday 20th January 2014 Nadgee Nadgee Nature Reserve Monday 20th January 2014 Nadgee Point/Blackhead Nadgee Nature Reserve Monday 20th January 2014 Nadgee Lake Not assessed (inaccessible) Nadgee Moores/Bunyip Hole Not assessed (inaccessible) Cape Howe Not assessed (inaccessible) Conference Point Not assessed (inaccessible)

Page 17 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 2.4.1 Risk Management Process (Standards Australia, 2009).

Page 18 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

2.5 Beach Hazard Ratings and Overview The ABSAMP (Australian Beach Safety and Management Program) was developed by Professor Andrew Short from the University of Sydney Coastal Studies Unit in conjunction with Surf Life Saving Australia. The program has identified coastal hazards that affect bathers and rates the safety of the beach on a scale of one to ten, where one (1) is the least hazardous and ten (10) is the most hazardous. The beach hazard ratings and definitions are provided in Table 2.5.1.

Table 2.5.1 ABSAMP Beach Hazard Ratings. Hazard Rating Details

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

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

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

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

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

Table 2.5.2 Beach hazard rating calculation matrices for wave dominate beaches. Wave < 0.5 0.5 (m) 1.0 (m) 1.5 (m) 2.0 (m) 2.5 (m) 3.0 (m) > 3.0 Height (m) (m)

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

Reflective 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10

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

Page 19 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

2.6 ABSAMP Types and Ratings The ABSAMP Hazard Rating for the assessed locations listed in Table 2.6.1 below. The table provides both a modal and a prevailing ABSAMP rating. The modal ABSAMP rating represents the average conditions for each location, which has been extracted from the Australian Beach Safety and Management Program. The prevailing ABSAMP rating represents the conditions observed by Australian CoastSafe on the day each audit took place.

Table 2.6.1 ABSAMP Beach Hazard Ratings – Bega Valley LGA. Location Name ABSAMP No. ABSAMP ABSAMP Type ABSAMP ABSAMP Type Rating (Modal) Rating (Prevailing) (Modal) (Prevailing) Wallaga nsw619 7 Rhythmic Bar and 6 Rhythmic Bar and Beach + Inlet Beach + Inlet Murunna Point nsw619RPa 6* Low Tide Terrace + 6* Low Tide Terrace + Inlet / Rock Inlet / Rock Platforms Platforms Pebbly nsw620 5 Reflective + Rocks 3 Reflective + Rocks Camel Rock nsw621a 6 Transverse Bar and 5 Transverse Bar and Rip Rip Haywards nsw621 6 Transverse Bar and 5 Rhythmic Bar and Rip Beach Haywards Point nsw622 5 Transverse Bar and 6 Rhythmic Bar and Rip Beach Keatings Head nsw623 6 Low Tide Terrace + 4 Low Tide Terrace + Rocks Rocks Morehead nsw624 4 Low Tide Terrace 5 Transverse Bar and Rip Bermagui Inlet (1) nsw624S 2 Reflective 2 Reflective Bermagui Inlet (2) nsw625N 1 Reflective 1 Reflective Bermagui Point nsw625RPa 3* Rock Platforms 3* Rock Platforms Horseshoe Bay nsw625 4 Low Tide Terrace 4 Low Tide Terrace Point Dickson nsw625RPb 5* Rock Platforms 5* Rock Platforms Blue Point nsw625RPc 5* Rock Platforms 5* Rock Platforms Beares North nsw626 6 Transverse Bar and 5 Transverse Bar and Rip + Rocks Rip + Rocks Beares nsw627 6 Transverse Bar and 6 Rhythmic Bar and Rip Beach Breakaway nsw628 5 Reflective + Rocks 3 Reflective + Rocks Zane Grey Pool nsw629 5 Reflective + Rocks 3 Reflective + Rocks Jerimbut Point nsw630 5 Reflective + Rocks 3 Reflective + Rocks Baragoot Point nsw630RPa 5* Rock Platforms Not assessed (inaccessible) Jaggers nsw631 4 Low Tide Terrace 4 Low Tide Terrace Baragoot nsw632 6 Transverse Bar and 5 Transverse Bar and Rip Rip Cuttagee Point nsw632RPa 6* Rock Platforms 5* Rock Platforms Cuttagee nsw633 6 Transverse Bar and 5 Transverse Bar and Rip + Inlet Rip + Inlet Mills nsw634 5 Low Tide Terrace + 4 Low Tide Terrace + Rocks Rocks Barragga Point nsw634RPa 5* Rock Platforms 4* Rock Platforms

Page 20 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Location Name ABSAMP No. ABSAMP ABSAMP Type ABSAMP ABSAMP Type Rating (Modal) Rating (Prevailing) (Modal) (Prevailing) Barragga Bay nsw635 4 Low Tide Terrace 4 Low Tide Terrace Golden Gate nsw635RPa 5* Rock Platforms 5 Rock Platforms Headland/Iron Reef Armonds Bay nsw636 5 Transverse Bar and 5 Transverse Bar and Rip Rip Murrah Head nsw636RPa 6* Rock Platforms Not assessed (inaccessible) Murrah-Bunga nsw637 6 Rhythmic Bar and 5 Transverse Bar and Beach Rip Goalen Head nsw637RPa 6* Rock Platforms 5* Rock Platforms Bunga North nsw638 6 Transverse Bar and 5 Transverse Bar and Rip Rip Bunga nsw639 6 Transverse Bar and 5 Transverse Bar and Rip Rip Bunga South nsw640 6 Transverse Bar and 5 Transverse Bar and Rip Rip Bunga Head nsw640RPa 6* Rock Platforms Not assessed (inaccessible) Mimosa Rocks nsw640RPb 6* Reflective + Rocks 6* Reflective + Rocks Aragunnu Bay nsw641 6 Transverse Bar and 7 Transverse Bar and Rip Rip Bengunnu Point nsw642 5 Transverse Bar and Not assessed (inaccessible) Nth Rip Bengunnu Point 1 nsw643 6 Transverse Bar and 8 Transverse Bar and Rip Rip Bengunnu Point 2 nsw644 6 Transverse Bar and 8 Transverse Bar and Rip Rip Picnic North nsw645 6 Transverse Bar and 8 Transverse Bar and Rip Rip Picnic Beach nsw646 6 Transverse Bar and 8 Transverse Bar and Rip Rip Picnic Point nsw647 5 Low Tide Terrace 7 Low Tide Terrace + Rocks Bithry Inlet North nsw648 6 Transverse Bar and Not assessed (inaccessible) Rip + Rocks Bithry Inlet nsw649 4 Reflective + Rocks 5 Reflective + Rocks Penders Beach nsw650 5 Low Tide Terrace + 5 Low Tide Terrace + Rocks Rocks Stinking Bay nsw650RPa 6* Reflective + Rocks Not assessed (inaccessible) Middle North nsw651 7 Transverse Bar and 7 Transverse Bar and Rip Rip Middle South nsw652 7 Transverse Bar and 7 Transverse Bar and Rip Rip Gillards nsw653 6 Transverse Bar and 6 Transverse Bar and Rip Rip Cowdroys nsw654 6 Rhythmic Bar and 6 Transverse Bar and Beach Rip Boronda Head nsw654RPa 6* Rock Platforms Not assessed (inaccessible) Nelson Beach nsw655 6 Transverse Bar and 6 Transverse Bar and Rip + Inlet Rip + Inlet Wajurda Point nsw655RPa 5* Rock Platforms 5* Rock Platforms

Page 21 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Location Name ABSAMP No. ABSAMP ABSAMP Type ABSAMP ABSAMP Type Rating (Modal) Rating (Prevailing) (Modal) (Prevailing) Moon Bay nsw656 4 Low Tide Terrace 4 Low Tide Terrace Paspalum Point nsw657 4 Low Tide Terrace 4 Low Tide Terrace Mogareeka Inlet nsw658 5 Low Tide Terrace + 5 Low Tide Terrace + Inlet Inlet Tathra nsw659 6 Transverse Bar & 7 Transverse Bar & Rip / Rhythmic Bar Rip / Rhythmic Bar and Beach and Beach Tathra Head nsw659RPa 5* Rock Platforms 5* Rock Platforms Kianinny Bay nsw660 3 Reflective 3 Reflective Wild Horse Bay nsw660RPa 4* Rock Platforms 3* Rock Platforms Boulder Bay nsw661 4 Bloulder 3 Boulder White Rock nsw661RPa 5* Rock Platforms 3* Rock Platforms Games Bay nsw662 5 Reflective + Rocks 3 Reflective + Rocks Wallagoot Gap nsw663 5 Low Tide Terrace 3 Reflective Wallagoot- nsw664 6 Rhythmic Bar and 5 Transverse Bar & Bournda Beach Rip Bournda Island nsw665 4 Low Tide Terrace 4 Low Tide Terrace North Tura/ nsw666 6 Transverse Bar and 5 Transverse Bar and Dolphin Cove Rip Rip Tura Head nsw667 6* Reflective / Rock 5* Reflective / Rock Platforms Platforms Short Point/Tura nsw668 6 Transverse Bar and 5 Transverse Bar and Rip Rip Short Point nsw668RPa 5* Rock Platforms 5* Rock Platforms Headland Middle Beach nsw669 4 Low Tide Terrace + 4 Low Tide Terrace + Rocks Rocks Merimbula nsw669RPa 4* Rock Platforms 4* Rock Platforms Head/Long Point Bar Beach nsw670 4 Reflective + Inlet 3 Reflective + Inlet Merimbula nsw671a 6 Transverse Bar and 5 Transverse Bar and Rip Rip Pambula nsw671b 5 Transverse Bar and 6 Transverse Bar and Rip Rip Little nsw672 5 Transverse Bar and 6 Transverse Bar and Beach/Jiguma Rip Rip Bar Mouth North nsw673 5 Reflective + River 4 Reflective + River Channel Channel Bar Mouth South nsw674 4 Reflective + River 4 Reflective + River Channel Channel Shelly Beach nsw675 4 Reflective 3 Reflective + Rock Platforms Ioala Point nsw675RPa 5* Rock Platforms 5* Rock Platforms Haycock Point nsw675RPb 5* Rock Platforms 5* Rock Platforms Long nsw676 6 Transverse Bar and 7 Rhythmic Bar and Beach/Haycock Rip Beach Quondolo nsw677 6 Transverse Bar and 7 Rhythmic Bar and Rip Beach

Page 22 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Location Name ABSAMP No. ABSAMP ABSAMP Type ABSAMP ABSAMP Type Rating (Modal) Rating (Prevailing) (Modal) (Prevailing) Pinnacles nsw678 6 Transverse Bar and 6 Transverse Bar and Rip Rip Terrace Point nsw678RPa 5* Rock Platforms 5* Rock Platforms Lennards Island nsw678RPb 5* Rock Platforms 5* Rock Platforms North Head nsw678RPc 5* Rock Platforms 5* Rock Platforms Worang Point nsw679 4 Reflective + Rocks 3 Reflective + Rocks Aslings nsw680 5 Low Tide Terrace 4 Low Tide Terrace Yallumgo Cove nsw681 2 Reflective 3 Reflective + Rock Platforms The Eagles Claw nsw681RPa 2* Rock Platforms 3* Rock Platforms Lookout Point nsw681RPb 2* Rock Platforms 3* Rock Platforms By Beach Nsw682a 3 Reflective + Rocks 3 Reflective + Rocks Snug Cove / Eden nsw682 2 Reflective 2 Reflective Harbour Mirare Point nsw682RPa 2* Rock Platforms 2* Rock Platforms Cattle Bay Wharf nsw683 2 Reflective 2 Reflective Cocora nsw684 3 Low Tide Terrace 3 Low Tide Terrace Cocora Point nsw684RPa 3* Rock Platforms 3* Rock Platforms Bungo Point nsw684RPb 3* Rock Platforms 3* Rock Platforms Bungo nsw685 2 Reflective 2 Reflective Oman Point nsw685RPa 2* Rock Platforms 2* Rock Platforms Rixons nsw686 2 Reflective 2 Reflective Murrumbulga nsw686RPa 2* Rock Platforms 2* Rock Platforms Point Quarantine Bay nsw687 2 Reflective 2 Reflective Legges nsw688 2 Reflective 2 Reflective Quandoa Point nsw688RPa 2* Rock Platforms 2* Rock Platforms Brandy Creek nsw689 2 Reflective 2 Reflective Beach Currawulla nsw690 3 Reflective 3 Reflective Mungora Rocks nsw690RPa 3* Rock Platforms Not assessed (inaccessible) Northcote nsw691 3 Reflective Not assessed (inaccessible) Northcote Point nsw691RPa 4* Rock Platforms Not assessed (inaccessible) Boydtown nsw692 4 Low Tide Terrace 4 Low Tide Terrace Torarago Point nsw693 4 Low Tide Terrace + 4 Low Tide Terrace + Rocks Rocks Moutrys nsw694 4 Low Tide Terrace + 4 Low Tide Terrace + Rocks Rocks Whale nsw695 5 Reflective 4 Low Tide Terrace Brierly Point nsw696 3 Reflective + Rocks 3 Reflective + Rocks Brierly Point East nsw697 3 Reflective + Rocks Not assessed (inaccessible) 1 Brierly Point East nsw698 3 Reflective + Rocks 3 Reflective + Rocks 2

Page 23 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Location Name ABSAMP No. ABSAMP ABSAMP Type ABSAMP ABSAMP Type Rating (Modal) Rating (Prevailing) (Modal) (Prevailing) Fisheries nsw699 2 Low Tide Terrace 2 Low Tide Terrace Edrom 1 nsw700 2 Reflective 2 Reflective Edrom 2 nsw701 2 Reflective 2 Reflective Munganno Point nsw701RPa 2* Rock Platforms Not assessed (inaccessible) Munganno (S) nsw702 2 Reflective Not assessed (inaccessible) Munganno (N) nsw703 2 Reflective Not assessed (inaccessible) Jews Head nsw703RPa 4* Rock Platforms Not assessed (inaccessible) Honeysuckle nsw703RPb 4* Rock Platforms Not assessed (inaccessible) Point Red Point nsw703RPc 5* Rock Platforms 3* Rock Platforms Red Sands Bay nsw703RPd 5* Boulder 3* Boulder Leatherjacket Bay nsw704 5 Boulder 4 Boulder Mowarry Point nsw705 4 Low Tide Terrace 4 Low Tide Terrace (1) Mowarry Point nsw706 3 Reflective 3 Reflective (2) Saltwater North nsw707 3 Reflective 4 Low Tide Terrace Saltwater Creek nsw708 4 Low Tide Terrace 6 Transverse Bar and Rip Hegartys Bay nsw708RPa 3* Reflective + Rocks 3 Reflective + Rocks Bittangabee Bay nsw709 2 Reflective 3 Reflective Pulpit Rock nsw709RPa 4* Rock Platforms 4* Rock Platforms Greencape nsw709RPb 4* Rock Platforms 4* Rock Platforms City Rock nsw709RPc 4* Rock Platforms 4* Rock Platforms Disaster Bay nsw710 6 Rhythmic Bar and 5 Transverse Bar and Beach / Transverse Rip Bar and Rip Baycliff nsw710RPa 6* Rock Platforms 5* Rock Platforms Wonboyn Bay nsw711 6 Rhythmic Bar and 5 Transverse Bar and Beach / Transverse Rip Bar and Rip Greenglade Point nsw711RPa 5* Rock Platforms 5* Rock Platforms Merrica nsw712 4 Low Tide Terrace 4 Low Tide Terrace Merrica 1 nsw713 5 Boulder Not assessed (inaccessible) Merrica 2 nsw714 6 Transverse Bar and Not assessed (inaccessible) Rip + Rocks Jane Spiers nsw715 7 Transverse Bar and Not assessed (inaccessible) Rip / Rhythmic Bar and Beach + Rocks Newtons nsw716 6 Transverse Bar and 6 Transverse Bar and Rip / Rhythmic Bar Rip and Beach Little Creek nsw717 5 Transverse Bar and 5 Transverse Bar and Rip Rip Nadgee nsw718 5 Transverse Bar and 5 Transverse Bar and Rip Rip Nadgee nsw719 7 Reflective + Rocks

Page 24 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Location Name ABSAMP No. ABSAMP ABSAMP Type ABSAMP ABSAMP Type Rating (Modal) Rating (Prevailing) (Modal) (Prevailing) Point/Blackhead Nadgee Lake nsw720 6 Transverse Bar and Not assessed (inaccessible) Rip / Rhythmic Bar and Beach Nadgee Moores/ nsw720RPa 6* Reflective + Rocks Not assessed (inaccessible) Bunyip Hole Cape Howe nsw721 6 Transverse Bar and Not assessed (inaccessible) Rip / Rhythmic Bar and Beach Conference Point nsw721RPa 7* Rock Platforms Not assessed (inaccessible)

* Bega Valley LGA Rock Platform Ratings

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

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

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

Treatment Option 4.1 Research currently being conducted by the University of Melbourne, University of Wollongong and Surf Life Saving Australia into a rocky coast classification model and hazard rating system for rocky coast should be commended and supported. Once this research is completed the calculations related to rocky coasts in this report should be reviewed.

Page 25 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

2.7 ABSAMP Beach Type Characteristic Overview and Hazards

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

2.7.1 Rhythmic Bar and Beach

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

Waves break more heavily on the shoreward- protruding rhythmic bar sections with the broken wave and white water flowing shoreward as a wave bore. The bore then flows Figure 2.7.1: Illustration of a Rhythmic Bar & Beach beach. off the bar into the deeper tough, where it moves shoreward and longshore as a rip feeder current. Part of the wave reforms in the trough and breaks again on the shore.

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

The following beaches within the Bega Valley LGA are classified as Rhythmic Bar and Beach:

Wallaga Murrah-Bunga Cowdroys Tathra Wallagoot-Bournda

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

The bars and rips are usually regularly spaced and range from 150 m on the lower energy sea- dominated northern Australian beaches to 250 Figure 2.7.2: Illustration of a Transverse Bar and Rip beach. m along the higher energy southeast coast and 350 m along the exposed southern coast. Waves break heavily on the shallower bars and less in the deeper rip channels resulting in lower energy swash in lee of the bars and higher energy swash/shore break in lee of the rips. The shoreline is rhythmic building a few metres seaward behind the attached bars as deposition occurs forming the mega cusp horns and being scoured out and often scarped in lee of the rips forming the embayment’s.

Page 26 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

The surf zone has a cellular circulation pattern. Waves tend to break more on the bars and move shoreward as wave bores. This water flows both directly into the adjacent rip channel and, closer to the beach, into the rip feeder channels located at the base of the beach. The water in the rip feeders converge and return seaward as a strong rip current.

The following beaches within the Bega Valley LGA are classified as Transverse Bar and Rip:

Camel Rock North Tura/Dolphin Cove Haywards Short Point/Tura Haywards Point Merimbula Beares North Pambula Beares Little Beach/Jiguma Baragoot Long Beach/Haycock Cuttagee Quondolo Armonds Bay Pinnacles Bunga North Disaster Bay Bunga Wonboyn Bay Bunga South Little Creek Aragunnu Bay Nadgee Bengunnu Point 1 Bengunnu Point 2 Picnic North Picnic Beach Middle North Middle South Gillards Nelson Beach

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

Figure 2.7.3: Illustration of a Low Tide Terrace beach. At high tide when waves are less than 1m, they may pass right over the bar and not break until the beach face, which behaves much like a reflective beach. At spring low tide, however, the entire bar is usually exposed as a ridge or terrace running parallel to the beach and waves break by plunging heavily on the outer edge of the bar.

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

The following beach within the Bega Valley LGA is classified as Low Tide Terrace:

Murunna Point Wallagoot Gap Keatings Head Bournda Island Morehead Middle Beach

Page 27 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Horseshoe Bay Aslings Jaggers Cocora Mills Boydtown Barragga Bay Torarago Point Picnic Point Moutrys Penders Beach Fisheries Moon Bay Mowarry Point (1) Paspalum Point Saltwater Creek Mogareeka Inlet Merrica

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

Reflective beaches are Australia's most common beach type occurring in every state though they Figure 2.7.4: Illustration of a Reflective beach. are more common around the southern half of the continent. Reflective beach morphology consists of the steeper, narrow beach and swash zone, with beach cusps commonly present in the upper high tide swash zone. They have no bar or surf zone as waves move unbroken to the shore, where they collapse or surge up the beach face.

The following beach within the Bega Valley LGA is classified as Reflective:

Pebbly Brandy Creek Beach Bermagui Inlet (1) Currawulla Bermagui Inlet (2) Torarago Point Breakaway Whale Zane Grey Pool Brierly Point Jerimbut Point Brierly Point East 2 Mimosa Rocks Edrom 1 Bithry Inlet Edrom 2 Kianinny Bay Red Sands Bay Games Bay Mowarry Point (2) Tura Head Saltwater North Bar Beach Hegartys Bay Bar Mouth North Bittangabee Bay Bar Mouth South Pulpit Rock Shelly Beach Nadgee Point/Blackhead Worang Point Yallumgo Cove Snug Cove Cattle Bay Wharf Bungo Rixons Quarantine Bay Legges

Page 28 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

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

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

Murunna Point Lookout Point Bermagui Point Mirare Point Point Dickson Cocora Point Blue Point Bungo Point Baragoot Point Oman Point Cuttagee Point Murrumbulga Point Barragga Point Quandoa Point Golden Gate Headland/Iron Reef Red Point Goalen Head Leatherjacket Bay Boronda Head Pulpit Rock Wajurda Point Greencape Tathra Head City Rock Wild Horse Bay Baycliff Boulder Bay Greenglade Point White Rock Tura Head Short Point Headland Merimbula Head/Long Point Ioala Point Haycock Point Terrace Point Lennards Island North Head The Eagles Claw

Page 29 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

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

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

The following information is used to calculate the FVR:

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

The Facility Visitation Rate is calculated using the following formula:

FVR = (Development x Population) + Frequency

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

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

2.8.1 Facility Visitation Rating (FVR) Reference Tables

Table 2.8.1 provides the Development ratings that apply to a reserve or other non-beach environment provided by council. Table 2.8.2 provides the equivalent AMSAMP hazard rating for each Development rating. The Population and Frequency rating classifications are provided in Table 2.8.3 and Table 2.8.4, respectively.

Table 2.8.1 Typical Development and Natural Hazards Rating for Reserves – non beach environments. Rating Development Natural Hazards 1 Virginal bush, cleared land, no infrastructure No hazardous features 2 Cleared land, static infrastructure e.g. grass area with Sloping ground; no natural water; tables and chairs, toilet block, lookout walking track around reserve 3 Cleared land with mobile infrastructure e.g. grassed area Reserve contains natural waterway that with play equipment, cycle way, market, leash free dog runs during wet weather, drops less areas than 1 metre 4 Land manager owned infrastructure with no artificial Creeks, ponds and ledges between 1 lighting e.g. golf course, football field, recreational metre and 3 metres ground, caravan park 5 Extensively developed infrastructure with artificial Contains rivers, dams and cliffs greater lighting e.g. sporting complex, artificially lit courts than 3 metres

Table 2.8.2 Typical development ratings for beaches. Rating ABSAMP Beach Rating 1 Beach hazard rating 1 and 2 2 Beach hazard rating 3 and 4 3 Beach hazard rating 5 and 6 4 Beach hazard rating 7 and 8 5 Beach hazard rating 9 and 10

Page 30 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Table 2.8.3 Typical population use rating for a facility. Rating Population Use 1 Less than 5 people at a time 2 5 to 50 people at a time 3 50 to 100 people at a time 4 100 to 500 people at a time 5 Greater than 500 people at a time

Table 2.8.4 Suggested Frequency use rating for a Facility. Rating Frequency of Use 1 An annual activity or event is held at the facility 2 An activity event takes place in the facility on a monthly basis 3 An activity event takes place in the facility on a weekly basis 4 An activity event takes place in the facility on a daily basis 5 The facility is in continuous use for the majority of the day

The FVR values for assessed locations in the Bega Valley LGA are provided in Table 2.8.5. Since only beach environments were assessed, the ABSAMP hazard rating for each location was converted to a Development rating using Table 2.8.2.

Table 2.8.5 Facility Visitation Rates – for assessed locations. LOCATION NAME DEVELOPMENT * POPULATION + FREQUENCY = FVR RATING Wallaga 4 x 3 + 3 = 15 Murunna Point 3 x 3 + 3 = 15 Pebbly 3 x 1 + 2 = 5 Camel Rock 3 x 4 + 4 = 16 Haywards 3 x 4 + 3 = 15 Haywards Point 3 x 3 + 3 = 12 Keatings Head 3 x 1 + 2 = 5 Morehead 2 x 3 + 4 = 10 Bermagui Inlet (1) 2 x 2 + 4 = 8 Bermagui Inlet (2) 1 x 3 + 4 = 7 Bermagui Point 2 x 2 + 4 = 8 Horseshoe Bay 2 x 4 + 4 = 12 Point Dickson 3 x 2 + 4 = 10 Blue Point 3 x 3 + 4 = 13 Beares North 3 x 3 + 4 = 13 Beares 3 x 3 + 3 = 12 Breakaway 3 x 1 + 2 = 5 Zane Grey Pool 3 x 2 + 3 = 9 Jerimbut Point 3 x 2 + 3 = 9 Baragoot Point Not assessed (inaccessible) Jaggers 2 x 2 + 3 = 7 Baragoot 3 x 3 + 4 = 13 Cuttagee Point 3 x 2 + 4 = 10 Cuttagee 3 x 3 + 4 = 13 Mills 3 x 2 + 3 = 9 Barragga Point 3 x 1 + 3 = 6 Barragga Bay 2 x 2 + 4 = 8 Golden Gate Headland/Iron Reef 3 x 1 + 3 = 6 Armonds Bay 3 x 4 + 2 = 14 Murrah Head Not assessed (inaccessible) Murrah-Bunga 3 x 2 + 4 = 10

Page 31 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

LOCATION NAME DEVELOPMENT * POPULATION + FREQUENCY = FVR RATING Goalen Head 3 x 2 + 2 = 8 Bunga North 3 x 2 + 3 = 9 Bunga 3 x 2 + 4 = 10 Bunga South 3 x 2 + 3 = 9 Bunga Head Not assessed (inaccessible) Mimosa Rocks 3 x 2 + 4 = 10 Aragunnu Bay 3 x 3 + 4 = 13 Bengunnu Point Nth Not assessed (inaccessible) Bengunnu Point 1 3 x 1 + 2 = 5 Bengunnu Point 2 3 x 1 + 3 = 6 Picnic North 3 x 2 + 4 = 10 Picnic Beach 3 x 2 + 4 = 10 Picnic Point 3 x 2 + 3 = 9 Bithry Inlet North Not assessed (inaccessible) Bithry Inlet 2 x 2 + 3 = 7 Penders Beach 3 x 2 + 3 = 9 Stinking Bay Not assessed (inaccessible) Middle North 4 x 2 + 4 = 12 Middle South 4 x 2 + 4 = 12 Gillards 3 x 3 + 4 = 13 Cowdroys 3 x 2 + 4 = 10 Boronda Head Not assessed (inaccessible) Nelson Beach 3 x 2 + 4 = 10 Wajurda Point 3 x 1 + 3 = 6 Moon Bay 2 x 2 + 3 = 7 Paspalum Point 2 x 1 + 3 = 5 Mogareeka Inlet 3 x 1 + 3 = 6 Tathra 3 x 5 + 4 = 19 Tathra Head 3 x 3 + 3 = 12 Kianinny Bay 2 x 4 + 4 = 12 Wild Horse Bay 2 x 1 + 2 = 4 Boulder Bay 2 x 2 + 3 = 7 White Rock 3 x 2 + 3 = 9 Games Bay 3 x 2 + 3 = 9 Wallagoot Gap 3 x 2 + 3 = 9 Wallagoot-Bournda 3 x 3 + 4 = 13 Bournda Island 2 x 1 + 3 = 5 North Tura/Dolphin Cove 3 x 3 + 4 = 13 Tura Head 3 x 2 + 4 = 10 Short Point/Tura 3 x 4 + 4 = 16 Short Point Headland 3 x 2 + 3 = 9 Middle Beach 2 x 2 + 4 = 8 Merimbula Head/Long Point 2 x 3 + 4 = 10 Bar Beach 2 x 4 + 4 = 12 Merimbula 3 x 4 + 4 = 16 Pambula 3 x 4 + 4 = 16 Little Beach/Jiguma 3 x 2 + 4 = 10 Bar Mouth North 3 x 2 + 4 = 10 Bar Mouth South 2 x 2 + 3 = 7 Shelly Beach 2 x 1 + 3 = 5 Ioala Point 3 x 1 + 3 = 6 Haycock Point 3 x 2 + 4 = 10 Long Beach/Haycock 3 x 3 + 3 = 12

Page 32 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

LOCATION NAME DEVELOPMENT * POPULATION + FREQUENCY = FVR RATING Quondolo 3 x 2 + 4 = 10 Pinnacles 3 x 3 + 3 = 12 Terrace Point 3 x 2 + 3 = 9 Lennards Island 3 x 1 + 3 = 6 North Head 3 x 2 + 3 = 9 Worang Point 2 x 1 + 3 = 5 Aslings 3 x 4 + 4 = 16 Yallumgo Cove 1 x 1 + 3 = 4 The Eagles Claw 1 x 1 + 3 = 4 Lookout Point 1 x 1 + 3 = 4 By Beach 2 x 2 + 3 = 7 Snug Cove 1 x 3 + 4 = 7 Mirare Point 1 x 1 + 3 = 4 Cattle Bay Wharf 1 x 3 + 3 = 6 Cocora 2 x 4 + 3 = 11 Cocora Point 2 x 1 + 3 = 5 Bungo Point 2 x 1 + 3 = 5 Bungo 1 x 2 + 4 = 6 Oman Point 1 x 1 + 3 = 4 Rixons 1 x 2 + 4 = 6 Murrumbulga Point 1 x 3 + 3 = 6 Quarantine Bay 1 x 3 + 3 = 6 Legges 1 x 3 + 4 = 7 Quandoa Point 1 x 2 + 4 = 6 Brandy Creek Beach 1 x 2 + 4 = 6 Currawulla 2 x 1 + 3 = 5 Mungora Rocks Not assessed (inaccessible) Northcote Not assessed (inaccessible) Northcote Point Not assessed (inaccessible) Boydtown 2 x 4 + 4 = 12 Torarago Point 2 x 2 + 3 = 7 Moutrys 2 x 2 + 3 = 7 Whale 3 x 2 + 3 = 9 Brierly Point 2 x 2 + 4 = 8 Brierly Point East (1) Not assesed (inaccessible) Brierly Point East (2) 2 x 1 + 3 = 5 Fisheries 1 x 2 + 3 = 5 Edrom 1 1 x 2 + 4 = 6 Edrom 2 1 x 2 + 4 = 6 Munganno Point Not assessed (inaccessible) Munganno (S) Not assessed (inaccessible) Munganno (N) Not assessed (inaccessible) Jews Head Not assessed (inaccessible) Honeysuckle Point Not assessed (inaccessible) Red Point 3 x 1 + 3 = 6 Red Sands Bay 3 x 2 + 3 = 9 Leatherjacket Bay 3 x 2 + 3 = 9 Mowarry Point (1) 2 x 2 + 3 = 7 Mowarry Point (2) 2 x 2 + 3 = 7 Saltwater North 2 x 1 + 3 = 5 Saltwater Creek 2 x 3 + 4 = 10 Hegartys Bay 2 x 2 + 3 = 7 Bittangabee Bay 1 x 3 + 4 = 7

Page 33 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

LOCATION NAME DEVELOPMENT * POPULATION + FREQUENCY = FVR RATING Pulpit Rock 2 x 2 + 3 = 7 Greencape 2 x 2 + 4 = 8 City Rock 2 x 1 + 3 = 5 Disaster Bay 3 x 2 + 3 = 9 Baycliff 3 x 2 + 3 = 9 Wonboyn Bay 3 x 3 + 3 = 12 Greenglade Point 3 x 1 + 3 = 6 Merrica 2 x 1 + 3 = 5 Merrica 1 Not assessed (inaccessible) Merrica 2 Not assessed (inaccessible) Jane Spiers Not assessed (inaccessible) Newtons 3 x 1 + 3 = 6 Little Creek 3 x 1 + 3 = 6 Nadgee 3 x 1 + 3 = 6 Nadgee Point/Blackhead 4 x 1 + 2 = 6 Nadgee Lake Not assessed (inaccessible) Nadgee Moores/ Not assessed (inaccessible) Bunyip Hole Cape Howe Not assessed (inaccessible) Conference Point Not assessed (inaccessible)

Given the FVR scores listed in Table 2.8.5, the most appropriate signage characteristics for each location are listed below.

FVR Score between 4 and 6 Locations include:

o Barragga Point o Keatings Head o Golden Gate Headland/Iron Reef o Breakaway o Bengunnu Point 2 o Bengunnu Point 1 o Wajurda Point o Paspalum Point o Mogareeka Inlet o Bournda Island o Ioala Point o Shelly Beach o Lennards Island o Worang Point o Cattle Bay Wharf o Cocora Point o Bungo o Bungo Point o Rixons o Currawulla o Murrumbulga Point o Brierly Point East (2) o Quarantine Bay o Fisheries o Quandoa Point o Saltwater North o Brandy Creek Beach o City Rock o Edrom 1 o Merrica o Edrom 2 o Nadgee Moores/Bunyip Hole o Red Point o Cape Howe o Greenglade Point o Wild Horse Bay o Newtons o Yallumgo Cove o Little Creek o The Eagles Claw o Nadgee o Lookout Point o Nadgee Point o Mirare Point o Nadgee Lake o Oman Point o Conference Point o Munganno Point o Pebbly

Page 34 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

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

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

FVR Score between 7 and 10

o Morehead o Whale o Point Dickson o Red Sands Bay o Cuttagee Point o Leatherjacket Bay o Murrah-Bunga o Disaster Bay o Bunga o Baycliff o Mimosa Rocks o Bermagui Inlet (1) o Picnic North o Bermagui Point o Picnic Beach o Barragga Bay o Cowdroys o Goalen Head o Nelson Beach o Middle Beach o Tura Head o Brierly Point o Merimbula Head o Greencape o Little Beach/Jiguma o Bermagui Inlet (2) o Bar Mouth North o Jaggers o Haycock Point o Bithry Inlet o Quondolo o Moon Bay o Saltwater Creek o Boulder Bay o Zane Grey Pool o Bar Mouth South o Jerimbut Point o By Beach o Mills o Snug Cove o Bunga North o Legges o Bunga South o Torarago Point o Picnic Point o Moutrys o Penders Beach o Mowarry Point (1) o White Rock o Mowarry Point (2) o Games Bay o Hegartys Bay o Wallagoot Gap o Bittangabee Bay o Short Point Headland o Pulpit Rock o Terrace Point o North Head

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

Page 35 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

FVR Score between 11 and 15

o Wallaga o Horseshoe Bay o Haywards o Beares o Armonds Bay o Middle North o Blue Point o Middle South o Beares North o Tathra Head o Baragoot o Kianinny Bay o Cuttagee o Bar Beach o Aragunnu Bay o Long Beach/Haycock o Gillards o Pinnacles o Wallagoot-Bournda o Boydtown o North Tura/Dolphin Cove o Wonboyn Bay o Haywards Point o Cocora o Murunna Point

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

FVR Score between 16 and 20 o Tathra o Camel Rock o Short Point/Tura o Merimbula o Pambula o Aslings

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

Page 36 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

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

Table 2.9.1: The 20 most common facilities along the Bega Valley LGA coastline. Rank Facility Type Count 1 Picnic Table 203 2 Car Park 166 3 Bench 116 4 Rubbish Bins 107 5 Barbecue Area 67 6 Amenities Block 59 7 Lookout 34 8 Viewing Platform 26 9 Lighting 25 10 Fire Hydrant 22 11 Camp Site 21 12 Water Tap 20 13 Ladder 19 14 Dog Tidy Bags 13 15 Memorial 12 16 Sheltered Picnic Table 12 17 Camp Fire 10 18 Navigational Marker 10 19 Playground 10 20 Rock Fishing Infrastructure 10

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

Below is a list of the top ten locations for facilities within the Bega Valley LGA:

Table 2.9.2: The top ten locations for facilities within the Bega Valley LGA. Rank Location Number 1 Tathra 85 2 Snug Cove/Eden Harbour 81 3 Aslings 47 4 Merimbula 42 5 Tathra Head 38 6 Lookout Point 36 7 Aragunnu Bay 35 8 Blue Point 31 9 Horseshoe Bay 31 10 Kianinny Bay 29

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

Page 37 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

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

2.10.1 Population Statistics The 2011 census recorded that a population count of 39,747 in the Bega Valley LGA. Over the last 10 years, the population has increased by only 1,503 people (4.9% growth). Table 2.10.1 lists the male, female and total population in the Bega Valley LGA for the last three Census counts.

Table 2.10.1 Bega Valley population data (ABS, 2011). Bega Valley Local Government Area – Population Year Males Females Total 2011 15,684 16,266 31,950 2006 15,297 15,765 31,062 2001 15,000 15,447 30,447 Table 2.10.2 lists the population of the 16 State Suburbs that are situated along the coast of the Bega Valley LGA.

Table 2.10.2 Population count of coastal suburbs in the Bega Valley LGA (ABS, 2011). State Suburb Males Females Total Population Wallaga Lake 273 253 526 Bermagui 845 826 1,671 Tanja 190 191 381 Mogareeka 92 114 206 Tathra 759 767 1,526 Wallagoot 242 226 468 Bournda 66 58 124 Tura Beach 1,387 1,534 2,921 Berrambool 319 361 680 Merimbula 1,561 1,717 3,278 Pambula 423 444 867 Pambula Beach 332 333 665 Greigs Flat 166 157 323 Boydtown 80 82 162 Eden 1,476 1,567 3,043 Kiah 131 109 240

Page 38 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

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

Eden Port Development Major works are scheduled for the Port of Eden to transform the existing facility into an international tourism and research precinct, and strengthen its importance as a working port servicing local and offshore resources. The Breakwater Wharf platform will be redesigned to accommodate 300m cruise ship vessels of 3000 passengers to capitalise on the east coast pleasure boat traffic. Subject to private funding, additional elements may include a marina with a floating walkway and amenities, car parking and tourist facilities. The development may see private investment in the region reach $100m.

Figure 2.10.1 Port of Eden concept diagram.

The tourist influx to Eden is likely to increase substantially due to the redevelopment of the Port to accommodate for thousands of cruise ship passengers, and this is likely to increase attendance figures at Aslings beach and other nearby coastal locations. Bega Valley Shire council and key decision makers should consider coastal safety when designing and implementing the strategic plan for the port development.

According to the South Coast Regional Strategy (NSW Department of Planning,2007), the future demand for dwellings in Bega Valley is estimated to be 8600 over the next 25 years. However, the shire is oversupplied with vacant urban land, particularly around Bega, which could potentially accommodate 15,200 dwellings. Although this figure is likely to decline once natural constraints are taken into account, Bega Valley will still remain well supplied with vacant urban land.

The demand to live in coastal areas, coupled with the existing land supply in coastal centres such as Merimbula (including the adjoining settlement of Tura Beach), Bermagui and Eden will mean that the majority of growth is likely to be located in these centres over the next 25 years.

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

Page 39 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

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

Table 2.10.3 Tourism data and visitor information for Bega Valley LGA (‘Destination NSW’, 2014). Overall Tourist Figures (‘000) Domestic Overnight 435 Domestic Day Trip (>50km) 270 International Overnight 23

Table 2.10.4 Domestic overnight travel data and visitor information for Bega Valley LGA (‘Destination NSW’, 2014). Top 5 Activities (‘000) BEGA % NSW % Eat out at Restaurants 247 28.9 n/a Go to the beach 194 22.7 n/a General Sight Seeing 170 19.9 n/a Visit Friends and Relatives 134 15.7 n/a Go Shopping for Pleasure 108 12.6 n/a Origin (‘000) BEGA % NSW % Regional NSW 474 23.0 35.5 Sydney 209 10.1 26.6 Victoria 1,170 56.7 13.9 Queensland 21 1.0 13.3 ACT 160 7.7 4.2 Other Interstate 30 1.5 6.4 Top 5 Accommodation (‘000) BEGA % NSW% Caravan Park, Camping 538 26.1 12.4 Friends or relatives 440 21.4 39.1 Rented 421 20.5 9.9 Hotel/Motel 301 14.6 23.4 Own Property 180 8.7 3.9 Age Group (‘000) BEGA % NSW % 15 to 24 years 50 11.4 14.5 25 to 34 years 46 10.6 14.0 35 to 44 years 90 20.7 21.5 45 to 54 years 70 16.1 19.0 55 to 64 years 87 20.0 16.6 65 years and over 92 21.1 14.4

In summary, beaches in the Bega Valley LGA are the second highest attraction for domestic overnight travellers. 56.7% of these people live in Victoria and 23% live in Regional NSW. 26.1% are more likely to stay at caravan parks/camping and visitors within the 35- 44 year age bracket have the highest percentage with 20.7%.

Table 2.10.5 Day trip travel data and visitor information for Bega Valley LGA (‘Destination NSW’, 2014). Top 5 Activities (‘000) BEGA % NSW % Eat out at restaurants 111 30.5 n/a Go Shopping for Pleasure 77 21.0 n/a Go to the beach 64 17.6 n/a Visit friends and relatives 58 15.9 n/a General sight seeing 54 14.8 n/a Age Group (‘000) BEGA % NSW % 15 to 24 years 47 17.3 14.4 25 to 34 years 11 3.9 13.4 35 to 44 years 36 13.4 19.6 45 to 54 years 50 18.4 18.1

Page 40 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

55 to 64 years 68 25.2 16.8 65 years and over 59 21.7 17.7 Origin (‘000) BEGA % NSW % South Coast 202 74.7 7.8 Sydney 18 6.5 42.0 Canberra 16 5.8 2.5 Snowy Mountains 15 5.4 0.7 Lakes (Vic) 12 4.4 0.0

In summary, the majority of day trippers eat out at restaurants and go shopping rather than go to the beach. Visitors within the 55- 64 year age bracket have the highest percentage with 25.2% and the majority of these visitors come from the South Coast.

Table 2.10.6 International overnight travel data and visitor information for Bega Valley LGA (‘Destination NSW’ 2014). Top 5 origin markets (‘000) BEGA % NSW % United Kingdom 6 28.6 13.3 Germany 3 12.2 3.8 USA 2 8.9 10.6 New Zealand 2 7.2 13.3 Switzerland 1 6.5 1.0 Age Group (‘000) BEGA % NSW % 15 to 24 years 4 16.3 18.8 25 to 34 years 5 20.6 24.8 35 to 44 years 3 12.1 17.4 45 to 54 years 4 15.7 17.2 55 to 64 years 5 22.0 14.8 65 years and over 3 13.2 6.9 Top 3 Accommodation (‘000) BEGA % NSW % Friends or relatives 40 42.4 27.5 Rented 19 20.5 40.3 Hotel/Motel 14 14.6 10.2

The highest number of international tourist’s holiday from the United Kingdom, Germany, USA. Visitors within the 55-64 year age bracket have the highest percentage with 22.0% and the majority stay with friends and relatives followed by rented accommodation.

Page 41 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

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

Table 2.10.7 Accommodation providers with direct coastal access in the Bega Valley LGA. Venue Type Location Approx. Max Capacity Wallaga Lake Park Caravan Park Wallaga Lake 1500 Bermagui Tourist Park Caravan Park Bermagui 500 Arugunnu Bay Camp Site Mimosa Rocks National Park 250 Picnic Point Camp Site Mimosa Rocks National Park 90 Middle North Camp Site Mimosa Rocks National Park 60 Gillards Camp Site Mimosa Rocks National Park 350 Tathra Beach Family Park Caravan Park Tathra 750 BIG4 Tathra Beach Holiday Park Caravan Park Tathra 500 Hobart Beach Camp Ground Camp Site Bournda National Park 315 NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Park Caravan Park Short Point/Tura 1030 BIG4 Tween Waters Resort Caravan Park Merimbula 552 Discovery Holiday Parks - Pambula Beach Caravan Park Pambula 2000 Eden Tourist Park Caravan Park Eden 750 Sapphire Sun Eco Holiday Village Caravan Park Eden 679 Twofold Bay Beach Resort Caravan Park Boydtown 1100 Boydtown Caravan Park Caravan Park Boydtown 500 Saltwater Creek Camp Site Ben Boyd National Park 70 Bittangabee Bay Camp Site Ben Boyd National Park 150 Nadgee Nature Reserve Camp Site Nadgee Nature Reserve 30

Caravan parks/camping grounds that have direct access to coastal waters are of significance when determining the level of risk at a certain location. As most guests are domestic or internationally visitors their knowledge of the beach conditions will be less than local residents and therefore there is a higher chance of visitors getting into difficulty. Many access points from caravan parks and camping ground also lead to unpatrolled beaches or sections of a beach which may also increase the level of risk. Some treatment options regarding accommodation providers that have direct access to coastal waters can be found in Sections 3.2.3 – Education and Awareness Programs and 3.2.4 – Safety signage.

The NSW Crown Holiday Parks Trust is a new trust established under the Crown Lands Act 1989 to provide coordinated management of some of the state’s most iconic coastal and inland caravan parks and reserves. The caravan parks within the Bega Valley LGA that fall within this trust include the Bermagui Tourist Park, Tathra Beach Tourist Park and the Eden Tourist Park. The NSW Crown Holiday Parks Trust is in the early stages of developing a working group to discuss a range of coordinated actions, including water safety and education. (Trade & Investment Crown Lands, 2014)

Page 42 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

2.10.4 Beach Usage Statistics The following statistics have been recorded by the lifesaving (volunteers) and lifeguard services (paid) operating within the Bega Valley LGA over the last five patrolling seasons (2008/09, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2011/12, 2012/13). Statistics for lifesavers and lifeguards have been sourced from the Surf Life Saving internal management database known as ‘SurfGuard’

Attendances: The two graphs below provide an average daily attendance for lifesavers (weekends and public holidays) and lifeguards (weekdays)

Figure 2.10.2: Bega Valley SLS attendance statistics from July 2008 to June 2013.

Notes to graph: o Pambula Beach recorded the highest total average daily attendance, while Bermagui recorded the lowest. o The highest average daily attendance was recorded at Pambula during 2008/09, followed by Tathra in 2009/10. o Bermagui recorded relatively consistent average attendances over the five seasons.

Page 43 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Figure 2.10.3: Bega Valley Lifeguard Service attendance statistics from July 2008 to June 2013.

Notes to graph: o Merimbula recorded the highest total average daily attendance, while Aslings recorded the least. o Tathra recorded the second highest total average daily attendance, followed closely by Bar Beach and Pambula. o The high figure for Merimbula may suggest that this beach also has high average daily attendance when lifeguards are not on duty outside of the summer school holiday period.

Page 44 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

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

Figure 2.10.4 Bega Valley SLS rescue statistics from July 2008 to June 2013.

Notes to graph: o Tathra conducted the highest amount of rescues over the 5 year period followed by Pambula then Bermagui. o Season 2010/11 saw the highest amount of rescues over the five year period.

Page 45 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Figure 2.10.5 Bega Valley Lifeguard Service rescue statistics for 2008 to 2013.

Notes to graph: o Bar Beach lifeguards conducted the highest amount of rescues which was more than 100 rescues than the second highest location which was Tathra. o Bermagui conducted the least amount of rescues.

Page 46 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

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

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

Figure 2.10.6 SLS rescues, first aid and prevention statistics for 2008 to 2013.

Notes to graph: o Tathra recorded the highest amount of rescues. o Pambula recorded the highest amount of preventions. o Bermagui recorded the highest amount of first aid cases.

Page 47 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Figure 2.10.7 Bega Valley Lifeguard Service rescues, first aid and prevention statistics for 2008 to 2013.

Notes to graph: o Bar Beach, Camel Rock and Pambula all recorded high preventions. o Tathra and Merimbula recorded high first aid cases. o Bar Beach conducted the highest number of rescues.

Page 48 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Preventions/Rescues: The below tables show the cumulative statistics for both preventions and rescues (2008-2013) which are then used to determine the preventions/rescues ratio. In theory, the more preventative actions a club/service makes, the number of rescues that are required to be conducted will decrease e.g. Tathra SLSC makes 10 preventions before having to conduct a single rescue. These statistics may highlight which clubs/services have the opportunity to be more proactive in making preventions with the aim of reducing the amount of rescues that need to be conducted.

Table 2.10.8: Surf Life Saving Preventions/Rescues. Bermagui SLSC Tathra SLSC Pambula SLSC Total Preventions 196 1127 1870 Total Rescues 83 113 88 Ratio Preventions : Rescues 2:1 10:1 21:1

Notes to table: o Pambula recorded the highest ratio of preventions / rescues o Bermagui recorded the lowest ratio of preventions / rescues

Table 2.10.9: Bega Valley Lifeguard Service Preventions/Rescues. Camel Horseshoe Short Bar Rock Bay Tathra Point Beach Merimbula Pambula Aslings Total Preventions 8431 2006 5195 6132 8690 6820 8411 2115 Total Rescues 135 18 199 168 314 64 74 91 Ratio Preventions : Rescues 61:1 111:1 26:1 37:1 28:1 106:1 113:1 23:1

Notes to table: o Pambula recorded the highest ratio of preventions / rescues followed by Horseshoe Bay o Aslings recorded the lowest ratio of preventions / rescues

Page 49 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

2.10.5 Drowning Incidents The drowning incidents that have occurred in the Bega Valley LGA between the 1st of July 2004 and the 30th of June 2013 are provided in Table 2.10.10.

Table 2.10.10 Drowning incidents within Bega Valley LGA (SLSA, 2013). Coastal Drowning Incidents – Bega Valley Local Government Area Date Location Time Month Age / Ethnicity Residential Activity Victim Gender Status Postcode Australian 10/09/06 Snug Cove 01:15 Sep 47/M Australian Boating 7109 Resident Australian 10/03/08 Pambula 18:42 Mar 51/M Australian Swimming 2614 Resident 15mths/ Australian 18/11/08 Tathra Wharf 20:10 Nov Australian Fishing 2550 M Resident Australian 18/11/08 Tathra Wharf 20:10 Nov 4/M Australian Fishing 2550 Resident Australian 18/11/08 Tathra Wharf 20:10 Nov 28/M Australian Fishing 2550 Resident Australian 11/11/09 Haycock Beach 09:30 Nov 60/M Unknown Boating 2641 Resident Australian Rock 12/03/11 Green Cape 04:45 Mar 45/M Australian 3809 Resident Fishing Australian Diving/ 16/01/12 Merimbula Wharf 12:30 Jan 40/M Australian 3931 Resident Snorkelling Australian Rock 6/02/12 Haycock Point 18:45 Feb 56/M Asian 2617 Resident Fishing 50- Australian 9/10/13 Quondola Point 13:30 Oct Australian Unknown unknown 60/M Resident Australian 9/10/13 Mogareeka Inlet 16:30 Oct 19/M Australian Swimming 2550 Resident

Notes to table: o All 11 people who have drowned in Bega Valley were male; o All 11 people were Australian residents; o 63% of drowning incidents occurred during the season of spring; o 72% of drowning incidents occurred after 15:00hrs – 06:00hrs

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

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

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

Page 50 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Figure 2.10.8 Bega Valley Drowning locations and postcode of victim residence.

Page 51 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

2.10.6 Emergency Callouts There have been 40 emergency callouts through the Surf Rescue Emergency Response System (SRERS) from 1st January 2008 to 31st December 2013 in the Bega Valley LGA. The SRERS involves callout teams (lifesavers/lifeguards), including ‘after hours’ responding to emergencies that have been tasked by the Police. As a result of the 40 callouts, 30 persons have been rescued (including found persons). 15 callouts resulted in ‘no further action’, meaning resources responded to the incident however the patient managed to self rescue or was rescued by a member of the public. Through the SRES, emergency services were called to 2 drowning incidents in the Bega Valley LGA.

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

Surf Rescue Emergency Response by Location

Figure 2.10.9 Surf Rescue Emergency Response by Location (SLSNSW, 2014).

Notes to graph: o The Merimbula area has the highest number of emergency callouts with 50% of all callouts. o The Eden area has the least number of emergency callouts with 13%.

Page 52 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Surf RescueSurf Rescue Emergency Emergency Response Response by by Season Season and Dayand Day

Figure 2.10.10 Surf Rescue Emergency Response by Season and Day (SLSNSW, 2014).

Notes to graph: o The majority of emergency response callouts have occurred during summer followed by autumn which highlights that the Bega area is a popular area during holiday periods. o It was a surprise that Monday and Tuesdays recorded the greatest percentage of callouts (52%) combined over weekends (20%) combined.

Surf Rescue Emergency Response by Activity

Other

Vessel

SurfCraft

Rock Fishing

Swimming

Rock Related

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16

Figure 2.10.11 Surf Rescue Emergency Response by Activity (SLSNSW, 2014).

Notes to graph: o Swimming related activities have instigated the greatest number of emergency responses . o The second highest activity resulting in an emergency response callout was vessel incidents followed by surfcraft. o Rock fishing and rock related activities combined with 6 emergency callouts.

Page 53 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Surf Rescue Emergency Response by Time

Figure 2.10.12 Surf Rescue Emergency Response by Patrol Season/Hours (SLSNSW, 2014).

Notes to graph: o 29% of emergency callouts occurred between 3pm and 6pm highlighting that this is a high risk period. o 77% of emergency callouts occurred in the afternoon after 12:00hrs. o 23% of emergency callouts occurred in the morning before midday.

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

Page 54 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

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

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

Local stakeholder meetings were conducted with: o Leanne Webb, Aquatic Services Manager, Bega Valley Shire Council o Rob McKinnon, Operations Coordinator – Far South Coast Region, National Parks and Wildlife Service o Shayne Rettke, Bega Valley Lifeguard Supervisor, Australian Lifeguard Service o Tony Rettke, Far South Coast President, Surf Life Saving.

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

Figure 2.11.1: Project Blueprint Flyer.

Page 55 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

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

The first public forum was held at Pambula SLSC on Thursday 30 January, 2014 and was attended by: o Peter Bootes, Pambula SLSC o Michele Bootes, Pambula SLSC o Frank Davey, Pambula SLSC o Jim McGrath, Pambula SLSC o Peter Wolfie, General Public.

The second public forum was held at Tathra SLSC on Tuesday 4 February, 2014 and was attended by: o Paula Park, Tathra SLSC o Patty McCartney, Tathra SLSC o Judy Rettke, Tathra SLSC o Tony Rettke, Tathra SLSC o Shayne Rettke, Tathra SLSC.

The third public forum was held at Bermagui SLSC on Thursday 13th February, 2014. Unfortunately, no members of the public were available to attend this public forum.

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

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

Bega Valley Shire Council, National Parks & Wildlife and Surf Life Saving Far South Coast should hold regular surf liaison meetings as an effective forum which raises safety issues and implements strategies in the Bega Valley LGA. The committee should have a standing item on all future meeting agendas titled ‘coastal risk management – status and issues’, or similar. Treatment options found in this report can be addressed in this agenda item.

The Local Emergency Management Committee is an effective group in the Bega Valley LGA which discuss emergency management processes, opportunities and issues (including coastal). The group is made up of representatives from NSW Police, NSW Marine Area Command, NSW Fire and Rescue, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW Ambulance Service, State Emergency Service, Marine Rescue, Bega Valley Shire Council, National Parks and Wildlife, Surf Life Saving Far South Coast, Australian Lifeguard Service, Transport Groups, Local Government Departments (Education, Communication Services), Roads and Maritime Services, Sydney Water, Telstra, Jemina (Gas) and the Animal Emergency Committee.

Bar Beach Bar Beach is situated adjacent to the deep tidal channel of the Merimbula Lake. The swimming area immediately in front of the beach is relatively shallow with typically calm conditions, which makes for a popular family beach. However swimming conditions become dangerous during certain tidal periods, when rapid water flow can drag swimmers into a deep and fast moving current.

Page 56 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Charter boats and private vessels also enter and exit the Merimbula Lake in the channel in front of Bar Beach. Navigating this can be difficult and dangerous on busy days where the beach and channel are full of swimmers and surfcraft users. Despite signage in the area warning swimmers to stay clear of vessels crossing the bar, there are still regular reports of vessels needing to stop and reverse for swimmers. This is not ideal given the constricted area coupled with the difficulties of controlling a vessel in the tidal current.

An option to see these issues resolved is for Bega Valley Shire Council to host an open discussion with key stakeholders (Bar Beach lifeguards, Eden Water Police, Bar Beach Kiosk staff, commercial charter boat operators, swimming groups, etc.), to workshop and implement effective water safety measures at Bar Beach.

Options for discussion could include: o Declare times at intervals throughout the day where boats can cross the bar. During these times swimmers must exit the water until boating activity ceases. Boats are prohibited in the channel adjacent to Bar Beach at all other times. o Implement a sign, similar to a ‘fire danger rating’ sign, where the hazardousness of the swimming conditions are rated based on the situation of the tide (Figure 2.11.2). The sign could be operated by the Bar Beach Kiosk (Figure 2.11.3 The popular Bar Beach Kiosk) staff or the lifeguard (when on duty). o Implement a sign, similar to the tide notification sign used overseas by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in England (Figure 2.11.4) o A larger buoy at Bar Beach that has hand grips for self-rescue. o Public Rescue Equipment e.g. Life Ring or a rescue board located at the Café.

Figure 2.11.2 Example of what a swimming hazard rating sign at Bar Beach could look like.

Figure 2.11.3 The popular Bar Beach Kiosk.

Page 57 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Figure 2.11.4: An example of a set of lights used by the Royal National Lifeboat Instituation for safety reasons in regards to tidal changes.

Previous Coastal Public Safety Reports Australian CoastSafe was previously commissioned to undertake a coastal risk assessment and treatment plan in relation to the management and operation, specific to water safety, of the historic Tathra and Merimbula wharves within the Bega Valley LGA. The report was prepared following an on-site risk assessment undertaken during September 2009 and the final report was issued to Bega Valley Shire Council on February 2010.

This report should be reviewed to monitor the progress made and revisit any treatment options that have the opportunity of being implemented.

Treatment Options 1.3, 2.3 & 4.2 Land Managers such as the Bega Valley Shire Council and National Parks and Wildlife should meet regularly with Surf Life Saving Far South Coast as an effective meeting which raises safety issues and implements coastal safety strategies in the Bega Valley Local Government Area. It is encouraged that the treatment options found in this report be addressed as part of these meetings.

Treatment Option 1.4 Bega Valley Shire Council should host a workshop with key stakeholders and decision makers to discuss current issues and drowning prevention strategies for implementation at Bar Beach.

Treatment Option 1.5 The Coastal Risk Assessment and Treatment Plan previously conducted by Australian CoastSafe for Bega Valley Shire Council, specific to the areas of Tathra and Merimbula Wharfs in 2009/10 should be reviewed to monitor the progress made and revisit any treatment options that have the opportunity of being implemented.

Page 58 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

3 Risk Assessment Findings

3.1 Action Planning Priority (Inherent Gross Risk)

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

The total score for the Action Planning Priority Index is intended to be used for the purpose of prioritising risk mitigation strategies provided for consideration in this report. The individual components of the Action Planning Priority Index should not be considered in isolation from the total scores outlined in Table 3.1.8 Summary of action planning priority calculations for each assessed location.

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

The Action Planning Priority Index uses the following risk identification information: 1. Australian Beach Safety & Management Program (ABSAMP) Rating (Table 3.1.1) 2. Local Population Rating (LPR) (Table 3.1.3) 3. Human/Activity Interaction Rating (HAIR) (Table 3.1.5) 4. Access Rating (AR) (Table 3.1.7)

Page 59 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

3.1.2 Australian Beach Safety and Management Program

Table 3.1.1 ABSAMP and Indicative ratings applied to assessed locations. Location Name ABSAMP No. ABSAMP Rating ABSAMP Type Wallaga nsw619 7 Rhythmic Bar and Beach + Inlet Murunna Point nsw619RPa 6* Low Tide Terrace + Inlet / Rock Platforms Pebbly nsw620 5 Reflective + Rocks Camel Rock nsw621a 6 Transverse Bar and Rip Haywards nsw621 6 Transverse Bar and Rip Haywards Point nsw622 5 Transverse Bar and Rip Keatings Head nsw623 6 Low Tide Terrace + Rocks Morehead nsw624 4 Low Tide Terrace Bermagui Inlet (1) nsw624S 2 Reflective Bermagui Inlet (2) nsw625N 1 Reflective Bermagui Point nsw625RPa 3* Rock Platforms Horseshoe Bay nsw625 4 Low Tide Terrace Point Dickson nsw625RPb 5* Rock Platforms Blue Point nsw625RPc 5* Rock Platforms Beares North nsw626 6 Transverse Bar and Rip + Rocks Beares nsw627 6 Transverse Bar and Rip Breakaway nsw628 5 Reflective + Rocks Zane Grey Pool nsw629 5 Reflective + Rocks Jerimbut Point nsw630 5 Reflective + Rocks Baragoot Point nsw630RPa 5* Rock Platforms Jaggers nsw631 4 Low Tide Terrace Baragoot nsw632 6 Transverse Bar and Rip Cuttagee Point nsw632RPa 6* Rock Platforms Cuttagee nsw633 6 Transverse Bar and Rip + Inlet Mills nsw634 5 Low Tide Terrace + Rocks Barragga Point nsw634RPa 5* Rock Platforms Barragga Bay nsw635 4 Low Tide Terrace Golden Gate nsw635RPa 5* Rock Platforms Headland/Iron Reef Armonds Bay nsw636 5 Transverse Bar and Rip Murrah Head nsw636RPa 6* Rock Platforms Murrah-Bunga nsw637 6 Rhythmic Bar and Beach Goalen Head nsw637RPa 6* Rock Platforms Bunga North nsw638 6 Transverse Bar and Rip Bunga nsw639 6 Transverse Bar and Rip Bunga South nsw640 6 Transverse Bar and Rip Bunga Head nsw640RPa 6* Rock Platforms

Page 60 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Location Name ABSAMP No. ABSAMP Rating ABSAMP Type Mimosa Rocks nsw640RPb 6* Reflective + Rocks Aragunnu Bay nsw641 6 Transverse Bar and Rip Bengunnu Point Nth nsw642 5 Transverse Bar and Rip Bengunnu Point 1 nsw643 6 Transverse Bar and Rip Bengunnu Point 2 nsw644 6 Transverse Bar and Rip Picnic North nsw645 6 Transverse Bar and Rip Picnic Beach nsw646 6 Transverse Bar and Rip Picnic Point nsw647 5 Low Tide Terrace Bithry Inlet North nsw648 6 Transverse Bar and Rip + Rocks Bithry Inlet nsw649 4 Reflective + Rocks Penders Beach nsw650 5 Low Tide Terrace + Rocks Stinking Bay nsw650RPa 6* Reflective + Rocks Middle North nsw651 7 Transverse Bar and Rip Middle South nsw652 7 Transverse Bar and Rip Gillards nsw653 6 Transverse Bar and Rip Cowdroys nsw654 6 Rhythmic Bar and Beach Boronda Head nsw654RPa 6* Rock Platforms Nelson Beach nsw655 6 Transverse Bar and Rip + Inlet Wajurda Point nsw655RPa 5* Rock Platforms Moon Bay nsw656 4 Low Tide Terrace Paspalum Point nsw657 4 Low Tide Terrace Mogareeka Inlet nsw658 5 Low Tide Terrace + Inlet Tathra nsw659 6 Rhythmic Bar and Beach Tathra Head nsw659RPa 5* Rock Platforms Kianinny Bay nsw660 3 Reflective Wild Horse Bay nsw660RPa 4* Rock Platforms Boulder Bay nsw661 4 Boulder White Rock nsw661RPa 5* Rock Platforms Games Bay nsw662 5 Reflective + Rocks Wallagoot Gap nsw663 5 Low Tide Terrace Wallagoot-Bournda nsw664 6 Rhythmic Bar and Beach Bournda Island nsw665 4 Low Tide Terrace North Tura/Dolphin Cove nsw666 6 Transverse Bar and Rip Tura Head nsw667 6* Reflective / Rock Platforms Short Point/Tura nsw668 6 Transverse Bar and Rip Short Point Headland nsw668RPa 5* Rock Platforms Middle Beach nsw669 4 Low Tide Terrace + Rocks Merimbula Head/Long Point nsw669RPa 4* Rock Platforms Bar Beach nsw670 4 Reflective + Inlet Merimbula nsw671a 6 Transverse Bar and Rip

Page 61 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Location Name ABSAMP No. ABSAMP Rating ABSAMP Type Pambula nsw671b 5 Transverse Bar and Rip Little Beach/Jiguma nsw672 5 Transverse Bar and Rip Bar Mouth North nsw673 5 Reflective + River Channel Bar Mouth South nsw674 4 Reflective + River Channel Shelly Beach nsw675 4 Reflective Ioala Point nsw675RPa 5* Rock Platform Haycock Point nsw675RPb 5* Rock Platform Long Beach/Haycock nsw676 6 Transverse Bar and Rip Quondolo nsw677 6 Transverse Bar and Rip Pinnacles nsw678 6 Transverse Bar and Rip Terrace Point nsw678RPa 5* Rock Platforms Lennards Island nsw678RPb 5* Rock Platforms North Head nsw678RPc 5* Rock Platforms Worang Point nsw679 4 Reflective + Rocks Aslings nsw680 5 Low Tide Terrace Yallumgo Cove nsw681 2 Reflective The Eagles Claw nsw681RPa 2* Rock Platforms Lookout Point nsw681RPb 2* Rock Platforms Snug Cove nsw682 2 Reflective Mirare Point nsw682RPa 2* Rock Platforms Cattle Bay Wharf nsw683 2 Reflective Cocora nsw684 3 Low Tide Terrace Cocora Point nsw684RPa 3* Rock Platforms Bungo Point nsw684RPb 3* Rock Platforms Bungo nsw685 2 Reflective Oman Point nsw685RPa 2* Rock Platforms Rixons nsw686 2 Reflective Murrumbulga Point nsw686RPa 2* Rock Platforms Quarantine Bay nsw687 2 Reflective Legges nsw688 2 Reflective Quandoa Point nsw688RPa 2* Rock Platforms Brandy Creek Beach nsw689 2 Reflective Currawulla nsw690 3 Reflective Mungora Rocks nsw690RPa 3* Rock Platforms Northcote nsw691 3 Reflective Northcote Point nsw691RPa 4* Rock Platforms Boydtown nsw692 4 Low Tide Terrace Torarago Point nsw693 4 Low Tide Terrace + Rocks Moutrys nsw694 4 Low Tide Terrace + Rocks Whale nsw695 5 Reflective

Page 62 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Location Name ABSAMP No. ABSAMP Rating ABSAMP Type Brierly Point nsw696 3 Reflective + Rocks Brierly Point East 1 nsw697 3 Reflective + Rocks Brierly Point East 2 Nsw698 3 Reflective + Rocks Fisheries nsw699 2 Low Tide Terrace Edrom 1 nsw700 2 Reflective Edrom 2 nsw701 2 Reflective Munganno Point nsw701RPa 2* Rock Platforms Munganno (S) nsw702 2 Reflective Munganno (N) nsw703 2 Reflective Jews Head nsw703Rpa 4* Rock Platforms Honeysuckle Point nsw703RPb 4* Rock Platforms Red Point nsw703RPc 5* Rock Platforms Red Sands Bay nsw703RPd 5* Reflective + Rocks Leatherjacket Bay nsw704 5 Boulder Mowarry Point (1) nsw705 4 Low Tide Terrace Mowarry Point (2) nsw706 3 Reflective Saltwater North nsw707 3 Reflective Saltwater Creek nsw708 4 Low Tide Terrace Hegartys Bay nsw708Rpa 3* Reflective + Rocks Bittangabee Bay nsw709 2 Reflective Pulpit Rock nsw709Rpa 4* Reflective / Rock Platforms Greencape nsw709RPb 4* Rock Platforms City Rock nsw709RPc 4* Rock Platforms Disaster Bay nsw710 6 Transverse Bar and Rip Baycliff nsw710Rpa 6* Rock Platforms Wonboyn Bay nsw711 6 Transverse Bar and Rip Greenglade Point nsw711Rpa 5* Rock Platforms Merrica nsw712 4 Low Tide Terrace Merrica 1 nsw713 5 Boulder Merrica 2 nsw714 6 Transverse Bar and Rip + Rocks Jane Spiers nsw715 7 Transverse Bar and Rip / Rhythmic Bar and Beach + Rocks Newtons nsw716 6 Transverse Bar and Rip / Rhythmic Bar and Beach Little Creek nsw717 5 Transverse Bar and Rip Nadgee nsw718 5 Transverse Bar and Rip Nadgee Point nsw719 7 Reflective + Rocks Nadgee Lake nsw720 6 Transverse Bar and Rip / Rhythmic Bar and Beach Nadgee Moores/ nsw720Rpa 6* Reflective + Rocks Bunyip Hole Cape Howe nsw721 6 Transverse Bar and Rip / Rhythmic Bar and Beach Conference Point nsw721Rpa 7* Rock Platforms

* Bega Valley LGA Rock Platform Ratings

Page 63 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

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

Table 3.1.2 Local population rating descriptors. Population Rating Qualifying Description (all staying/living within 2km of beach) 1 < 50 residents and/or < 20 non-residents (domestic or overseas tourists) 2 50 – 250 residents and/or 21 – 100 non-residents (domestic or overseas tourists) 3 250 – 1000 residents and/or 100 – 500 non-residents (domestic or overseas tourists) 4 1000 – 2500 residents and/or 500 – 1000 non-residents (domestic or overseas tourists) 5 2500 + residents and/or 1000 non-residents (domestic or overseas tourists)

Table 3.1.3 Local population ratings applied to assessed locations. Location LPR Total Wallaga 2 Murunna Point 2 Pebbly 4 Camel Rock 4 Haywards 4 Haywards Point 3 Keatings Head 5 Morehead 5 Bermagui Inlet (1) 5 Bermagui Inlet (2) 5 Bermagui Point 5 Horseshoe Bay 5 Point Dickson 5 Blue Point 5 Beares North 5 Beares 5 Breakaway 5 Zane Grey Pool 2 Jerimbut Point 2 Baragoot Point Not assessed (inaccessible) Jaggers 1 Baragoot 1 Cuttagee Point 1 Cuttagee 2 Mills 2 Barragga Point 2 Barragga Bay 2 Golden Gate Headland/Iron Reef 2 Armonds Bay 2 Murrah Head Not assessed (inaccessible) Murrah-Bunga 1 Goalen Head 1 Bunga North 1 Bunga 1 Bunga South 1 Bunga Head Not assessed (inaccessible) Mimosa Rocks 3

Page 64 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Location LPR Total Aragunnu Bay 3 Bengunnu Point Nth Not assessed (inaccessible) Bengunnu Point 1 2 Bengunnu Point 2 2 Picnic North 2 Picnic Beach 2 Picnic Point 2 Bithry Inlet North Not assessed (inaccessible) Bithry Inlet 1 Penders Beach 1 Stinking Bay Not assessed (inaccessible) Middle North 3 Middle South 3 Gillards 3 Cowdroys 1 Boronda Head Not assessed (inaccessible) Nelson Beach 1 Wajurda Point 1 Moon Bay 1 Paspalum Point 1 Mogareeka Inlet 1 Tathra 5 Tathra Head 5 Kianinny Bay 5 Wild Horse Bay 3 Boulder Bay 3 White Rock 1 Games Bay 1 Wallagoot Gap 1 Wallagoot-Bournda 3 Bournda Island 1 North Tura/Dolphin Cove 4 Tura Head 3 Short Point/Tura 5 Short Point Headland 5 Middle Beach 5 Merimbula Head/Long Point 3 Bar Beach 5 Merimbula 5 Pambula 4 Little Beach/Jiguma 4 Bar Mouth North 4 Bar Mouth South 1 Shelly Beach 1 Ioala Point 1 Haycock Point 1 Long Beach/Haycock 1 Quondolo 1 Pinnacles 1 Terrace Point 1 Lennards Island 1 North Head 2 Worang Point 2

Page 65 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Location LPR Total Aslings 5 Yallumgo Cove 5 The Eagles Claw 5 Lookout Point 5 Snug Cove 5 Mirare Point 5 Cattle Bay Wharf 5 Cocora 5 Cocora Point 5 Bungo Point 5 Bungo 5 Oman Point 3 Rixons 3 Murrumbulga Point 3 Quarantine Bay 3 Legges 3 Quandoa Point 5 Brandy Creek Beach 5 Currawulla 5 Mungora Rocks Not assessed (inaccessible) Northcote Not assessed (inaccessible) Northcote Point Not assessed (inaccessible) Boydtown 5 Torarago Point 5 Torarago 5 Moutrys 5 Whale 5 Brierly Point 1 Brierly Point East 1 Not assessed (inaccessible) Brierly Point East 2 1 Fisheries 1 Edrom 1 1 Edrom 2 1 Munganno Point Not assessed (inaccessible) Munganno (S) Not assessed (inaccessible) Munganno (N) Not assessed (inaccessible) Jews Head Not assessed (inaccessible) Honeysuckle Point Not assessed (inaccessible) Red Point 1 Red Sands Bay 1 Leatherjacket Bay 1 Mowarry Point (1) 1 Mowarry Point (2) 1 Saltwater North 2 Saltwater Creek 2 Hegartys Bay 1 Bittangabee Bay 3 Pulpit Rock 1 Greencape 1 City Rock 1 Disaster Bay 1 Baycliff 1 Wonboyn Bay 1

Page 66 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Location LPR Total Greenglade Point 1 Merrica 1 Merrica 1 1 Merrica 2 1 Jane Spiers 1 Newtons 1 Little Creek 1 Nadgee 1 Nadgee Point/Blackhead 1 Nadgee Lake Not assessed (inaccessible) Nadgee Moores/Bunyip Hole Not assessed (inaccessible) Cape Howe Not assessed (inaccessible) Conference Point Not assessed (inaccessible)

Page 67 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

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

Table 3.1.4 Human/Activity Interaction descriptors. Population Conflicting activities Population Conflicting activities (in-water) (on beach) 100+ 5 Persistent and dangerous 5 1000+ 5 Persistent and dangerous 5 75-100 4 Persistent 4 750-1000 4 Persistent 4 50-75 3 Regular 3 500-750 3 Regular 3 25-50 2 Isolated conflicts 2 250-500 2 Isolated conflicts 2 1-25 1 No conflicts reported 1 1-250 1 No conflicts reported 1

Table 3.1.5 Human/Activity Interaction ratings applied to assessed locations. Location Population Conflict Population Conflict HAI Total (in water) (on beach) Wallaga 2 2 1 1 6 Murunna Point 1 2 1 1 5 Pebbly 1 1 1 1 4 Camel Rock 5 2 2 1 10 Haywards 4 2 1 2 9 Haywards Point 2 2 1 2 7 Keatings Head 1 1 1 1 4 Morehead 3 2 1 2 8 Bermagui Inlet (1) 2 3 1 2 8 Bermagui Inlet (2) 3 2 1 2 8 Bermagui Point 1 1 1 1 4 Horseshoe Bay 5 2 2 2 11 Point Dickson 1 1 1 1 4 Blue Point 2 2 1 2 7 Beares North 3 2 1 2 8 Beares 2 2 1 2 7 Breakaway 1 1 1 1 4 Zane Grey Pool 1 1 1 1 4 Jerimbut Point 1 1 1 1 4 Baragoot Point Not assessed (inaccessible) Jaggers 1 1 1 1 4 Baragoot 3 2 1 2 8 Cuttagee Point 1 1 1 1 4 Cuttagee 3 2 1 2 8 Mills 1 1 1 1 4 Barragga Point 1 1 1 1 4 Barragga Bay 2 1 1 1 5 Golden Gate 1 1 1 1 4 Headland/Iron Reef Armonds Bay 4 2 1 2 9 Murrah Head Not assessed (inaccessible) Murrah-Bunga 2 2 1 1 6 Goalen Head 1 1 1 1 4 Bunga North 1 2 1 1 5 Bunga 2 2 1 2 7 Bunga South 1 2 1 1 5 Bunga Head Not assessed (inaccessible)

Page 68 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Location Population Conflict Population Conflict HAI Total (in water) (on beach) Mimosa Rocks 1 1 1 1 4 Aragunnu Bay 3 2 1 2 8 Bengunnu Point Nth Not assessed (inaccessible) Bengunnu Point 1 1 1 1 1 4 Bengunnu Point 2 1 1 1 1 4 Picnic North 1 1 1 1 4 Picnic Beach 2 2 1 1 6 Picnic Point 1 1 1 1 4 Bithry Inlet North Not assessed (inaccessible) Bithry Inlet 1 2 1 1 5 Penders Beach 1 1 1 1 4 Stinking Bay Not assessed (inaccessible) Middle North 2 2 1 2 7 Middle South 1 2 1 1 5 Gillards 4 2 1 2 9 Cowdroys 2 2 1 2 7 Boronda Head Not assessed (inaccessible) Nelson Beach 3 2 1 2 8 Wajurda Point 1 1 1 1 4 Moon Bay 2 2 1 1 6 Paspalum Point 1 1 1 1 4 Mogareeka Inlet 1 2 1 1 5 Tathra 5 2 3 3 13 Tathra Head 1 1 1 2 5 Kianinny Bay 5 3 1 3 12 Wild Horse Bay 1 1 1 1 4 Boulder Bay 1 1 1 1 4 White Rock 1 1 1 1 4 Games Bay 1 1 1 1 4 Wallagoot Gap 1 1 1 1 4 Wallagoot-Bournda 3 2 1 2 8 Bournda Island 1 1 1 1 4 North Tura/Dolphin Cove 3 2 1 2 8 Tura Head 1 1 1 2 5 Short Point/Tura 5 2 2 2 11 Short Point Headland 1 1 1 1 4 Middle Beach 2 2 1 2 7 Merimbula Head/Long Point 1 1 1 2 5 Bar Beach 5 4 2 2 13 Merimbula 5 2 3 2 12 Pambula 5 2 3 2 12 Little Beach/Jiguma 2 2 1 2 7 Bar Mouth North 2 2 1 2 7 Bar Mouth South 2 2 1 2 7 Shelly Beach 1 1 1 1 4 Ioala Point 1 1 1 1 4 Haycock Point 1 1 2 1 5 Long Beach/Haycock 2 2 1 2 7 Quondolo 1 2 1 2 6 Pinnacles 2 2 1 2 7 Terrace Point 1 1 1 1 4 Lennards Island 1 1 1 1 4

Page 69 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Location Population Conflict Population Conflict HAI Total (in water) (on beach) North Head 1 1 1 1 4 Worang Point 1 1 1 1 4 Aslings 5 2 2 2 11 Yallumgo Cove 1 1 1 1 4 The Eagles Claw 1 1 1 1 4 Lookout Point 1 1 1 1 4 By Beach 1 2 1 1 5 Snug Cove 1 2 2 1 6 Mirare Point 1 1 1 2 5 Cattle Bay Wharf 5 2 1 1 9 Cocora 5 2 1 2 10 Cocora Point 1 1 1 1 4 Bungo Point 1 1 1 1 4 Bungo 2 2 1 2 7 Oman Point 1 1 1 1 4 Rixons 1 1 1 1 4 Murrumbulga Point 1 1 1 1 4 Quarantine Bay 2 2 1 2 7 Legges 4 2 1 2 9 Quandoa Point 1 1 1 1 4 Brandy Creek Beach 1 1 1 1 4 Currawulla 1 1 1 1 4 Mungora Rocks Not assessed (inaccessible) Northcote Not assessed (inaccessible) Northcote Point Not assessed (inaccessible) Boydtown 5 2 2 2 11 Torarago Point 1 2 1 1 5 Moutrys 1 2 1 1 5 Whale 1 2 1 1 5 Brierly Point 2 2 1 2 7 Brierly Point East 1 Not assessed (inaccessible) Brierly Point East 2 1 1 1 1 4 Fisheries 1 1 1 1 4 Edrom 1 1 1 1 1 4 Edrom 2 1 2 1 2 6 Munganno Point Not assessed (inaccessible) Munganno (S) Not assessed (inaccessible) Munganno (N) Not assessed (inaccessible) Jews Head Not assessed (inaccessible) Honeysuckle Point Not assessed (inaccessible) Red Point 1 1 1 1 4 Red Sands Bay 1 1 1 1 4 Leatherjacket Bay 1 1 1 1 4 Mowarry Point (1) 1 1 1 1 4 Mowarry Point (2) 1 1 1 1 4 Saltwater North 1 1 1 1 4 Saltwater Creek 3 2 1 2 8 Hegartys Bay 1 1 1 1 4 Bittangabee Bay 2 2 1 2 7 Pulpit Rock 1 1 1 1 4 Greencape 1 1 1 2 5 City Rock 1 1 1 1 4

Page 70 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Location Population Conflict Population Conflict HAI Total (in water) (on beach) Disaster Bay 1 2 1 1 5 Baycliff 1 1 1 1 4 Wonboyn Bay 3 2 1 2 8 Greenglade Point 1 1 1 1 4 Merrica 1 1 1 1 4 Merrica 1 Not assessed (inaccessible) Merrica 2 Not assessed (inaccessible) Jane Spiers Not assessed (inaccessible) Newtons 1 1 1 1 4 Little Creek 1 1 1 1 4 Nadgee 1 1 1 1 4 Nadgee Point/Blackhead 1 1 1 1 4 Nadgee Lake Not assessed (inaccessible) Nadgee Moores/ Not assessed (inaccessible) Bunyip Hole Cape Howe Not assessed (inaccessible) Conference Point Not assessed (inaccessible)

Page 71 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

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

Table 3.1.6 Access rating descriptors. Access Rating Qualifying Description 1 No identifiable access via road or track, no facilities, car parking or obvious access points 2 Access via un-maintained track with no facilities and/or via water access 3 Access via any form of track or walkway (either maintained or un-maintained) AND any provision of facilities or services including (but not limited to) public transport, shower, public toilet, payphone, kiosk, significant roadway, parking 4 Access via maintained tracks with clearly identified parking area AND/OR provision of basic facilities (i.e. public toilets, public shower/ wash down area) AND/OR within 10km of moderate sized town or city (population greater than 5,000) 5 Clearly evident, marked or signposted and maintained access points AND/OR within 10km of major town or city (population greater than 25,000) AND / OR car parking for 50 or more vehicles/boat trailers. Public transport provided within 250m of a beach access point

Table 3.1.7 Access ratings applied to assessed locations. Location Access Rating Wallaga 2 Murunna Point 3 Pebbly 2 Camel Rock 4 Haywards 3 Haywards Point 2 Keatings Head 2 Morehead 3 Bermagui Inlet (1) 3 Bermagui Inlet (2) 4 Bermagui Point 3 Horseshoe Bay 5 Point Dickson 3 Blue Point 5 Beares North 3 Beares 2 Breakaway 2 Zane Grey Pool 3 Jerimbut Point 2 Baragoot Point Not assessed (inaccessible) Jaggers 3 Baragoot 3 Cuttagee Point 2 Cuttagee 3 Mills 3 Barragga Point 2 Barragga Bay 3 Golden Gate 2 Headland/Iron Reef Armonds Bay 3 Murrah Head Not assessed (inaccessible)

Page 72 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Location Access Rating Murrah-Bunga 3 Goalen Head 2 Bunga North 2 Bunga 3 Bunga South 3 Bunga Head Not assessed (inaccessible) Mimosa Rocks 3 Aragunnu Bay 3 Bengunnu Point Nth Not assessed (inaccessible) Bengunnu Point 1 2 Bengunnu Point 2 2 Picnic North 2 Picnic Beach 3 Picnic Point 3 Bithry Inlet North Not assessed (inaccessible) Bithry Inlet 2 Penders Beach 3 Stinking Bay Not assessed (inaccessible) Middle North 3 Middle South 3 Gillards 3 Cowdroys 3 Boronda Head Not assessed (inaccessible) Nelson Beach 3 Wajurda Point 2 Moon Bay 3 Paspalum Point 2 Mogareeka Inlet 3 Tathra 5 Tathra Head 4 Kianinny Bay 4 Wild Horse Bay 1 Boulder Bay 2 White Rock 2 Games Bay 2 Wallagoot Gap 3 Wallagoot-Bournda 3 Bournda Island 2 North Tura/Dolphin Cove 3 Tura Head 2 Short Point/Tura 4 Short Point Headland 2 Middle Beach 3 Merimbula Head/Long Point 2 Bar Beach 4 Merimbula 4 Pambula 5 Little Beach/Jiguma 3 Bar Mouth North 3 Bar Mouth South 3 Shelly Beach 2 Ioala Point 2 Haycock Point 3 Long Beach/Haycock 3

Page 73 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Location Access Rating Quondolo 3 Pinnacles 3 Terrace Point 2 Lennards Island 3 North Head 3 Worang Point 2 Aslings 4 Yallumgo Cove 2 The Eagles Claw 2 Lookout Point 1 By Beach 3 Snug Cove 5 Mirare Point 2 Cattle Bay Wharf 3 Cocora 4 Cocora Point 2 Bungo Point 2 Bungo 3 Oman Point 2 Rixons 2 Murrumbulga Point 4 Quarantine Bay 3 Legges 4 Quandoa Point 2 Brandy Creek Beach 3 Currawulla 2 Mungora Rocks Not assessed (inaccessible) Northcote Not assessed (inaccessible) Northcote Point Not assessed (inaccessible) Boydtown 4 Torarago Point 2 Moutrys 2 Whale 2 Brierly Point 3 Brierly Point East 1 Not assessed (inaccessible) Brierly Point East 2 2 Fisheries 2 Edrom 1 2 Edrom 2 3 Munganno Point Not assessed (inaccessible) Munganno (S) Not assessed (inaccessible) Munganno (N) Not assessed (inaccessible) Jews Head Not assessed (inaccessible) Honeysuckle Point Not assessed (inaccessible) Red Point 2 Red Sands Bay 3 Leatherjacket Bay 3 Mowarry Point (1) 3 Mowarry Point (2) 3 Saltwater North 2 Saltwater Creek 3 Hegartys Bay 3 Bittangabee Bay 4 Pulpit Rock 3

Page 74 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Location Access Rating Greencape 3 City Rock 3 Disaster Bay 2 Baycliff 2 Wonboyn Bay 3 Greenglade Point 2 Merrica 3 Merrica 1 Not assessed (inaccessible) Merrica 2 Not assessed (inaccessible) Jane Spiers Not assessed (inaccessible) Newtons 3 Little Creek 2 Nadgee 2 Nadgee Point/Blackhead 2 Nadgee Lake Not assessed (inaccessible) Nadgee Moores/ Not assessed (inaccessible) Bunyip Hole Cape Howe Not assessed (inaccessible) Conference Point Not assessed (inaccessible)

Page 75 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

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

Table 3.1.8 Summary of action planning priority calculations for each assessed location. Location AMSAMP Population Human Access Total Score X 2 Support Activity/ X 2 (Out of 20) X 2 Interaction (Out of 10) (Out of 60) (Out of 10) (Out of 20) Wallaga 14 4 6 4 28 Murunna Point 12 4 5 6 27 Pebbly 10 8 4 4 26 Camel Rock 12 8 10 8 38 Haywards 12 8 9 6 35 Haywards Point 10 6 7 4 27 Keatings Head 12 10 4 4 30 Morehead 8 10 8 6 32 Bermagui Inlet (1) 4 10 8 6 28 Bermagui Inlet (2) 2 10 8 8 28 Bermagui Point 6 10 4 6 26 Horseshoe Bay 8 10 11 10 39 Point Dickson 10 10 4 6 30 Blue Point 10 10 7 10 37 Beares North 12 10 8 6 36 Beares 12 10 7 4 33 Breakaway 10 10 4 4 28 Zane Grey Pool 10 4 4 6 24 Jerimbut Point 10 4 4 4 22 Baragoot Point Not assessed (inaccessible) Jaggers 8 2 4 6 20 Baragoot 12 2 8 6 28 Cuttagee Point 12 2 4 4 22 Cuttagee 12 4 8 6 30 Mills 10 4 4 6 24 Barragga Point 10 4 4 4 22 Barragga Bay 8 4 5 6 23 Golden Gate 10 4 4 22 4 Headland/Iron Reef Armonds Bay 10 4 9 6 29 Murrah Head Not assessed (inaccessible) Murrah-Bunga 12 2 6 6 26 Goalen Head 12 2 4 4 22 Bunga North 12 2 5 4 23 Bunga 12 2 7 6 27 Bunga South 12 2 5 6 25 Bunga Head Not assessed (inaccessible) Mimosa Rocks 12 6 4 6 28 Aragunnu Bay 12 6 8 6 32 Bengunnu Point Nth Not assessed (inaccessible) Bengunnu Point 1 12 4 4 4 24 Bengunnu Point 2 12 4 4 4 24 Picnic North 12 4 4 4 24 Picnic Beach 12 4 6 6 28

Page 76 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Location AMSAMP Population Human Access Total Score X 2 Support Activity/ X 2 (Out of 20) X 2 Interaction (Out of 10) (Out of 60) (Out of 10) (Out of 20) Picnic Point 10 4 4 6 24 Bithry Inlet North Not assessed (inaccessible) Bithry Inlet 8 2 5 4 19 Penders Beach 10 2 4 6 22 Stinking Bay Not assessed (inaccessible) Middle North 14 6 7 6 33 Middle South 14 6 5 6 31 Gillards 12 6 9 6 33 Cowdroys 12 2 7 6 27 Boronda Head Not assessed (inaccessible) Nelson Beach 12 2 8 6 28 Wajurda Point 10 2 4 4 20 Moon Bay 8 2 6 6 22 Paspalum Point 8 2 4 4 18 Mogareeka Inlet 10 2 5 6 23 Tathra 12 10 13 10 45 Tathra Head 10 10 5 8 33 Kianinny Bay 6 10 12 8 36 Wild Horse Bay 8 6 4 2 20 Boulder Bay 8 6 4 4 22 White Rock 10 2 4 4 20 Games Bay 10 2 4 4 20 Wallagoot Gap 10 2 4 6 22 Wallagoot-Bournda 12 6 8 6 32 Bournda Island 8 2 4 4 18 North Tura/Dolphin Cove 12 8 8 6 34 Tura Head 12 6 5 4 27 Short Point/Tura 12 10 11 8 41 Short Point Headland 10 10 4 4 28 Middle Beach 8 10 7 6 31 Merimbula Head/Long Point 8 6 5 4 23 Bar Beach 8 10 13 8 39 Merimbula 12 10 12 8 42 Pambula 10 8 12 10 40 Little Beach/Jiguma 10 8 7 6 31 Bar Mouth North 10 8 7 6 31 Bar Mouth South 8 2 7 6 23 Shelly Beach 8 2 4 4 18 Ioala Point 10 2 4 4 20 Haycock Point 10 2 5 6 23 Long Beach/Haycock 12 2 7 6 27 Quondolo 12 2 6 6 26 Pinnacles 12 2 7 6 27 Terrace Point 10 2 4 4 20 Lennards Island 10 2 4 6 22 North Head 10 4 4 6 24 Worang Point 8 4 4 4 20 Aslings 10 10 11 8 39 Yallumgo Cove 4 10 4 4 22 The Eagles Claw 4 10 4 4 22

Page 77 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Location AMSAMP Population Human Access Total Score X 2 Support Activity/ X 2 (Out of 20) X 2 Interaction (Out of 10) (Out of 60) (Out of 10) (Out of 20) Lookout Point 4 10 4 2 20 By Beach 6 10 5 6 27 Snug Cove 4 10 6 10 30 Mirare Point 4 10 5 4 23 Cattle Bay Wharf 4 10 9 6 29 Cocora 6 10 10 8 34 Cocora Point 6 10 4 4 24 Bungo Point 6 10 4 4 24 Bungo 4 10 7 6 27 Oman Point 4 6 4 4 18 Rixons 4 6 4 4 18 Murrumbulga Point 4 6 4 8 22 Quarantine Bay 4 6 7 6 23 Legges 4 6 9 8 27 Quandoa Point 4 10 4 4 22 Brandy Creek Beach 4 10 4 6 24 Currawulla 6 10 4 4 24 Mungora Rocks Not assessed (inaccessible) Northcote Not assessed (inaccessible) Northcote Point Not assessed (inaccessible) Boydtown 8 10 11 8 37 Torarago Point 8 10 5 4 27 Moutrys 8 10 5 4 27 Whale 10 10 5 4 29 Brierly Point 6 2 7 6 21 Brierly Point East (1) Not assessed (inaccessible) Brierly Point East (2) 6 2 4 4 16 Fisheries 4 2 4 4 14 Edrom 1 4 2 4 4 14 Edrom 2 4 2 6 6 18 Munganno Point Not assessed (inaccessible) Munganno (S) Not assessed (inaccessible) Munganno (N) Not assessed (inaccessible) Jews Head Not assessed (inaccessible) Honeysuckle Point Not assessed (inaccessible) Red Point 10 2 4 4 20 Red Sands Bay 10 2 4 6 22 Leatherjacket Bay 10 2 4 6 22 Mowarry Point (1) 8 2 4 6 20 Mowarry Point (2) 6 2 4 6 18 Saltwater North 6 4 4 4 18 Saltwater Creek 8 4 8 6 26 Hegartys Bay 6 2 4 6 18 Bittangabee Bay 4 6 7 8 25 Pulpit Rock 8 2 4 6 20 Greencape 8 2 5 6 21 City Rock 8 2 4 6 20 Disaster Bay 12 2 5 4 23 Baycliff 12 2 4 4 22 Wonboyn Bay 12 2 8 6 28

Page 78 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Location AMSAMP Population Human Access Total Score X 2 Support Activity/ X 2 (Out of 20) X 2 Interaction (Out of 10) (Out of 60) (Out of 10) (Out of 20) Greenglade Point 10 2 4 4 20 Merrica 8 2 4 6 20 Merrica 1 Not assessed (inaccessible) Merrica 2 Not assessed (inaccessible) Jane Spiers Not assessed (inaccessible) Newtons 12 2 4 6 24 Little Creek 10 2 4 4 20 Nadgee 10 2 4 4 20 Nadgee Point/Blackhead 14 2 4 4 24 Nadgee Lake Not assessed (inaccessible) Nadgee Moores/ Not assessed (inaccessible) Bunyip Hole Cape Howe Not assessed (inaccessible) Conference Point Not assessed (inaccessible)

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

Page 79 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Table 3.1.9: Key to land management of locations listed in Table 3.1.10. Council Managed NPWS Managed Shared NPWS & Council Crown Lands / Private

Table 3.1.10: Action Planning Priority scores for assessed locations. Priority Priority location Priority Action & Total Score Comments

High – this location should be considered as 1 Tathra 45 a priority for implementation of identified risk treatment options High – this location should be considered as 2 Merimbula 42 a priority for implementation of identified risk treatment options High – this location should be considered as 3 Short Point/Tura 41 a priority for implementation of identified risk treatment options Medium – this location should be 4 considered for implementation of identified Pambula 40 risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be 5 considered for implementation of identified Horseshoe Bay 39 risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be 5 considered for implementation of identified Bar Beach 39 risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be 5 considered for implementation of identified Aslings 39 risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be 8 considered for implementation of identified Camel Rock 38 risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be 9 considered for implementation of identified Blue Point 37 risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be 9 considered for implementation of identified Boydtown 37 risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be 11 considered for implementation of identified Beares North 36 risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be 11 considered for implementation of identified Kianinny Bay 36 risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be 13 considered for implementation of identified Haywards 35 risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available

Page 80 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Priority Priority location Priority Action & Total Score Comments

Medium – this location should be 14 North Tura/Dolphin considered for implementation of identified 34 Cove risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be 14 considered for implementation of identified Cocora 34 risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be 16 considered for implementation of identified Beares 33 risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be 16 considered for implementation of identified Middle North 33 risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be 16 considered for implementation of identified Gillards 33 risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be 16 considered for implementation of identified Tathra Head 33 risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be 20 considered for implementation of identified Morehead 32 risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be 20 considered for implementation of identified Aragunnu Bay 32 risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be 20 considered for implementation of identified Wallagoot-Bournda 32 risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be 23 considered for implementation of identified Middle South 31 risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be 23 considered for implementation of identified Middle Beach 31 risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be 23 considered for implementation of identified Little Beach/Jiguma 31 risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available Medium – this location should be 23 considered for implementation of identified Bar Mouth North 31 risk treatment options after locations rated as high or as funding becomes available

Page 81 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Priority Priority location Priority Action & Total Score Comments

Low – this location should be considered for 27 implementation of identified risk treatment Keatings Head 30 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 27 implementation of identified risk treatment Point Dickson 30 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 27 implementation of identified risk treatment Cuttagee 30 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 27 Snug Cove/Eden implementation of identified risk treatment 30 Harbour options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 31 implementation of identified risk treatment Armonds Bay 29 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 31 implementation of identified risk treatment Cattle Bay Wharf 29 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 31 implementation of identified risk treatment Whale 29 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 34 implementation of identified risk treatment Wallaga 28 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 34 implementation of identified risk treatment Bermagui Inlet (1) 28 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 34 implementation of identified risk treatment Bermagui Inlet (2) 28 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 34 implementation of identified risk treatment Breakaway 28 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 34 implementation of identified risk treatment Baragoot 28 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 34 implementation of identified risk treatment Mimosa Rocks 28 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available

Page 82 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Priority Priority location Priority Action & Total Score Comments

Low – this location should be considered for 34 implementation of identified risk treatment Picnic Beach 28 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 34 implementation of identified risk treatment Nelson Beach 28 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 34 implementation of identified risk treatment Short Point Headland 28 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 34 implementation of identified risk treatment Wonboyn Bay 28 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 44 implementation of identified risk treatment Murunna Point 27 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 44 implementation of identified risk treatment Haywards Point 27 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 44 implementation of identified risk treatment Bunga 27 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 44 implementation of identified risk treatment Cowdroys 27 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 44 implementation of identified risk treatment Tura Head 27 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 44 implementation of identified risk treatment Long Beach/Haycock 27 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 44 implementation of identified risk treatment Pinnacles 27 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 44 implementation of identified risk treatment By Beach 27 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 44 implementation of identified risk treatment Bungo 27 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available

Page 83 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Priority Priority location Priority Action & Total Score Comments

Low – this location should be considered for 44 implementation of identified risk treatment Legges 27 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 44 implementation of identified risk treatment Torarago Point 27 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 44 implementation of identified risk treatment Moutrys 27 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 56 implementation of identified risk treatment Pebbly 26 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 56 implementation of identified risk treatment Bermagui Point 26 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 56 implementation of identified risk treatment Murrah-Bunga 26 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 56 implementation of identified risk treatment Quondolo 26 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 56 implementation of identified risk treatment Saltwater Creek 26 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 56 implementation of identified risk treatment Bunga South 25 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 56 implementation of identified risk treatment Bittangabee Bay 25 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 63 implementation of identified risk treatment Zane Grey Pool 24 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 63 implementation of identified risk treatment Mills 24 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 63 implementation of identified risk treatment Bengunnu Point 1 24 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available

Page 84 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Priority Priority location Priority Action & Total Score Comments

Low – this location should be considered for 63 implementation of identified risk treatment Bengunnu Point 2 24 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 63 implementation of identified risk treatment Picnic North 24 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of identified risk treatment Picnic Point 24 63 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 63 implementation of identified risk treatment North Head 24 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 63 implementation of identified risk treatment Cocora Point 24 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 63 implementation of identified risk treatment Bungo Point 24 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 63 implementation of identified risk treatment Brandy Creek Beach 24 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 63 implementation of identified risk treatment Currawulla 24 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 63 implementation of identified risk treatment Newtons 24 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 63 implementation of identified risk treatment Nadgee Point 24 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 76 implementation of identified risk treatment Barragga Bay 23 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 76 implementation of identified risk treatment Bunga North 23 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 76 implementation of identified risk treatment Mogareeka Inlet 23 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available

Page 85 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Priority Priority location Priority Action & Total Score Comments

Low – this location should be considered for 76 Merimbula implementation of identified risk treatment 23 Head/Long Point options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 76 implementation of identified risk treatment Bar Mouth South 23 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 76 implementation of identified risk treatment Haycock Point 23 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 76 implementation of identified risk treatment Mirare Point 23 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 76 implementation of identified risk treatment Quarantine Bay 23 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 76 implementation of identified risk treatment Disaster Bay 23 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 85 implementation of identified risk treatment Jerimbut Point 22 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 85 implementation of identified risk treatment Cuttagee Point 22 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 85 implementation of identified risk treatment Barragga Point 22 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 85 Golden Gate implementation of identified risk treatment 22 Headland/Iron Reef options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 85 implementation of identified risk treatment Goalen Head 22 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 85 implementation of identified risk treatment Penders Beach 22 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 85 implementation of identified risk treatment Moon Bay 22 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available

Page 86 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Priority Priority location Priority Action & Total Score Comments

Low – this location should be considered for 85 implementation of identified risk treatment Boulder Bay 22 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 85 implementation of identified risk treatment Wallagoot Gap 22 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for implementation of identified risk treatment Lennards Island 22 85 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 85 implementation of identified risk treatment Yallumgo Cove 22 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 85 implementation of identified risk treatment The Eagles Claw 22 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 85 implementation of identified risk treatment Murrumbulga Point 22 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 85 implementation of identified risk treatment Quandoa Point 22 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 85 implementation of identified risk treatment Red Sands Bay 22 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 85 implementation of identified risk treatment Leatherjacket Bay 22 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 85 implementation of identified risk treatment Baycliff 22 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 103 implementation of identified risk treatment Brierly Point 21 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Low – this location should be considered for 102 implementation of identified risk treatment Greencape 21 options after locations rated as medium or as funding becomes available Very Low – this location should be 102 considered for implementation of identified Jagger Beach 20 risk treatment options after locations rated as low or as funding becomes available

Page 87 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Priority Priority location Priority Action & Total Score Comments

Very Low – this location should be considered for implementation of identified Wajurda Point 20 102 risk treatment options after locations rated as low or as funding becomes available Very Low – this location should be 102 considered for implementation of identified Wild Horse Bay 20 risk treatment options after locations rated as low or as funding becomes available Very Low – this location should be 102 considered for implementation of identified White Rock 20 risk treatment options after locations rated as low or as funding becomes available Very Low – this location should be 102 considered for implementation of identified Games Bay 20 risk treatment options after locations rated as low or as funding becomes available Very Low – this location should be 102 considered for implementation of identified Ioala Point 20 risk treatment options after locations rated as low or as funding becomes available Very Low – this location should be 102 considered for implementation of identified Terrace Point 20 risk treatment options after locations rated as low or as funding becomes available Very Low – this location should be 102 considered for implementation of identified Worang Point 20 risk treatment options after locations rated as low or as funding becomes available Very Low – this location should be 102 considered for implementation of identified Lookout Point 20 risk treatment options after locations rated as low or as funding becomes available Very Low – this location should be 102 considered for implementation of identified Red Point 20 risk treatment options after locations rated as low or as funding becomes available Very Low – this location should be 102 considered for implementation of identified Mowarry Point (1) 20 risk treatment options after locations rated as low or as funding becomes available Very Low – this location should be 102 considered for implementation of identified Pulpit Rock 20 risk treatment options after locations rated as low or as funding becomes available Very Low – this location should be 102 considered for implementation of identified City Rock 20 risk treatment options after locations rated as low or as funding becomes available Very Low – this location should be 102 considered for implementation of identified Greenglade Point 20 risk treatment options after locations rated as low or as funding becomes available

Page 88 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Priority Priority location Priority Action & Total Score Comments

Very Low – this location should be considered for implementation of identified Merrica 20 102 risk treatment options after locations rated as low or as funding becomes available Very Low – this location should be 102 considered for implementation of identified Little Creek 20 risk treatment options after locations rated as low or as funding becomes available Very Low – this location should be 102 considered for implementation of identified Nadgee 20 risk treatment options after locations rated as low or as funding becomes available Very Low – this location should be 121 considered for implementation of identified Bithry Inlet 19 risk treatment options after locations rated as low or as funding becomes available Very Low – this location should be 121 considered for implementation of identified Paspalum Point 18 risk treatment options after locations rated as low or as funding becomes available Very Low – this location should be 121 considered for implementation of identified Bournda Island 18 risk treatment options after locations rated as low or as funding becomes available Very Low – this location should be 121 considered for implementation of identified Shelly Beach 18 risk treatment options after locations rated as low or as funding becomes available Very Low – this location should be 121 considered for implementation of identified Oman Point 18 risk treatment options after locations rated as low or as funding becomes available Very Low – this location should be 121 considered for implementation of identified Rixons 18 risk treatment options after locations rated as low or as funding becomes available Very Low – this location should be 121 considered for implementation of identified Edrom 2 18 risk treatment options after locations rated as low or as funding becomes available Very Low – this location should be 121 considered for implementation of identified Mowarry Point (2) 18 risk treatment options after locations rated as low or as funding becomes available Very Low – this location should be 121 considered for implementation of identified Saltwater North 18 risk treatment options after locations rated as low or as funding becomes available Very Low – this location should be 121 considered for implementation of identified Hegartys Bay 18 risk treatment options after locations rated as low or as funding becomes available

Page 89 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Priority Priority location Priority Action & Total Score Comments

Very Low – this location should be 131 considered for implementation of identified Brierly Point East (2) 16 risk treatment options after locations rated as low or as funding becomes available Very Low – this location should be 132 considered for implementation of identified Fisheries 14 risk treatment options after locations rated as low or as funding becomes available Very Low – this location should be 132 considered for implementation of identified Edrom 1 14 risk treatment options after locations rated as low or as funding becomes available Key to Action High 41+ Medium 31-40 Low 21-30 Very Low 0-20 Planning Priority

Treatment Options 1.6 & 2.4 As funding becomes available, treatment options outlined in this report should be implemented using a staged/prioritisation approach, based on evidence.

Page 90 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

3.2 Overview of Principal Risk Treatments

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

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

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

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

Page 91 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

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

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

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

Existing controls include:

Online Education: The National Parks and Wildlife website provides information on safety at the beach by providing a web link to the Water Safety NSW website (NSW National Parks and Wildlifes, 2014).

It should also be acknowledged that the following information appears on the Mimosa Rocks National Park section “Although there are many beaches along the coastline of Mimosa Rocks National Park, swimming is not encouraged as dangerous currents can occur and none of the beaches are patrolled. As an alternative, there are many safe swimming beaches in nearby areas such as Tathra, Bermagui and Merimbula. These beaches are all patrolled during peak periods and are not far from the park.”

No online education was found on the Bega Valley Shire Council Website (see recommended controls).

Community Education: Coastlife Adventures: Coastlife Adventures is a nationally accredited outdoor activity provider operating within the Bega Valley LGA. The organisation provides outdoor education camps and coastal expeditions for primary and secondary schools and community groups during school term. In the holiday season Coastlife Adventures operate a surf school at Pambula and Tathra and also offer kayak/rafting tours (Coastlife Adventures, 2014).

Special Nippers: Pambula SLSC run Special Nippers at Pambula beach every Saturday. The program allows children with disabilities (including autism, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, haemophilia as well as vision and hearing problems) to participate in flags, relays, swim and board events at whatever level he or she can manage. The program, which receives funding from the community, has been running since 2000 and has spread around Australia with over a dozen clubs in four states offering their own version of the program (Pambula Surf Life Saving Club, 2014).

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

Page 92 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Recommended Controls:

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

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

The NSW Water Safety Advisory Council is finalising consistent water safety messages. These messages will be available on the water safety NSW website once approved.

Water Safety Information: One such opportunity includes displaying posters which promote water safety at public amenity blocks and visitor information displays directly located around coastal beach access. Figure 3.2.2 provides an example of a poster from Tathra beach surf club.

In National Parks, this information could be displayed in the visitor information noticeboards (Figure 3.2.1) that feature in the majority of the car parks which have direct coastal access.

Educational posters, signage and information boards should not be placed in positions where they would compete with formal aquatic and recreational safety signage which is usually placed around formal access points and high traffic areas (see Section 3.2.4 – Safety Signage).

In regards to online education, Bega Valley Shire Council has the opportunity to provide water safety information as well as the location of those beaches that are patrolled/when on the Councils website.

Figure 3.2.1: Example of a National Parks visitor information Figure 3.2.2: Example of a Surf board where water safety information could be displayed. Safety Information Poster at Tathra beach.

Cinema advertisements: As well as visiting the coastline, the majority of holiday makers will also visit the cinemas at some stage during their holiday. During the summer school holidays when visitation levels are at their peak there is the opportunity for the Bega Valley Shire Council to work with local cinema providers to screen advertisements which promote key surf safety messages. These advertisements can include local surf life savers promoting the locations that are the safest places to swim. In the Bega Valley LGA, the local cinema is situated in Merimbula.

Page 93 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

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

Tourists and Visitors: Caravan Parks: A number of caravan parks within the Bega Valley LGA have direct coastal access, often to unpatrolled sections of a beach. It is therefore important to ensure that the guests of these accommodation providers have some understanding of beach safety. There is an opportunity for Bega Valley Shire Council to work with peak water safety organisations and coastal caravan parks in the LGA to provide basic surf safety and awareness programs to park guests.

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

o o o o o o o

o o o o o o Figure 3.2.3 Surf safety presentation at Newport Beach (Pittwater LGA) (Photo courtesy of Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches)

National Parks Camping Grounds: The Saltwater, Bittangabee and Hobart Beach campgrounds in Bega Valley LGA are part of the NSW Campground Host Program (Office of Environment & Heritage, 2014). Members of the public can volunteer for the campground ‘host’ position where they are responsible for: o Assisting with site bookings, check in and check out o Directing campers to fee payment areas and campsites o Promoting walks and activities o Providing information on other local attractions o Providing information on campfire safety and Total Fire Ban Day regulations o Notifying rangers of an offence or issue.

In addition to these responsibilities, campground hosts could also be trained in first aid. This training would be beneficial for a person in need of first aid care due to the delayed response time of emergency services due to

Page 94 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

the remoteness of these locations. Campground hosts could also communicate via the notice board when a dangerous surf warning has been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology.

Figure 3.2.4 Camp ground host at Saltwater Creek, Ben Boyd National Park.

Merimbula Airport: In-transit education is beneficial in promoting public safety. The Merimbula Airport is a regional gateway for flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Moruya to the Bega Valley LGA. Key surf safety messages could be aimed at these travellers through the provision of education collateral at the terminal. There is also the opportunity to implement large signage within the terminal (similar to an advertisement) to promote key messages, for example “Welcome to the Sapphire Coast – Please Swim Between the Flags”.

Figure 3.2.5 Example of large signage that could be implemented at Merimbula Airport.

Community Education Telstra Beach to Bush Program: Telstra Beach to Bush program targets school aged children living in regional areas of the country, teaching them vital water safety skills. Since residents of the Australian Capital Territory represent one of the top 5 regions for domestic travel to the Bega Valley LGA, the program should target schools within the ACT for the upcoming program in November 2014. The program has reached more than 250,000 primary school students since it began in 2004.

Page 95 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

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

Figure 3.2.6 Educational signage at rock fishing locations.

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

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

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

Figure 3.2.7 Recreational Fishing Alliance rock fishing school.

Page 96 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Education Summary: The following table outlines a range of education and awareness programs that can be adopted by Land Managers within the Bega Valley LGA.

Table 3.2.1 is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all education and awareness programs available to Land Managers, it is intended to provide examples of a range of programs that are available and delivered within the context of coastal aquatic safety. Land Managers are not limited to the organisations listed in the table below, however they should ensure that any provider engaged to act on their behalf is adequately licensed, qualified and insured.

Table 3.2.1 Examples of education and awareness programs. Program Target audience Location Delivery (Who) School based water Local primary and high school All locations Peak water safety agencies safety programs students Coastal Accommodation Tourists, visitors and migrants All locations Peak water safety agencies Network (TVM) Local Media Residents and TVM All locations Local media outlets Learn to Swim / Swim Young Children All locations Royal Life Saving Society and Survive Australia Learn to Swim All ages All Locations AustSwim accredited swim schools Nippers Local children All locations Surf Life Saving NSW Surf Ed. All ages All locations Surf Life Saving NSW Migration 2 Surf Migrants All locations Surf Life Saving NSW Surf Groms Local children All locations Surfing NSW Surfers Rescue 24/7 Local surfing associations All locations Surfing NSW Kids Academy of Surf Local children All locations Surf Educate Australia (KAOS) School surfing and surf Local children All locations Surf Educate Australia education Corp Surf 18 years + All locations Surf Educate Australia Get hooked – it’s fun to Schools All locations NSW DPI (Fisheries) fish Rock fishing safety Rock fishers Rock Peak water safety agencies information platforms Boating safety Boaters Bega Valley RMS information QR codes The use of QR codes on signage All locations Bega Valley Shire Council and other infrastructure to link to location based beach safety information.

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

Page 97 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Figure 3.2.8 Don’t put your Figure 3.2.9 Survive a rip Figure 3.2.10 Beach safety Figure 3.2.11 Swim life on the line. current. for tourists / migrants. between the flags.

Treatment Options 1.7 & 2.5 Education and awareness programs within the Bega Valley Local Government Area should continue to be implemented, reviewed and supported.

Treatment Options 1.8 & 2.6 Education and awareness programs should include standardised key safety messages which are recognised by the aquatic industry (e.g. http://www.watersafety.nsw.gov.au/).

Treatment Option 1.9 Bega Valley Shire Council should consider providing beach and water safety information on the Bega Valley Shire Council website.

Treatment Options 1.10 & 3.1 Develop relationships with tourism agencies with the aim of distributing standardised surf safety collateral (e.g. brochures and flyers) to all accommodation providers in the Bega Valley Local Government Area.

Treatment Options 1.11 & 2.7 Surf safety information (for example rip current education), should be strategically placed in visual form at various coastal locations. Specific examples can be reference in the report.

Treatment Option 1.12 Bega Valley Shire Council in conjunction with peak water safety organisations and local cinema providers have the opportunity to screen advertisements which promote key surf safety messages.

Treatment Option 1.13 & 4.3 Bega Valley Shire Council in conjunction with peak water safety organisations and caravan parks that have direct coastal access, should organise an education day with their guests to learn about basic surf safety awareness.

Treatment Option 1.14 Surf safety collateral should be made available at the Merimbula Airport terminal for guests when they arrive.

Treatment Option 2.8 Volunteer camp ground hosts at camping grounds within National Park areas could be trained in first aid.

Treatment Option 2.9 Campground hosts could communicate via the notice board when a dangerous surf warning has been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology.

Page 98 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Treatment Option 4.4 The Telstra Beach to Bush Program should include schools within the Australian Capital Territory for the upcoming program to be held in November 2014.

Treatment Options 1.15 & 2.10 Continue to promote and encourage rock fishermen and recreational boaters to wear lifejackets.

Page 99 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

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

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

It is important to note that at most locations, an improved safety signage system usually results in an overall reduction in the quantity of signage due to the elimination of duplicate or ineffectual signs and the consolidation of key information into other signs. For Land Managers this may see a reduction in the implementation and maintenance costs related to signage and a reduction in the visual pollution of a site.

Existing Controls: Existing safety signage within the Bega Valley LGA includes: o warning signage at some coastal access points o warning signage at popular rock shelf fishing / cliff edge locations o warning signage at wharf/breakwater locations o warning signage on coastal walks o temporary signage in place when lifesavers and lifeguards are on duty

Figure 3.2.12: Warning signage at beach access Figure 3.2.13:Warning Signage at beach access (Gillards Beach – Mimosa Rocks National Park). (Horseshoe bay – Bermagui).

Figure 3.2.14: Warning signage at beach access Figure 3.2.15: Warning signage at beach access (Aslings beach – Eden). (Horseshoe bay – Bermagui).

Page 100 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Figure 3.2.16: Warning signage at beach access (Haywards Figure 3.2.17: Warning signage at beach access beach – Bermagui). (Cuttagee beach - Bermagui).

Figure 3.2.18: Warning signage at rock platform locations. Figure 3.2.19: Safety warning signage at cliff edges.

Figure 3.2.20:Breakwater warning signage. Figure 3.2.21: Warning signage on wharves.

Page 101 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Figure 3.2.22: Warning signage along coastal walks.

Recommended Controls: Land Managers in the Bega Valley LGA should be commended for implementing safety signage at numerous locations along the coastline. Appendix A lists further locations where signage could be implemented as funding becomes available. The action planning priority index should be used to assist in prioritisation as it is acknowledged that it may not be feasible to implement signage at all locations. Land Managers should implement signage at high and medium ranked locations as a priority over lower ranked locations.

Signage Types:

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

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

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

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

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

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

The above examples of current signage demonstrate the diverse range of signs which appear under the same across certain sections of the coastline. It is recognised that implementing consistent signage throughout the

Page 102 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

entire Bega Valley LGA will be challenging, however at minimum a consistent style should be adopted within land management authorities. Signs which do not meet a consistent style should be replaced through natural attrition or removed.

Prohibition Signage In Appendix A, it was identified that prohibited activities are sometimes collated into a single sign at access locations. These signs can be effective as they are larger, more modern and reduce the visual impact of having too many signs. There is the opportunity however to reduce the number of prohibited signs at some access locations in Appendix A. In the long term this consolidation reduces the amount of signs that need to be continually maintained by Land Managers.

Figure 3.2.23: Camping prohibited sign that has the opportunity of being consolidated into a single access sign.

Safety Symbols As outlined in the Facilitation Visitation Rating – Section 2.8, all potential hazards identified within the facility that have a risk rating of high should appear on the sign as warning symbols. There are some instances in the Bega Valley Local Government Area where existing signs have an insufficient number of hazard symbols when compared to the Risk Register and Treatment Plan – Appendix B. It is recommended that the required hazard symbols are updated on these signs through the use of stickers or natural attrition. Below is an example of a sign at Cuttagee Beach which has the opportunity to include the safety symbols of dangerous waves and inshore gutters/holes. Furthermore, some of the current symbols do not meet the current Australian standards and these should also be replaced by the use of stickers or natural attrition.

Figure 3.2.24 Cuttagee Beach Sign.

Page 103 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Summary Table

Table 3.2.2 Summary table of aquatic and recreational signage recommendations for the Bega Valley LGA. Combined Beach Existing Possible Proposed Proposed Proposed Total Net Locations Signs Consolidation/ Level 2 Car Level 3 Level 4 Proposed Signage Remove Park/Open Access Individual Signs Wallaga 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Murunna Point 9 3 0 1 0 1 -2 Pebbly 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 Camel Rock 8 1 0 1 0 1 0 Haywards 22 0 0 3 0 3 3 Haywards Point 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 Keatings Head 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 Morehead 0 0 0 6 0 6 6 Bermagui Inlet (1) 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 Bermagui Inlet (2) 8 1 0 1 0 1 0 Bermagui Point 2 0 0 0 1 1 1 Horseshoe Bay 19 2 0 5 0 5 3 Point Dickson 8 0 0 0 4 4 4 Blue Point 9 4 0 0 0 0 -4 Beares North 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 Beares 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Breakaway 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 Zane Grey Pool 3 0 0 1 0 1 1 Jerimbut Point 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Jagger Beach 5 2 0 1 0 1 -1 Baragoot 12 2 1 1 0 2 0 Cuttagee Point 2 0 0 1 1 2 2 Cuttagee 6 0 0 4 0 4 4 Mills 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 Barragga Bay 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 Golden Gate 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Headland/Iron Reef Armonds Bay 4 1 0 1 0 1 0 Murrah-Bunga 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 Goalen Head 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 Bunga North 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Bunga 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 Bunga South 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 Mimosa Rocks 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 Aragunnu Bay 31 0 0 0 0 0 0 Bengunnu Point 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Bengunnu Point 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Picnic North 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Picnic Beach 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 Picnic Point 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 Bithry Inlet 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Penders Beach 16 0 0 1 0 1 1 Middle North 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 Middle South 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 Gillards 29 0 0 2 0 2 2 Cowdroys 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 Nelson Beach 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 Wajurda Point 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 Moon Bay 3 0 0 2 0 2 2

Page 104 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Combined Beach Existing Possible Proposed Proposed Proposed Total Net Locations Signs Consolidation/ Level 2 Car Level 3 Level 4 Proposed Signage Remove Park/Open Access Individual Signs Paspalum Point 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Mogareeka Inlet 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 Tathra 66 12 1 1 0 2 -10 Tathra Head 29 4 0 0 0 0 -4 Kianinny Bay 24 1 0 1 0 1 0 Wild Horse Bay 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Boulder Bay 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 White Rock 8 0 0 0 1 1 1 Games Bay 14 0 0 0 0 0 0 Wallagoot Gap 13 0 0 2 0 2 2 Wallagoot- 32 0 0 2 0 2 2 Bournda Bournda Island 5 0 0 1 0 1 1 North 22 1 0 1 0 1 0 Tura/Dolphin Cove Tura Head 3 1 0 1 0 1 0 Tura/Short Point 31 2 0 5 0 5 3 Short Point 4 0 0 1 0 1 1 Headland Middle Beach 4 0 0 1 0 1 1 Merimbula 14 1 1 0 0 1 0 Head/Long Point Bar Beach 20 3 0 0 0 0 -3 Merimbula 16 0 1 4 0 5 5 Pambula 32 6 0 2 0 2 -4 Little 16 0 0 3 0 3 3 Beach/Jiguma Bar Mouth North 25 3 0 1 0 1 -2 Bar Mouth South 8 0 0 1 0 1 1 Shelly Beach 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Ioala Point 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 Haycock Point 8 0 0 1 0 1 1 Long 19 0 0 2 0 2 2 Beach/Haycock Quondolo 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 Pinnacles 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 Terrace Point 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Lennards Island 2 0 0 1 0 1 1 North Head 4 0 0 1 0 1 1 Worang Point 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Aslings 53 7 0 5 0 5 -2 Yallumgo Cove 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 The Eagles Claw 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Lookout Point 22 0 0 0 1 1 1 By Beach 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 Snug Cove 46 0 0 0 0 0 0 Mirare Point 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Cattle Bay Wharf 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 Cocora 5 3 1 0 0 1 -2 Cocora Point 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Bungo Point 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Bungo 2 0 1 0 0 1 1

Page 105 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Combined Beach Existing Possible Proposed Proposed Proposed Total Net Locations Signs Consolidation/ Level 2 Car Level 3 Level 4 Proposed Signage Remove Park/Open Access Individual Signs Oman Point 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Rixons 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Murrumbulga 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 Point Quarantine Bay 2 0 1 0 0 1 1 Legges 12 0 2 2 0 4 4 Quandoa Point 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Brandy Creek 2 1 0 1 0 1 0 Beach Currawulla 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Boydtown 17 1 1 11 0 12 11 Torarago Point 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Moutrys 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Whale 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 Brierly Point 16 0 0 1 0 1 1 Brierly Point East 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 Fisheries 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 Edrom 1 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 Edrom 2 24 0 0 0 0 0 0 Red Point 12 0 0 1 0 1 1 Red Sands Bay 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 Leatherjacket Bay 10 0 0 1 0 1 1 Mowarry Point (1) 10 0 0 1 0 1 1 Mowarry Point (2) 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 Saltwater North 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 Saltwater Creek 28 0 0 4 0 4 4 Hegartys Bay 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 Bittangabee Bay 51 0 0 1 0 1 1 Pulpit Rock 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 Greencape 37 0 0 2 0 2 2 City Rock 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 Disaster Bay 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 Baycliff 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Wonboyn Bay 20 0 0 2 0 2 2 Greenglade Point 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Merrica 14 0 0 1 0 1 1 Newtons 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 Little Creek 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Nadgee 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 Nadgee 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Point/Blackhead Totals 1191 62 11 102 10 123 61

Note: Net signage = proposed signage minus consolidated signage. For example 123 signs have been proposed in the Bega Valley LGA however 62 existing signs have the opportunity to be consolidated and/or removed, leaving a net sum positive 61 signs.

Page 106 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

When implementing future signage, the following points are recommended:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

QR Codes QR codes involve the use of smart phone technology to provide location based safety messaging. The system works by scanning a smart phone over the QR Code. These codes could be included on signage (e.g. a sticker) and linked to specific water related safety information, with the potential for multilingual messages.

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

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

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

Page 107 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

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

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

Treatment Options 1.16 & 2.11 Standardised water safety signage that aligns to Australian standards and best-practice ‘style’ should be implemented at the locations listed in ‘Appendix A’. This may include the maintenance and upgrade of existing signage through planned works schedules, the consolidation of multiple existing signs into a single sign (less signs) or the removal of unnecessary signage.

Treatment Options 1.17 & 2.12 As outlined in the Facilitation Visitation Rating, all potential hazards identified within the facility that have a risk rating of high ‘Appendix B’ should appear on existing signs as warning symbols.

Treatment Options 1.18 & 4.5 Temporary signage should be used at coastal accommodation providers to inform people of when beach conditions warrant the ‘closing of a beach’. Surf Life Saving NSW will be able to inform these caravan parks of when dangerous swell events are occurring through a media release.

Treatment Option 1.19 Current access signage that appears under the same land management authority should be a consistent style. Existing signage that does not meet an adopted style should be replaced through natural attrition or removed.

Treatment Option 4.6 Temporary signage should continue to be used at access locations near patrolled areas to direct patrons to a supervised swimming area and where here is a higher risk of injury due to temporary hazards such as strong currents, creek openings and pollution.

Page 108 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

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

Emergency location markers enable triple zero call takers to immediately and accurately verify the location of an emergency triple zero call. Figure 3.2.25 provides an example of how an emergency marker sign might look.

Figure 3.2.25 example emergency marker sign.

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

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

Some locations in NSW have local emergency marker systems in place, where current signage displays a numbering code at some locations (see below). This system is outlined in local emergency procedures however does not include a formal numbering system that links back to NSW emergency services (Police, Ambulance and Fire). Following on from recent meetings, Australian CoastSafe will be supplying the Emergency Information Coordination Unit (EICU) (NSW LPI) with the locations and numbers of these signs so there is a greater chance that a ‘000’ operator will recognise these numbers.

Figure 3.2.26: Existing emergency marker sign at Casuarina, Far North Coast.

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

Treatment Option 3.2 With guidance from the Ministry for Police and Emergency Services and Lands and Property Information, a state aligned emergency marker system at all identified access locations should be considered.

Page 109 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

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

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

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

Figure 3.2.27: Formal access at Merimbula. Figure 3.2.28: Informal Access at Paspalum Point.

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

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

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

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

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

Page 110 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Table 3.2.3: Inaccessible locations within the Bega Valley LGA. Private Property (residential or Private Property (South East Fibre Inaccessible (no distinguishable or farmland) Exports) safe access from land)  Baragoot Point  Jews Head  Bunga Head  Murrah Head  Munganno Point  Bengunnu Point Nth  Bithry Inlet North  Munganno (S)  Stinking Bay  Munganno (N)  Boronda Head  Honeysuckle Point  Brierly Point East 1  Mungora Rocks  Northcote  Northcote Point  Merrica 1*  Merrica 2*  Jane Spiers* *Located in the Nadgee Nature Reserve

Nadgee Nature Reserve

The Nadgee Nature Reserve extends from the town of Wonboyn to the NSW/Victorian border in the south. The main body of the designated wilderness reserve can be accessed from the ranger station at the Merrica River crossing. From here to the state border, NPWS restricts public vehicle access and allows a maximum of 30 people in the reserve.

National Parks gave permission for Australian CoastSafe to drive beyond the vehicle access gate at the Ranger Station to Newtons Beach, which is the last accessible location by road. From here, the CoastSafe team assessed Merrica, Newtons, Little Creek and Nadgee. The approximate return walking time to the coastal locations further south of Nadgee including the time required to complete each site assessment would have exceeded 12 hours. The exposure of any identified hazards at these locations would also be very low given the small number of people allowed within the entire reserve, and this would cause the risks to be minimal. In light of this, the team unanimously decided that accessing the following locations was outside the scope of the project, and therefore they were not

assessed: o Nadgee Lake o Nadgee Moores/ Bunyip Hole o Cape Howe o Conference Point

Figure 3.2.29: Nadgee Nature Reserve.

Page 111 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Table 3.2.4: Access provision within assessed locations in Bega Valley. Location Open Formal Vehicle Informal / Private Total Possible Net Access Pedestrian Access Old Access Access Access Redirection Access Wallaga 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 Murunna Point 0 2 0 1 0 3 1 2 Pebbly 0 2 0 1 0 3 0 3 Camel Rock 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 2 Haywards 0 7 0 2 0 9 2 7 Haywards Point 0 1 0 1 1 3 1 2 Keatings Head 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Morehead 0 8 0 1 0 9 1 8 Bermagui Inlet 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 2 (1) Bermagui Inlet 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 2 (2) Bermagui Point 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 Horseshoe Bay 0 4 2 1 0 7 1 6 Point Dickson 0 3 0 3 0 6 2 4 Blue Point 0 1 0 1 0 2 0 2 Beares North 0 3 0 0 1 4 0 4 Beares 0 0 0 1 2 3 1 2 Breakaway 0 0 0 2 0 2 2 0 Zane Grey Pool 1 0 0 1 0 2 1 1 Jerimbut Point 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 Baragoot Point 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 Jagger Beach 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 2 Baragoot 0 4 0 1 0 5 1 4 Cuttagee Point 0 1 0 2 0 3 0 3 Cuttagee 0 5 0 13 0 18 10 8 Mills 0 1 0 2 0 3 2 1 Barragga Point 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 Barragga Bay 0 1 0 0 2 3 0 3 Golden Gate 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 Headland/Iron Reef Armonds Bay 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 2 Murrah-Bunga 0 1 1 0 1 3 0 3 Goalen Head 1 1 0 1 0 3 0 3 Bunga North 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 2 Bunga 0 1 1 7 1 10 6 4 Bunga South 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 Mimosa Rocks 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 Aragunnu Bay 0 3 0 1 0 4 1 3 Bengunnu Point 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Bengunnu Point 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 Picnic North 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Picnic Beach 0 1 1 1 0 3 0 3 Picnic Point 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 2 Bithry Inlet 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 Penders Beach 0 1 0 2 1 4 0 4 Middle North 0 4 1 0 0 5 0 5 Middle South 0 1 0 1 0 2 1 1 Gillards 0 10 0 1 0 11 1 10

Page 112 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Location Open Formal Vehicle Informal / Private Total Possible Net Access Pedestrian Access Old Access Access Access Redirection Access Cowdroys 0 2 1 0 0 3 0 3 Nelson Beach 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 2 Wajurda Point 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 Moon Bay 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 2 Paspalum Point 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 Mogareeka Inlet 0 1 1 0 0 2 0 2 Tathra 0 19 2 3 0 24 3 21 Tathra Head 0 12 13 0 0 25 11 14 Kianinny Bay 1 2 1 1 0 5 1 4 Wild Horse Bay 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 Boulder Bay 0 3 0 0 0 3 0 3 White Rock 0 0 1 2 0 3 0 3 Games Bay 0 1 0 5 0 6 1 5 Wallagoot Gap 0 2 1 1 0 4 1 3 Wallagoot- 0 6 1 0 0 7 0 7 Bournda Bournda Island 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 2 North 0 4 0 0 1 5 0 5 Tura/Dolphin Cove Tura Head 0 2 1 3 0 6 2 4 Tura 1 11 2 7 0 21 0 21 Beach/Short Point Short Point 1 0 0 2 0 3 2 1 Headland Middle Beach 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 Merimbula 0 4 0 2 0 6 1 5 Head/Long Point Bar Beach 0 5 0 1 0 6 0 6 Merimbula 0 11 8 1 1 21 1 20 Pambula 0 10 2 1 0 13 1 12 Little 0 4 0 1 0 5 1 4 Beach/Jiguma Bar Mouth 1 4 0 2 3 10 2 8 North Bar Mouth 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 2 South Shelly Beach 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 2 Ioala Point 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 Haycock Point 0 1 0 3 0 4 0 4 Long 0 3 1 0 0 4 0 4 Beach/Haycock Quondolo 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 Pinnacles 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 Terrace Point 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Lennards Island 0 1 0 3 0 4 1 3 North Head 0 3 4 4 0 11 0 11 Worang Point 0 2 1 0 0 3 2 1 Aslings 0 12 3 0 4 19 0 19 Yallumgo Cove 0 1 0 4 2 7 2 5 The Eagles Claw 0 0 0 2 0 2 2 0 Lookout Point 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1

Page 113 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Location Open Formal Vehicle Informal / Private Total Possible Net Access Pedestrian Access Old Access Access Access Redirection Access By Beach 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 Snug Cove 0 4 2 0 0 6 0 6 Mirare Point 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Cattle Bay 1 0 0 1 0 2 1 1 Wharf Cocora 1 1 0 1 0 3 1 2 Cocora Point 0 0 2 0 0 2 1 1 Bungo Point 0 0 2 0 0 2 1 1 Bungo 0 4 0 0 0 4 0 4 Oman Point 0 2 0 1 0 3 0 3 Rixons 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 Murrumbulga 0 3 1 0 0 4 0 4 Point Quarantine Bay 0 1 1 1 1 4 0 4 Legges 1 7 1 1 0 10 0 10 Quandoa Point 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Brandy Creek 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 Beach Currawulla 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Boydtown 1 11 2 3 0 17 2 15 Torarago Point 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Moutrys 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Whale 0 0 0 1 4 5 0 5 Brierly Point 0 1 0 1 0 2 0 2 Brierly Point 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 East 2 Fisheries 0 0 0 1 3 4 0 4 Edrom 1 0 0 0 0 3 3 0 3 Edrom 2 0 3 0 2 1 6 2 4 Red Point 0 1 0 4 0 5 4 1 Red Sands Bay 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 Leatherjacket 0 2 1 1 0 4 0 4 Bay Mowarry Point 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 2 (1) Mowarry Point 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 2 (2) Saltwater North 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 Saltwater Creek 0 6 0 0 0 6 0 6 Hegartys Bay 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 2 Bittangabee Bay 0 4 0 5 0 9 3 6 Pulpit Rock 0 1 0 1 0 2 1 1 Greencape 0 2 1 5 0 8 0 8 City Rock 0 1 0 3 0 4 3 1 Disaster Bay 0 0 0 0 3 3 0 3 Baycliff 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Wonboyn Bay 0 5 0 1 0 6 0 6 Greenglade 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Point Merrica 0 1 2 0 0 3 0 3 Newtons 0 3 0 0 0 3 0 3 Little Creek 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 2 Nadgee 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 2

Page 114 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Location Open Formal Vehicle Informal / Private Total Possible Net Access Pedestrian Access Old Access Access Access Redirection Access Nadgee 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Point/Blackhead Totals 11 294 66 140 38 549 88 461

Note: Net Access = the total of all access types minus consolidated/redirected access. For example, 549 access points have been located in the Bega Valley LGA, however 88 of these access points have the opportunity to be redirected or consolidated, leaving a net access of 461.

Treatment Options 1.20 & 2.13 Formal access paths identified in ‘Appendix A’ should continue to be regularly maintained through ongoing infrastructure and capital works programs. This will encourage formal access use (rather than informal), enhance the effectiveness of safety signage and minimise the quantity of signage needed.

Treatment Options 1.21 & 2.14 Informal access paths identified in ‘Appendix A’ should be considered for redirection or consolidation, in order to promote/facilitate the use of formal access.

Page 115 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

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

Table 3.2.5 An overview of Public Rescue Equipment (PRE) (Bradstreet, et al., 2012). PRE Type Morphology Advantages Disadvantages Extensive Recommended of current Training uses in NSW installations Required Rescue Tube Sandy Can be thrown Requires the rescuer Yes None beaches and short distances to enter the water rock pools themselves Throw Bag Not in use Distance of Risk of theft, risk of No May be used on a deployment using the line to case by case basis. return the patient towards the rocks, Further not strong/tough effectiveness enough to be investigation resilient from required. environmental conditions Throw Sticks Personal Mobility – easily Requires 2 to off-set No Yes. Relevant (Stormy device deployed to ‘miss-throw’ of the personnel /staff grenades) (mobile) incident locations first (emergency services/SLS Effective mid-range /rangers) (thrown) Life Ring Steep Ease of use. Single use device. No Steep (>1:1) (Angel ring) rampart rock Rugged design. Distance of rampart rock platforms Awareness deployment. platforms campaign Requires rescuer to established. approach the platform edge. Weight. Silent Sentry Sloping EPIRB unit EPIRB units were No Sloping (<1:1) platforms immediately alerts vulnerable to rampart rock emergency vandalism and platforms. services. Multiple disabled balls can be rolled Recommended down slopes to the redesign to patient keeping the remove EPIRB rescuer at a safer housing. distance

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

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

There are currently 19 life rings situated in the Bega Valley LGA (the majority located on wharfs). Proposed life ring locations are provided in Table 3.2.6 and further information can be found in Appendix C.

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

Page 116 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Table 3.2.6 Proposed life ring locations. Priority Locations 1 Bar Beach 2 Pulpit Rock 3 Bermagui Inlet 1 4 Bermagui Inlet 2 5 Bermagui Point 6 Point Dickson 7 Blue Point (Blue Pool) 8 Tura Head 9 Short Point Headland 10 Merimbula Head/Long Point 11 Haycock Point 12 Baycliff 13 City Rock 14 Greencape 15 Greencape (The Springs) 16 Yallumgo Cove 17 Bittangabee Bay 18 Brierly Point 19 North Head 20 Lennard’s Island

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

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

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

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

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

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

Page 117 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Rescue Tubes There are currently no rescue tubes or rescue boards for public use in the Bega Valley LGA.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Treatment Option 3.3 Explore the means to fund the expansion and continued maintenance of the ‘Angel Ring Project’ in consultation with the Australian National Sports Fishing Association (NSW Branch) and the Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW at the locations outlined in ‘Appendix C’. Final positioning should be determined by these fishing associations.

Page 118 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Page 119 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

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

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

Lifeguard uniforms within the Bega Valley LGA comply with ISLF recommendations.

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

Volunteer Lifesaving Service Below are the patrol dates and hours that will be covered during the 2013/2014 season over weekends and public holidays.

Table 3.2.7 Volunteer Lifesaving Services in the Bega Valley LGA. Sundays / Club Patrol Dates Saturdays Public Holidays 21/09/2013 to 07/10/2013 12pm - 3pm 12pm - 3pm 12/10/2013 to 17/11/2013 No Patrols No Patrols 23/11/2013 to 15/12/2013 10am - 2pm 10am - 3pm Bermagui SLSC 21/12/2013 to 27/01/2014 9am - 5pm 9am - 5pm 01/02/2014 to 30/03/2014 10am - 2pm 10am - 3pm 05/04/2014 to 27/04/2014 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm

21/09/2013 to 07/10/2013 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 12/10/2013 to 17/11/2013 No Patrols No Patrols 23/11/2013 to 15/12/2013 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm Tathra SLSC 21/12/2013 to 27/01/2014 9am - 5pm 9am - 5pm 01/02/2014 to 30/03/2014 10am - 2pm 10am - 3pm 05/04/2014 to 27/04/2014 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm

21/09/2013 to 07/10/2013 12pm - 3pm 12pm - 3pm 12/10/2013 to 17/11/2013 No Patrols No Patrols 23/11/2013 to 15/12/2013 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm Pambula SLSC 21/12/2013 to 27/01/2014 9am - 5pm 9am - 5pm 01/02/2014 to 30/03/2014 10am - 3pm 10am - 3pm 05/04/2014 to 27/04/2014 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm

Regular roving patrols are also encouraged as part of SLSNSW Standard Operating Procedures and are incorporated into a Clubs Patrol Operation Manual. Roving patrols can be conducted by ATV, IRB/RWC or walking and should continue to be conducted at the following locations throughout a patrol. o Bermagui SLSC: Northern Headland to Southern Headland o Tathra SLSC: Mogareeka Inlet to Tathra Head o Pambula SLSC: 200m north of club to Little Beach/Jiguma

RWC Patrols It is also acknowledged that the Far South Coast Branch through its support services already conducts roving patrols through an RWC on Saturday, Sundays and Public Holidays. This service operates between Merimbula Head and the river mouth at Pambula during the summer school holidays (1pm to 5pm) and during February, March and April (11am – 2pm). This service has conducted search and rescue operations and been involved in

Page 120 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

preventative actions over the last three seasons. Recent reports have suggested that this service is currently struggling with a lack of human resources and has not been meeting the above dates and times. Surf Life Saving New South Wales along with the Far South Coast Branch and Pambula SLSC should continue to work towards the goal of meeting the required dates and times set out in the Lifesaving Service Agreement.

Surf Life Saving New South Wales is currently investigating further options for the use of a Rescue Water Craft (Jet Ski) to improve patrolling methods and expand emergency response capabilities.

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

Possible locations will be discussed and consideration should be given to where existing services may already be located e.g. Marine Rescue and Water Police.

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

Paid Lifeguard Service - Existing The Bega Valley lifeguard patrol dates and hours for the 2013/2014 season are provided below.

Table 3.2.8 Paid Lifeguard Services in the Bega Valley LGA. Beach Patrol Dates Days of Service Patrol Times Camel Rock 26/12/2013 to 28/01/2014 7 days 9am - 5pm Bermagui 27/12/2013 to 28/01/2014 5 days 9am - 5pm (Horse Shoe Bay) Tathra 27/12/2013 to 28/01/2014 5 days 9am - 5pm Short Point 26/12/2013 to 28/01/2014 7 days 9am - 5pm Bar Beach 26/12/2013 to 28/01/2014 7 days 9am - 5pm Merimbula 26/12/2013 to 28/01/2014 7 days 9am - 5pm (Main Beach) Pambula 27/12/2013 to 28/01/2014 5 days 9am - 5pm Eden (Aslings) 26/12/2013 to 28/01/2014 7 days 9am - 5pm

*Note: All locations except for Bar Beach have 2 lifeguards on duty.

There are currently no RWCs used on lifeguard patrols within the Bega Valley LGA.

Paid Lifeguard Service – Proposed

Bar Beach Attendance figures for Bar Beach (See Figure 2.10.3: Bega Valley Lifeguard Service attendance statistics from July 2008 to June 2013. reveal that that this location is one of the most highly frequented swimming locations in the Bega Valley LGA. The deep tidal channel of the Merimbula Lake adjacent to the beach can present dangerous swimming conditions particularly at the extremities of the tide. This, in addition to bar crossings and general boating traffic, is reason for why more rescues are conducted here than any other supervised beach in the area (See Figure 2.10.5). Since only one lifeguard is stationed at Bar Beach during patrol season, conducting frequent rescues inevitably means that the swimming area may go unsupervised intermittently throughout the day.

Page 121 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Practice Note 15 Water Safety (Updated July 2012) states that “Land Managers should carefully consider the benefits of having more than one person on duty, particularly during an emergency situation such as a rescue or when first aid is needed. Having a minimum of two people on duty better ensures that emergency situations do not adversely impact on regular surveillance duties or put water safety personnel at risk… Land Managers should also consider the safety needs of the personnel providing the service (staff or contractors) when determining the number of personnel to be on duty”.

In light of the above, the Bega Valley Shire Council should explore the means to fund a minimum of 2 permanent lifeguards at this location.

Figure 3.2.30 An average summer day at Bar Beach.

School Holidays For the 2013/2014 season, the paid lifeguards finished patrols on Tuesday the 28th January as this is the last day of the NSW public school holidays. However beaches in the Bega Valley area (pictures below) were still busy after the 28th January. As shown in (Table 2.10.4) visitors from Canberra, Victoria and Western NSW to the Bega Valley coastline make up a large majority of visitors. Therefore, Bega Valley Shire Council should explore the means to fund an extension of these services to cover all school holiday periods (table below).

Table 3.2.9 Christmas holiday Periods for NSW, ACT and Victoria. Christmas Holidays NSW (West) NSW (East) ACT Vic Start (2013) 21st Dec 21st Dec 21st Dec 21st Dec Finish (2014) 4th Feb 28th Jan 4th Feb 27th Jan Start (2014) 18th Dec 18th Dec 18th Dec 20th Dec Finish (2015) 3rd Feb 27th Jan 1st Feb 27th Jan

Figure 3.2.31 Merimbula Beach on Friday 31st January 2014.

Page 122 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Figure 3.2.32 Short Point/Tura Beach on Saturday 1st February 2014.

February / Easter Weekend The Easter holiday weekend can also be a busy period at some beach locations, especially around caravan parks/camping grounds.

The below statistics are the combined attendance figures over the previous five Easter holiday weekends recorded by the Surf Life Saving Clubs. Pambula SLSC recorded the highest attendance figures. These figures may suggest that other popular beaches such as Merimbula, Bar Beach, Short Point and Aslings also have high attendance over the Easter holiday weekend.

Table 3.2.10 Combined attendance figures for the Easter weekends 2009 – 2013. Easter Holiday Weekend Location Easter 2013 Easter 2012 Easter 2011 Easter 2010 Easter 2009 Bermagui 460 553 349 562 691 Pambula 2620 1955 1094 2602 4367 Tathra 1495 1246 760 2802 1055

These statistics were also supported through the methods of consultation with locals, surf life saving members and caravan park owners.

Water temperatures during Easter are also favourable with March and April recording an average of 20.2 and 20.1 degrees, higher than December and January. The below figures are the monthly average of coastal sea surface temperatures (Hydro Metoc, 2014).

Table 3.2.11 Average monthly water temperatures for Eden5. Average Monthly Water Temperatures - Eden Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 19.6 20.1 20.2 20.1 18.3 16.4 15.2 14.2 14.8 16.2 17.2 18.0

The Bega Valley Shire Council should explore the means to fund a Lifeguard Service over the four day Easter holiday weekend at Bar Beach, Merimbula, Short Point and Aslings. Lifeguards should also provide coverage at these locations on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) during the month of February as these beaches also receive high attendance due to holiday visitors and locals.

On average, swell events are also more consistent during autumn than summer resulting in more hazardous conditions (Bureau of Meterology , 2014)

5 The data is a prediction of sea surface temperature based on data within a 1 degree latitude and longitude radius of the coastal town, therefore it will vary from real time data. Note that local environmental factors are not taken into account. For example, currents heavily influence the sea temperature along the eastern and western coasts of Australia. The data displayed has been extracted from the Generalized Digital Environment Model database (Hydro Metoc, 2014)

Page 123 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Summer (December – February) Through the methods of consultation it was learnt many locations still remain busy outside the current lifeguard patrol period over the NSW summer school holidays. The Bega Valley Shire Council should therefore explore the means to fund mid-week patrols at Tathra and Pambula from the start of December to the end of February.

Increased patrolling of these locations may generate positive media and public relations and increase the overall public awareness. This may in turn generate increased tourism and attract visitors (domestic and international) to Tathra and Pambula. This will not only provide a safer place for recreational activities but there will be an increase in the local economy as beachgoers will utilise local businesses such as cafes/restaurants etc. The benefit of this service will ensure that any tourist/local has the option of swimming at a patrolled beach every day during the summer months.

As an option to assist with funding, local businesses and accommodation providers, may be able to contribute via a water safety levy. Another option could be the introduction of paid parking (for non-residents) at the main car parks at Tathra and Pambula. This strategy has been employed by many coastal councils and national park locations with success.

Attendance figures during February for the major caravan parks at Tathra and Pambula (e.g. Discovery Holiday Parks – Pambula Beach, Tathra Tourist Park and the Big 4 Tathra Beach Holiday Park) have all recorded high attendance figures for the month of February which correlates to people using the adjacent beaches for recreation.

Treatment Option 1.22 Explore the means to fund an additional lifeguard at Bar Beach, taking the number of lifeguards serving this location to two lifeguards across the current coverage period over the summer school holidays.

Treatment Option 1.23 Explore the means to fund an extension of all lifeguard services within the Bega Valley Local Government Area to cover all summer school holiday periods.

Treatment Option 1.24 Explore the means to fund the lifeguard services at Merimbula, Bar Beach, Short Point, Camel Rock and Aslings to provide supervision on weekends (Saturday, Sunday and public holidays) until the end of February. These services should also provide coverage over the four day Easter holiday weekend.

Treatment Option 1.25 Explore the means to fund mid-week patrols at Tathra and Pambula from the start of December to the end of February.

Treatment Option 4.7 Branch and club procedures should continue to ensure that roving patrols are performed on a regular basis to cover a nearby beach/section of a beach that is not patrolled.

Treatment Option 4.8 Surf Life Saving New South Wales along with the Far South Coast Branch and Pambula SLSC should continue to work towards the goal of meeting the required dates and times set out in the Lifesaving Service Agreement for the RWC service stationed at Pambula.

Page 124 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

4 Emergency Response

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

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

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

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

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

Page 125 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

4.2 Emergency Response Alarm Emergency alarms are an effective way of informing emergency services of an incident without the use of a hand held or mobile phone. Appropriate locations for these emergency alarms are around coastal rock pools, wharfs or unpatrolled beaches/sections of beaches where a lifesaving or lifeguard patrol is nearby. Below is an example of an emergency alarm stationed at Merimbula Wharf. There is also another alarm located at Tathra Wharf.

These emergency alarms are a great initiative by Bega Valley Shire Council and follows a previous risk assessment conducted in the area after the tragic events that occurred at Tathra Wharf involving a local family.

Figure 4.2.1: Emergency response alarm at Merimbula Wharf.

Page 126 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

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

The two main types of ERB are:

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

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

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

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

Figure 4.3.1: Example of a mobile emergency response beacon on a beach.

Appropriate locations could include Tura Beach, north of the Short Point lifeguards when on duty, and north Aslings in front of the caravan park which is also north of the Aslings lifeguard patrol.

Page 127 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

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

Table 4.4.1 Coastal Emergency Service locations for Bega Valley LGA. Emergency Services – Bega Valley Local Government Area Emergency Service Street Address Suburb NSW Police 167 Auckland Street Bega NSW Police Corner of Young and Wallaga Streets Bermagui NSW Police Bermagui Road Cobargo NSW Police 129 Imlay Street Eden NSW Police 25 - 27 Reid Street Merimbula NSW Police 11 Bega Street Tathra Marine Area Command Imlay Street, Eden Harbour Eden NSW Ambulance Bunga Street Bermagui NSW Ambulance 1 Canning Street Bega NSW Ambulance Wyeebo Street Merimbula NSW Ambulance Bass Street Eden NSW Fire & Rescue Corner Gipps and Upper Streets Bega NSW Fire & Rescue 30 Mitchell Street Eden NSW Fire & Rescue 17-19 Monaro Street Merimbula NSW Rural Fire Service Maher St Bega NSW Rural Fire Service Betts Street Bemboka NSW Rural Fire Service Gilchrist Drive Buckajo NSW Rural Fire Service Tarraganda Lane Tarraganda NSW Rural Fire Service Big Jack Mountain Road Rocky Hall NSW Rural Fire Service Merimbula Drive Merimbula NSW Rural Fire Service Barabooka Drive Wapengo NSW Rural Fire Service Candelo Road Candelo NSW Rural Fire Service Mountview Close Jellat Jellat NSW Rural Fire Service Barragate Road Burragate NSW Rural Fire Service Nethercote Road Nethercote NSW Rural Fire Service Candelo Wolumia Road Wolumla NSW Rural Fire Service Alms Street Eden NSW Rural Fire Service Warrigal Range Road Brogo NSW Rural Fire Service Sir William McKell Drive Pambula NSW Rural Fire Service Gleeson Road Wonboyn NSW Rural Fire Service Gathering Place, off Douglas Close, Carwoola Angledale/Stoney Creek

Page 128 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Emergency Services – Bega Valley Local Government Area Emergency Service Street Address Suburb NSW Rural Fire Service Dignams Creek Road Dignams Creek NSW Rural Fire Service Monaro Street Wyndham NSW Rural Fire Service Snowy Mountains Highway Numbugga NSW Rural Fire Service Bermaguee Street Quaama NSW Rural Fire Service Upper Brogo Road Upper Brogo NSW Rural Fire Service Tathra Road Tathra NSW Rural Fire Service Kiah Store Road Kiah NSW Rural Fire Service Towamba Street Towamba Marine Rescue Bermagui Harbour Bermagui Marine Rescue Main Street Merimbula Marine Rescue Lookout Point (Bramble Street) Eden State Emergency Service Corner of Carp and Gipps Streets Bega State Emergency Service Corner of Bunga and Murrah Streets Bermagui State Emergency Service Princes Highway Eden

Page 129 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Figure 4.4.1Emergency services within the Bega Valley LGA.

Page 130 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

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

Figure 4.5.1 Radio signal strength - Montague Island radio repeater.

Figure 4.5.2 Radio signal strength – Bimmil Hill radio repeater (Tathra area).

Page 131 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Figure 4.5.3 Radio signal strength – Bimmil Hill radio repeater (Merimbula – Eden Area).

Figure 4.5.4 Radio signal strength – Bimmil Hill radio repeater (Ben Boyd National Park – Nadgee Nature Reserve).

Key:

No coverage Signal strength Signal strength Signal strength (black spot) (limited) (average) (strong)

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

Treatment Option 4.9 Surf Life Saving NSW should continue to hold discussions with Surf Life Saving Far South Coast to raise any current issues and opportunities which could see further radio infrastructure installed to improve communication.

Page 132 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

4.6 Joint Emergency Response (Lifesavers and Lifeguards)

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

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

Eden Callout Team Through the methods of consultation it was advised that if an after-hours emergency callout occurred in the Eden area, response time for lifesavers can be often delayed.

To reduce the response time of the callout team having to drive to Pambula SLSC and pick up equipment Surf Life Saving and the Bega Valley Shire Council should work together to organise a specialty response shed that includes rescue equipment such as an Inflatable Rescue Boat, Rescue Boards/Tubes and vital first aid resources in the town of Eden. Members who live around the Eden area would also be able to respond to an incident more efficiently. The suitability of proposed sites, the security of items to be stored, equipment checks/maintenance and who will be able to access the equipment will need to be discussed with key stakeholders.

Cross Border Relations The Eden Water Police, which is the most southern resource in NSW is about 51km to the New South Wales/Victoria border (Nadgee Nature Reserve) and this takes approximately 90mins by boat. However emergency resources including lifeguards/lifesavers are stationed at Mallacoota which is a shorter 22km response distance. Surf rescue agencies and emergency services from both NSW and Victoria have the opportunity to improve border relations. Improvements relate to information sharing, communication and the formalisation of emergency response procedures. A first step could be an open forum between relevant agencies.

Treatment Option 4.10 An emergency response training scenario should be conducted with Far South Coast Branch Duty Officers/Support Operations, Bega Valley Lifeguard Supervisors and the local emergency services once a year before the commencement of the surf life saving season.

Treatment Options 1.26 & 4.11 To reduce the response time of the callout team having to drive to Pambula SLSC and pick up equipment, Surf Life Saving and the Bega Valley Shire Council should work together to organise a specialty response shed that includes rescue equipment such as an Inflatable Rescue Boat, Rescue Boards/Tubes and vital first aid resources in the town of Eden.

Treatment Option 4.12 Cross-border joint operations between surf rescue agencies and other emergency services operating in both NSW and Victoria should be improved by developing formalised standard operating procedures.

Page 133 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

5 Monitor and Review

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

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

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

Treatment Options 1.27 & 2.15 In consultation with relevant stakeholders, this document should be reviewed annually to measure the effectiveness of any risk mitigation strategies and drowning prevention initiatives that have been implemented and where future funding opportunities can be directed.

Treatment Options 1.28 & 2.16 All drowning prevention strategies should be documented and incorporated into the relevant strategic and management plans. This will ensure consistency throughout the management area and a structured approach to maintenance.

Page 134 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

References

Angel Ring Project, 2012, ‘NSW Angel Ring Update – 17th June 2012’, Australian National Sports fishing Association (NSW Branch)’, Sydney, Accessed on 7th January, 2013

Angel Ring Project, 2013, Angel Ring Management http://angelrings.com.au/angel-ring-management/, Accessed on 25th October, 2013

ABS, 2013. Census. http://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/censushome.nsf/home/map, Accessed April 2014

Australian Water Safety Council, 2013. National Aquatic and Recreational Signage Style Manual , Melbourne: State Government of Victoria.

Barns, R 2012, ‘NSW Councils Beach Safety Information Signage’, Statewide Mutual, Sydney

Bradstreet A, Sherker S, Brighton B, Weir A, Thompson, M 2012, ‘Research Review of Rock Fishing in New South Wales’, Surf Life Saving Australia, Sydney.

Bureau of Meterology , 2014. Hazardous Surf Climatology , Melbourne: Bureau of Meterology.

Coastlife Adventures, 2014. Coastlife Adventures http://www.coastlife.com.au/index.html, Accessed 28 February 2014

Hydro Metoc, 2014. Coastal Sea Surface Temperatures. http://www.metoc.gov.au/products/data/aussst.php, Accessed 6 March 2014

International Life Saving Federation, 2008. A framework to reduce drowning deaths in the aquatic environment for nations/regions engaged in lifesaving, Belgium: The International Life Saving Federation.

Kennedy, D. M. et al., 2013. Rocky coast hazards and public safety: Moving beyond the beach in coastal risk management. Ocean and Coastal Management, Volume 82, pp. 85-94.

Life Saving Victoria, 2006, ‘National Aquatic and Recreational Signage Style Manual’, 3rd edition, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne

NSW Department of Planning , 2007. South Coast Regional Strategy , Wollongong: NSW Government

NSW Division of Local Government, 2012, ‘Practice Note No. 15 – Water Safety’, Department of Premier and Cabinet, Nowra

NSW National Parks and Wildlifes, 2014. Staying Safe in National Parks http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/safety, Accessed 10 April 2014

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2005. Angel Ring Policy Directive, Sydney: NSW Department of Environment and Conservation.

Office of Environment & Heritage, 2014. NSW National Parks Campground Host Program. http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/volunteers/NPWSCampgroundHostProgram.htm?utm_source=collateral &utm_medium=posters&utm_campaign=campgroundhosts, Accessed 3 March 2014

Pambula Surf, 2014. Pambula Surf. http://www.pambulasurf.org.au/Joomla_3/, Accessed 3 March 2014

Recreational Fishing Alliance, 2011. Safe Fishing. http://www.safefishing.com.au/index.html, Accessed 24 September 2013.

Recreational Fishing Alliance, 2011. Safe Fishing. http://www.safefishing.com.au/index.html

Page 135 of 136 Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment: Bega Valley Local Government Area

Short, A 2006, ‘Australian Beach Safety Management Program’, Coastal Studies Unit, University of Sydney, Sydney

SLSNSW, 2013. Incident Reporting Database, Sydney: Surf Life Saving New South Wales. Statewide Mutual, 2007, ‘Best Practice Manual, Signs As Remote Supervision’, V.3, Statewide Mutual, Sydney

Standards Australia, 2009. AS/NZS ISO31000:2009 Risk Management Principles and Guidelines.

Standards Australia, 2010, ‘AS/NZS 2416:2010 Water safety signs and beach safety flags: Part 1: Specifications for water safety signs used in workplaces and public areas’, Standards Australia, Sydney

Standards Australia, 2010, ‘AS/NZS 2416:2010 Water safety signs and beach safety flags: Part 2: Specifications for beach safety flags – “colour, shape, meaning and performance’, Standards Australia, Sydney

Standards Australia, 2010, ‘AS/NZS 2416:2010 Water safety signs and beach safety flags: Part 3: Guidance for use’, Standards Australia, Sydney

Statewide Mutual, 2007. Signage As Remote Supervision, Sydney: Statewide Mutual.

Surf Education Australia, 2013. Surf Education and Surfing Programs. http://www.seaaustralia.com.au/, Accessed 26 September 2013.

SurfGuard, 2013. SurfGuard. https://www.surfguard.slsa.asn.au/, Accessed March 2014.

Surf Life Saving Australia, 2010, ‘The Australian Coastal Public Safety Guidelines’, 2nd edition, Surf Life Saving Australia, Sydney

Surf Life Saving Australia, 2011, ‘Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessor Learner Guide’, V.3, Surf Life Saving Australia, Sydney

Trade & Investment Crown Lands, 2014. Assests managed by the NSW Crown Holiday Park Trust. [Online] Available at: http://www.lpma.nsw.gov.au/trusts/nsw_crown_holiday_parks_trust/assets_managed_by_the_nsw_crown_h oliday_park_trust, Accessed Wednesday March 2014

Page 136 of 136