Sydney Metropolitan Beaches Sydney Beaches

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

Waverley Council

The Beachwatch Program 65

Waverley Council

Beaches: Bondi, Tamarama and Bronte Sydney Beaches

66 State of the Beaches 2005–2006

Waverley Council

Location Management Plan and Program of Works and other programs to improve water Waverley Council covers an area of nine quality in the catchment. square kilometres in the Eastern Suburbs of Integrated Stormwater Management Plan (ISMP) and Sydney and has a population of Program of Works approximately 60700 people. The ISMP Program of Works is a practical The Waverley beaches encompass a application of the goals, strategies, and 2.5-kilometre stretch of coastline from Bondi outcomes defined within the plan. It Beach in the north to Bronte Beach in the identifies, schedules, and prioritises south. Intertidal Protection Areas are located environmental works that address along the coastline between Bondi Beach stormwater pollution control in Waverley and Tamarama Beach and between Bronte for the period 2001–2006. Beach and Coogee Beach. Sydney Beaches These include street sweeping, the Land uses within the Waverley beach integration of Water Sensitive Urban Design catchments include residential, commercial, features into street upgrades, a industrial, recreational and bushland. comprehensive businesses education and Compliance with guidelines accreditation program, and the installation and maintenance of stormwater pollution Compliance with the guidelines was very devices. These programs help to prevent high in the Waverley Council area during foreign materials from washing into the summer 2005–2006 (Table 6), with all three drains and onto the beaches. beaches complying 100% of the time with both bacterial indicators. Water Week: Waverley Council conducts workshops, seminars, school events, trade The range of bacterial levels measured at affairs and festival days throughout Sydney beaches during summer 2005–2006 National Water Week to provide the is shown in Figure 9, with Waverley Council community with the knowledge, skills and beaches highlighted in grey. Levels of both practical tools to enable them to minimise faecal coliforms and enterococci were within water use and their impact on water quality. the range of values measured at other city beaches in Sydney. Permanent Wave Business Environmental Education Program: This program aims to Ranking of beaches encourage environmental awareness All monitored harbour and ocean beach amongst businesses. Audits have been swimming locations in the Hunter, Sydney conducted at over 170 local businesses at and Illawarra regions were ranked on the Bondi Beach and Bondi Junction, resulting basis of their compliance with swimming in the implementation of improved guidelines during summer 2005–2006. A environmental practices, including waste total of 14 distinct ranks were observed for storage, litter management and waste water the 127 sites monitored both for faecal disposal practices. coliforms and enterococci, with many sites Bondi to Bronte Interpretive Signage Project: ranked equally. Council installed new interpretive and The rankings for the Waverley Council regulatory signage in the popular Bondi to beaches were excellent, with all beaches Bronte coastal zone in December 2005. The ranked equal first (Table 6). new signage provides clear and consistent messages encouraging and promoting Actions to improve water quality socially and environmentally responsible Actions specific to individual beaches are behaviour. included on the beach pages. Free Workshops: Waverley Council runs a Waverley Council has also adopted many series of environmental workshops, actions from the Integrated Stormwater including ‘Green Cleaning’, ‘Gardening with

The Beachwatch Program 67

Native Plants’, and ‘Household Water and to establish a social norm that smoking Conservation’. is no longer acceptable on the beach included ‘no smoking’ signage and Review of Planning Controls: Waverley stencilling, display of an ‘Our beaches are Council reviewed planning controls in not ashtrays’ banner and distribution of conjunction with the Institute for postcards. The ban has resulted in Sustainable Futures and the University of significant environmental benefits including Sydney Beaches Technology. Sustainable Water Management cleaner beaches. (maximising efficiency and reducing pollution) was one of six categories The Water CampaignTM: Council continues to reviewed. The next stage will update the work with the International Council for Development Control Plans (DCPs) Local Environmental Initiatives to identify sustainability content, such as better Council and community actions to improve planning of waste storage facilities water quality. (reducing illegal dumping and general litter Local Environmental Plan: This plan assesses on streets). This will decrease stormwater environmental performance and identifies pollution from wind-blown litter. strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for Other programs improvement in delivering sustainable Water Monitoring Program: Waverley Council outcomes for Bondi Junction. Additionally, also undertakes weekly water monitoring of it will incorporate leading practice two ocean pools. Additionally, the council environmental controls. conducts regular water quality snapshots of Environmental Management Plan (EMP): all stormwater outlets to monitor water Council has developed an EMP that quality, isolate problem catchments, and integrates environmental controls into identify pollution sources. standard work practices within Council. Community Education Campaigns Through training, implementation and review, the EMS minimises the impact of Marine Discovery Centre: Council supports Council’s outdoor operations on local the Marine Discovery Centre at the Bondi waterways. Beach Pavilion, which raises awareness about conservation of coastal areas. Council Illegal dumping: Council has developed an has supported the development of an information kit for new tenants to help interactive stormwater education display at reduce illegal dumping and related the Centre. stormwater pollution in the Council area. The kit is distributed by local real estate Butt Busters: Waverley Council and the agencies. It sets out how waste should be Marine Discovery Centre embarked on a stored, what can be recycled, and how to Butt Buster campaign. Personal ashtrays dispose of other waste. were handed out to the general public in an attempt to encourage them to take their Litter control: Council introduced a new cigarette butts home. Local cafes have also containerised waste and recycling service in been provided with windproof ashtrays to 2005 that reduces the potential for prevent butts being blown onto the footpath. windblown litter. Council has also purchased a new beach Soil and water management program: Council rake and tractor that effectively sift small continues to implement the Southern pieces of litter (such as cigarette butts) from Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils the sand. A ban on smoking on Waverley (SSROC) soil and water management beaches (Bondi, Bronte and Tamarama) program. This program aims to prevent came into effect on 17 December 2004. degradation of waterways and stormwater Educational strategies to increase awareness systems by minimising the loss of soil and of the smoking ban amongst beach users building materials from construction sites.

68 State of the Beaches 2005–2006

Table 6: Compliance and ranking of Waverley beaches for summer 2005–2006 Site Compliance (%) Overall rank Faecal Coliforms Enterococci (out of 14) Bondi Beach 100 100 1 Tamarama Beach 100 100 1 Bronte Beach 100 100 1

Figure 9: Range of Bacterial levels at Sydney beaches during summer 2005–2006

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

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

The Beachwatch Program 69

Bondi Beach

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

Actions There are no actions specific to this beach.

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

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 88 88 81 81 75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

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

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform densities increased with increasing rainfall and occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit after 20 millimetres or more of rainfall in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci levels occasionally exceeded the median guideline after five millimetres of rainfall, and usually exceeded the guidelines after 20 millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

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

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

70 State of the Beaches 2005–2006

Tamarama Beach

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

Pollution sources A stormwater drain discharges to the beach during both wet and dry weather.

Actions There are no actions specific to this beach.

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

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 10097 100100 100 100 100 100 84 81 75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

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

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform densities occasionally exceeded the median guideline limits in response to ten millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci levels occasionally exceeded the median guideline limits in response to very low levels of rain in the previous 24 hours and usually exceeded the guidelines after ten millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

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

The Beachwatch Program 71

Bronte Beach

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

Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge to the beach.

Actions There are no actions specific to this beach.

Compliance With the exception of one season, faecal coliform levels complied 100% of the time over the past five years. Enterococci compliance has been more varied, with higher levels of compliance recorded in winter seasons.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 91 100 90 94 81 75 75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

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

Response to rainfall Bacteria densities increased with increasing rainfall. Faecal coliform densities often exceeded the median guideline limits in response to ten millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci levels frequently exceeded the median guideline after ten millimetres or more of rain had been received in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

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

72 State of the Beaches 2005–2006

Sydney Metropolitan Beaches Sydney Beaches

Randwick City Council

The Beachwatch Program 73

Randwick City Council

Beaches: Clovelly, Coogee, Maroubra and Malabar Sydney Beaches

74 State of the Beaches 2005–2006

Randwick City Council

Location Clovelly and Maroubra were ranked equal first, Coogee was ranked equal fifth and Randwick City Council covers an area of Malabar was ranked equal 13th. 37 square kilometres in the eastern suburbs Actions to improve water quality of Sydney and has a population of approximately 126 700 people. Actions specific to individual beach locations are included on the beach pages. The Randwick beaches occur along a ten- Improvements in water quality are also kilometre stretch of coastline from Clovelly expected as a result of a Stormwater Beach south to Cape Banks. Management Plan and a range of other Land uses within the Randwick beach projects. catchments include residential, commercial, Eastern Coastal Catchments Stormwater Management industrial, recreational and bushland. Plan Sydney Beaches Compliance with guidelines Randwick Council has identified a number Compliance with swimming guidelines was of actions to combat stormwater pollution in generally good at beaches in the Randwick the Stormwater Management Plan for the City Council area during summer 2005–2006 Eastern Coastal Catchments. Source control (Table 7). actions include an ongoing street sweeping program and education programs in the Compliance was excellent at Clovelly and Randwick area. Maroubra beaches, where bacterial indicator levels complied with guidelines 100% of the Council has installed stormwater quality time. Compliance with the faecal coliform improvement devices aimed at controlling criteria was 100% for all of the beaches stormwater pollution in-system. End-of-pipe except Malabar, which complied with the actions include the installation of continuous guidelines 74% of the time. Enterococci deflective separator gross pollutant traps levels complied 90% of the time at Coogee (GPTs) on stormwater drains to collect and 65% of the time at Malabar. stormwater contaminants. Council has conducted sampling to determine water The range of bacterial levels measured at quality at receiving waters and after rain Sydney beaches during summer 2005–2006 events. is shown in Figure 10, with Randwick beaches highlighted in grey. Levels of both Other programs faecal coliforms and enterococci at most Stormwater devices: A new resident-funded beaches in Randwick City Council were five-year environmental levy program will comparable to those measured in Manly and fund a number of programs, including new Waverly council areas. Bacterial levels at GPTs to prevent street litter and organic Maroubra Beach were lower, and similar to material from washing off streets, into levels at beaches in the Pittwater, Warringah drains and onto oceans and beaches. Work and Sutherland council areas. also includes repairs and improvements to Ranking of beaches adjacent drainage lines, which will contribute to improved water quality. All monitored harbour and ocean beach Soil and water management programs: swimming locations in the Hunter, Sydney Randwick City Council continues to and Illawarra regions were ranked on the implement the Southern Sydney Regional basis of their compliance with swimming Organisation of Councils (SSROC) soil and guidelines during summer 2005–2006. A total water management program. This program of 14 rankings were determined for the 127 aims to prevent degradation of waterways sites monitored both for faecal coliforms and and stormwater systems by minimising the enterococci, with many sites ranked equally. loss of soil and other building materials The rankings for the Randwick City Council from building and construction sites. beaches were generally good (Table 7).

The Beachwatch Program 75

Summer Activities Program: Held over a two- all new developments in the council area week period in January, this is aimed at and contributes to the efficient use of increasing the understanding and stormwater, which can be used within the appreciation of marine and coastal water premises for flushing of toilets and in quality and conservation issues by both laundries, as well as for external uses. residents and visitors to the area. The Drain is Just for Rain: A drain-stencilling

Sydney Beaches EcoLiving Fair: Randwick's second EcoLiving project was carried out in June 2006. Fair was held on World Environment Day Approximately 200 drains in the Clovelly 2006. This provides residents with practical Beach catchment were stencilled with ‘This sustainability workshops and Drain Leads to your Beach – For Rainwater demonstrations for the home and garden, Only’ and also ‘The Drain is just for Rain’. such as keeping chemicals and cleaning Stormwater Drain relining: A number of agents out of the drainage system. The Fair sections of stormwater drains, thought to be also includes environmental theatre for close to 100 years old, have been replaced or children and adults, reinforcing messages on relined in the last year. This will contribute reducing litter. to improved water quality and flow. Other educational programs: Educational Plastic bags: The local chambers of commerce activities are also organised to promote and are working directly with Council to support the annual Coastcare Week and Sea highlight the environmental issues Week themes. associated with plastic bag use and the Rainwater tank policy: A rainwater tank benefits that come with a plastic bag-free policy was adopted by Council. It applies to city, such as fewer plastic bags in our ocean.

Table 7: Compliance and ranking of Randwick beaches for summer 2005–2006 Site Compliance (%) Overall rank Faecal Coliforms Enterococci (out of 14) Clovelly Beach 100 100 1 Coogee Beach 100 90 5 Maroubra Beach 100 100 1 Malabar Beach 74 65 13

76 State of the Beaches 2005–2006

Figure 10: Range of bacterial levels at Sydney beaches during summer 2005–2006

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

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The Beachwatch Program 77

Clovelly Beach

See page 74 for key to map Description The beach backs a 300-metre-long bay and has a pool-like atmosphere. Wheelchair access to the water is provided. It is one of the safest beaches in Sydney and is patrolled from September to April.

Sydney Beaches Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge at the entrance to, and within, Clovelly Bay. The narrowness of the bay increases the flushing time after rain.

Actions Randwick Council has installed two continuous deflective separators in Bundock Park to capture gross pollutants carried by stormwater. All known stormwater drains in the Clovelly Beach catchment are now leading to a gross pollution trap prior to entering Clovelly Bay. Council regularly undertakes street sweeping and beach cleaning.

Compliance With the exception of one season, faecal coliform levels complied 100% of the time over the past five years. Enterococci compliance has varied considerably, ranging from 67% to 100% of the time, but has exceeded 90% of the time since summer 2002–2003.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 97 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 97 100100 100 100 100 100 100 91 75 75 75 67 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

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

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

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

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

78 State of the Beaches 2005–2006

Coogee Beach

See page 74 for key to map Description The beach is 400 metres long and is backed by a promenade and parklands. There are rock baths at the southern and northern ends. The beach has a reputation for safe swimming, and lifeguards patrol the beach all year.

Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge to the beach during both wet and dry weather. Water ponding in the immediate vicinity of the drain may be polluted.

Actions Randwick Council installed an additional continious deflective separator on Neptune Street. Randwick council now regularly maintains six GPTs and undertakes street sweeping and beach cleaning. Regular water sampling of the stormwater seepage Sydney Beaches located at the south end of Coogee Beach is also conducted.

Compliance Faecal coliform levels complied with swimming guidelines 88% of the time or more over the last five years. Enterococci compliance has been more varied, ranging from 63% to 100% of the time, with clear differences between summer and winter seasons.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100 100 10097 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 88 100 87 91 90 84 81 72 75 75 63 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

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

Response to rainfall Bacterial levels increased with increasing rainfall. Faecal coliform densities frequently exceeded the median guideline limits in response to ten millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci densities occasionally exceeded the guideline limits after little or no rainfall, indicating a possible dry- weather contamination problem.

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

The Beachwatch Program 79

Maroubra Beach

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

Sydney Beaches Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge to the beach, one during both wet and dry weather.

Actions Randwick Council recently installed an additional continious deflector separator GPT in Byrne Crescent, South Maroubra. Council regularly undertakes street sweeping and beach cleaning. Maroubra was recognised with a highly commended award in the 2005 Keep Australia Beautiful Clean Beach Challenge Awards.

Compliance With the exception of the 2001–2002 summer season, faecal coliform and enterococci levels complied 100% of the time over the past five years.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 88 100 78 75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

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

Response to rainfall Bacterial densities did not show a clear response to rainfall, with elevated levels regularly recorded in the five–9.9 millimetres rainfall category, and also after 20 millimetres of rain or more has fallen in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

z 100 100 z median threshold 10 z 10 z

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

80 State of the Beaches 2005–2006

Malabar Beach

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

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

Actions Randwick Council maintains four GPTs in the catchment. Council regularly undertakes street cleaning and beach sweeping in the catchment area. Drain stencilling has also been recently conducted in the area. Sydney Beaches Compliance With the exception of the 2005–2006 summer season, a high level of faecal coliform compliance has been recorded over the last five years. Enterococci compliance has been more variable, ranging from 65% to 100% of the time.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 97 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 84 87 74 75 76 78 75 75 68 65 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

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

Response to rainfall Bacterial densities increased with increasing rainfall. Faecal coliform levels often exceeded the median guideline after five millimetres of rainfall in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci densities occasionally exceeded the guideline limits after little or no rainfall, indicating a possible dry-weather contamination problem.

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

The Beachwatch Program 81 Sydney Beaches

Sydney Metropolitan Beaches Sydney Beaches

Sutherland Shire Council

The Beachwatch Program 83

Sutherland Shire Council

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

84 State of the Beaches 2005–2006

Sutherland Shire Council

Location these beaches the principal recent action to ensure good water quality was the Sutherland Shire Council covers an area of upgrading of Cronulla Sewage Treatment 371 square kilometres and has a population Plant (STP) in April 2001. of approximately 215 000 people. Improvements in water quality are also The Sutherland beaches are situated around expected as a result of stormwater the rim of Bate Bay. management plans and a range of other council initiatives. Land uses within the Sutherland beach catchments include urban residential, Bate Bay Management Plan commercial, industrial, recreational and Sutherland Shire Council is currently bushland. implementing the management plan for Bate

Compliance with guidelines Bay, encompassing the area from Potter Sydney Beaches Point in the north to Jibbon Beach in the Compliance with swimming guidelines at south. The plan covers beach facilities and Sutherland beaches during summer 2005– use, safety, vegetation, water quality and the 2006 was excellent, with six of the eight impact of adjacent urban development, as beaches complying 100% of the time for both well as emergency action plans. indicators (Table 8). The exceptions were Boat Harbour, which achieved 90% The plan identified stormwater pollution as compliance for faecal coliforms and 84% the greatest threat to recreational water compliance for enterococci, and Oak Park quality in the area, now that the Cronulla which complied 100% for faecal coliforms STP has been upgraded. Also, sewer and 90% for enterococci. overflows and leachate from a former landfill site in Wanda Reserve were The range of bacterial levels measured at identified as potential sources. Sydney beaches during summer 2005–2006 is shown in Figure 11, with Sutherland Bate Bay Coastaline Management Committee: A beaches highlighted in grey. Bacterial levels Coastal Hazard Study and a Coastal at the Sutherland beaches were generally Management Study have been conducted. low, with most beaches recording levels Other programs similar to those at the Northern Beaches. Clean Waters Management Plan: The Bacterial levels at Boat Harbour were higher management plan outlines actions than at other Sutherland Council beaches. undertaken to improve water quality, Ranking of beaches including the installation of over 20 water quality control devices – artificial wetlands, All monitored harbour and ocean beach gross pollutant traps, continuous deflective swimming locations in the Hunter, Sydney separators, and a natural sand filter and Illawarra regions were ranked on the system—education programs, drainage pit basis of their compliance with swimming stencilling and an extensive water guidelines during summer 2005–2006. A monitoring program encompassing the 37 total of 14 distinct ranks were observed for sub-catchments within the shire. GIS the 127 sites monitored both for faecal mapping of water quality devices, coliforms and enterococci, with many sites catchments served and pertinent data for the ranked equally. Sutherland area has also been completed by With the exception of Boat Harbour and Oak council. Park, all Sutherland Council beaches were Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD): A new ranked equal first. Oak Park was ranked stormwater management Development fifth and Boat Harbour was ranked ninth. Control Plan (DCP) and stormwater Actions to improve water quality specifications DCP require that WSUD be considered for all new development, with Actions specific to individual swimming conventional drainage systems a last resort. sites are included on the beach pages. For all The Beachwatch Program 85

Stormwater Service Charge: Following ongoing strategy. Presentations on waste changes to the Local Government minimisation, recycling, and water, air and Regulation that identify the management of noise pollution are carried out in primary stormwater as fundamental to protecting schools throughout the shire. scarce water resources, Sutherland Shire is Council representatives attended ‘Water considering levying ratepayers an annual Tight’ days held at local primary schools, Stormwater Management Service Charge. Sydney Beaches and run by the Observatory Hill Part of the money raised from this service Environmental Education Centre. By charge will be used to fund stormwater involving the children in water audits of quality projects in the Shire in coming years. their schools, water quality testing of the Environmental Education: Council helps local waterways, stormwater simulations young people to become aware of and water-related arts and crafts programs, environmental issues in their local areas by the days are designed to educate children conducting school visits as part of an about water conservation and water quality.

Table 8: Compliance and ranking of Sutherland beaches for summer 2005–2006 Site Compliance (%) Overall rank Faecal Coliforms Enterococci (out of 14) Boat Harbour 90 84 9 Greenhills 100 100 1 Wanda Beach 100 100 1 Elouera Beach 100 100 1 North Cronulla Beach 100 100 1 South Cronulla Beach 100 100 1 Shelly Beach 100 100 1 Oak Park 100 90 5

86 State of the Beaches 2005–2006

Figure 11: Range of bacterial levels at Sydney beaches during summer 2005–2006

10000

1000

100

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

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100

The Beachwatch Program 87

Boat Harbour

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

Sydney Beaches Pollution sources Cronulla STP discharges tertiary-treated and disinfected effluent via the cliff-face outfall at Potter Point. There are unsewered fishing shacks behind the beach.

Actions Sutherland Council has implemented the Bate Bay Management Plan to ensure water quality remains suitable for swimming at Boat Harbour.

Compliance With the exception of the 2005–2006 summer season, faecal coliform levels complied with swimming guidelines 100% of the time over the last five years. Compliance with the enterococci criteria has been more variable, ranging from 52% to 100% of the time. Compliance increased dramatically after the Cronulla STP upgrade in 2001 (compliance was 0% in summer 2000–2001 (Beachwatch 2003)).

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 95 100 90 100 90 86 81 81 84 72 75 75 68 winter season 52 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

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

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform levels often exceeded the median guideline limit after 20 millimetres or more of rainfall had been received in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci levels occasionally exceeded the median guideline after little or no rainfall, indicating a possible dry-weather contamination problem, and they usually exceeded the guidelines after ten millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

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

88 State of the Beaches 2005–2006

Greenhills

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

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

Actions Sutherland Council has implemented the Bate Bay Management Plan to ensure water quality remains suitable for swimming at Greenhills Beach. Sydney Beaches

Compliance Faecal coliform and enterococci levels complied with swimming guidelines 100% of the time over the last five years. Compliance has increased dramatically since the Cronulla STP upgrade in 2001 (see Beachwatch 2003).

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

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

75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

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

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

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

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

The Beachwatch Program 89

Wanda

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

Actions Sutherland Council implements the Bate Bay Management Plan to ensure water quality remains suitable for swimming at Wanda Beach.

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

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

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

75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

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

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

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

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

90 State of the Beaches 2005–2006

Elouera

Pollution sources Cronulla STP discharges tertiary-treated and disinfected effluent via the cliff-face outfall at Potter Point.

Actions Sutherland Council has implemented the Bate Bay Management Plan to ensure water quality remains suitable for swimming at Elouera Beach.

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

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

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

75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

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

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

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

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

The Beachwatch Program 91

North Cronulla

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

Actions Sutherland Council has implemented the Bate Bay Management Plan to ensure water quality remains suitable for swimming at North Cronulla Beach.

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

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

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

75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

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

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform levels generally remained below the median guideline limit across all rainfall categories. Enterococci densities occasionally exceeded the guidline limits when five millimetres of rain or more had fallen in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

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

92 State of the Beaches 2005–2006

South Cronulla

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

Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge to the beach. Cronulla STP discharges tertiary-treated and disinfected effluent via the cliff-face outfall at Potter Point.

Actions Sutherland Council has implemented the Bate Bay Management Plan to ensure water quality remains suitable for swimming at South Cronulla Beach. Sydney Beaches Compliance Faecal coliform levels complied with swimming guidelines 97% or more of the time over the last five years. Enterococci compliance has varied, ranging from 69% to 100% of the time, but remaining at 100% over the last two years. Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100 10097 100100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 81 75 75 69 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

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

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform levels generally remained below the median guideline limit across all rainfall categories. Enterococci densities increased slightly with increasing rainfall, occasionally exceeding the median guideline after ten millimetres or more of rain had fallen in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

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

The Beachwatch Program 93

Shelly Beach

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

Actions Sutherland Council has implemented the Bate Bay Management Plan to ensure water quality remains suitable for swimming at Shelly Beach.

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

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

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

75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

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

Response to rainfall Bacterial densities increased slightly with increasing rainfall. Faecal coliform levels generally remained below the median guideline limit across all rainfall categories. Enterococci occasionally exceeded the median guidelines after ten millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

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

94 State of the Beaches 2005–2006

Oak Park

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

Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge to the beach. Estuarine plumes from Port Hacking can pollute the beach. Cronulla STP discharges tertiary-treated and disinfected effluent via the cliff-face outfall at Potter Point.

Actions Sutherland Council has implemented the Bate Bay Management Plan to ensure water quality remains suitable for swimming at Oak Park Beach. Sydney Beaches

Compliance Faecal coliform levels complied with swimming guidelines 100% of the time over the last five years. Enterococci levels complied with swimming guidelines 90% or more of the time or more over the last five years.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

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

75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

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

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform densities increased slightly with rainfall, but mostly remained below the median guideline limits. Enterococci densities above the median guideline limits have been recorded in response to even low levels of rain in the previous 24 hours, and often exceed the limits after ten millimetres or more of rain in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

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

The Beachwatch Program 95 Sydney Beaches