Illawarra Region Beaches

Illawarra Beaches

The Beachwatch Program 131

B5 Austinmer Beach B5 Thirroul Beach

B5 Bulli Beach B5 Woonona Beach

B5 Bellambi Beach

B5 Corrimal Beach

B5 North Wollongong Beach B5 Wollongong City Beach WOLLONGONG LGA B5 Coniston Beach

B5 Fishermans Beach B5 Port Kembla Beach

LAKE ILLAWARRA

B5 Lake Illawarra Entrance B5 Warilla Beach Illawarra Beaches

B5 Shellharbour Beach

SHELLHARBOUR LGA TASMAN SEA

B5 Boyd’s Jones Beach

B5 Bombo Beach

B5 Surf Beach, Kiama KIAMA LGA y

05 Kilometres B5 Werri Beach

132 State of the Beaches 2004–2005

Illawarra Region Beaches Summary Corrimal Beach, Fishermans Beach and Port Kembla Beach. Nine of the 15 beaches monitored for both Enterococci data were not collected at faecal coliforms and enterococci recorded Austinmer or Thirroul beaches; see page 18 100% compliance with Beachwatch criteria for details. for both faecal coliforms and enterococci during the 2004–2005 summer season. Shellharbour Council beaches Increases in faecal coliform compliance of Faecal coliform compliance more than 10 percentage points from 2003– 2004 levels were recorded at two beaches All three Shellharbour Council beaches (Fishermans Beach and at Boyds Jones complied with Beachwatch criteria for faecal Beach), while enterococci compliance coliforms 100% of the time (Figure 16). decreased by more than 10 percentage Enterococci compliance points at Lake Illawarra Entrance and Shellharbour Beach complied with Warilla Beach. Beachwatch criteria for enterococci 100% of Illawarra’s cleanest beaches the time. The Illawarra’s cleanest beaches were Bulli, Lake Illawarra Entrance recorded a 40- Woonona, North Wollongong, Wollongong percentage-point decrease in compliance for City, Coniston, Shellharbour, Boyd Jones, enterococci and Warilla Beach recorded a Bombo and Werri Beach. 13-percentage-point decrease during summer 2004–2005. Austinmer, Thirroul and Surf Beach, Kiama also recorded 100% compliance with Kiama Council beaches recreational water quality criteria, but only Faecal coliform compliance faecal coliforms are measured at these beaches (see page 18 for details). For the seventh consecutive summer season, the Kiama Council beaches were among the Wollongong City Council beaches cleanest in the Beachwatch Program, with all Faecal coliform compliance four monitored beaches recording 100% compliance with faecal coliform criteria Ten of the eleven Wollongong City Council (Figure 16). beaches recorded 100% compliance with Beachwatch water quality criteria for faecal Enterococci compliance coliforms (Figure 16). This is similar to the All three beaches monitored for enterococci previous summer season. recorded 100% compliance with Beachwatch Faecal coliform compliance at Fishermans criteria for enterococci. Beach increased by 13 percentage points Enterococci data are not collected at Surf (from 84% compliance in summer 2003–2004 Beach, Kiama; see page 18 for details. Illawarra Beaches to 97% compliance in summer 2004–2005). Plans for improvement Enterococci compliance Sydney Water operates 5 coastal sewage Five of the nine Wollongong City Council treatment plants in the Illawarra, located at beaches monitored for enterococci complied Bellambi, Wollongong, Port Kembla, 100% with Beachwatch criteria for this Shellharbour and Bombo. The Gerringong- indicator during summer 2004–2005. Gerroa STP is operated by Vivendi Water Compliance at the remaining four sites under a 20-year design, build and operate exceeded 90% of the time. contract. Four beaches recorded a slight decrease of Under the Illawarra Wastewater Strategy, 3 percentage points in enterococci dry weather flows from the Bellambi and compliance from the previous summer Port Kembla STPs will be diverted to an season. These beaches were Bellambi Beach, upgraded and amplified Wollongong STP.

The Beachwatch Program 133

A new 1-kilometre ocean outfall will also be Steel to use treated effluent at the steelworks constructed at Wollongong STP to replace near Wollongong STP. the existing short ocean outfall. Bellambi The above works commenced in May 2002, and Port Kembla STPs will be converted to with most of the work to be completed by specialised storm flow plants that will store the end of 2005. and treat wastewater during extended rainfall events. Other components of the Illawarra Wastewater Strategy include the A new water recycling plant is also being amplification of the Shellharbour STP to constructed at Wollongong STP. It will meet the demands of population growth produce at least 20 million litres of almost- within the Albion Park and Shellharbour drinkable treated effluent each day. An areas. agreement has been reached with BlueScope Illawarra Beaches

134 State of the Beaches 2004–2005

Figure 16: Compliance of Illawarra Beachwatch Sites Summer 2004–2005*

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

Wollongong Council

Austinmer Beach 100

Thirroul Beach 100

Bulli Beach 100 100

Woonona Beach 100 100

Bellambi Beach 100 97

Corrimal Beach 100 94

North Wollongong Beach 100 100

Wollongong City Beach 100 100

Coniston Beach 100 100

Fishermans Beach 97 97

Port Kembla Beach 100 97

Shellharbour Council

Lake Illawarra Entrance 100 48

Warilla Beach 100 87

Shellharbour Beach 100 100

Kiama Council Illawarra Beaches

Boyd's Jones Beach 100 100

Bombo Beach 100 100

Surf Beach, Kiama 100

Werri Beach 100 100

0 25 50 75 100 25 50 75 100 200 % Compliance

* Enterococci levels are not measured at Austinmer Beach, Thirroul Beach or Surf Beach, Kiama. (See page 18 for details.)

The Beachwatch Program 135

Illawarra Region Beaches

Wollongong City Council Illawarra Beaches

The Beachwatch Program 137

Wollongong City Council – North Beaches: Austinmer, Thirroul, Bulli, Woonona and Bellambi

B5 3 4g e Austinmer Beach

THIRROUL

4 B5 e Thirroul Beach Lawrence Hargrave Dr

g3 sg3

TASMAN SEA

BULLI

4 g3 8É e B5 Bulli Beach y Princes Hwy

00.51 Illawarra Beaches Kilometres

LEGEND 4 e B5 5 WOONONA Woonona Beach B Sampling Site

4 e Surfclub

Major road 8É g3 Small stormwater drain

g3 Medium stormwater drain

g3 Large stormwater drain

s Open stormwater drain

Creek

4 Bellambi Beach e B5 8É Designed structure sewage overflow

8É Undirected sewage overflow Bellambi STP Outfall ® ® @ Sewage treatment plant Bellambi@ Park / reserve STP Other land

138 State of the Beaches 2004–2005

Wollongong City Council – South Beaches: Corrimal, North Wollongong, Wollongong City, Coniston, Fishermans and Port Kembla

4 e B5 8É Corrimal Beach

Princes Hwy

MT OUSLEY TASMAN SEA

4 B5e North Wollongong Beach

g33 g3 g3 g33

4 B5e Wollongong City Beach

Corrimal St

CONISTON

B5 Coniston Beach

y Wollongong@® STP Wollongong STP Outfall 012 Kilometres

LEGEND INNER B5 Sampling Site HARB. 4 e Surfclub

Five Islands Rd Major road

OUTER g3 Small stormwater drain

HARBOUR Illawarra Beaches g3 Medium stormwater drain

g3 Large stormwater drain

s PORT Open stormwater drain KEMBLA Creek

8É Designed structure sewage overflow Fishermans B5 8É Undirected sewage overflow Beach 8É 4 e @® Sewage treatment plant B5g3 @® STP Outfall LAKE Port Port Kembla Park / reserve Kembla ILLAWARRA 8É STP Beach Other land

The Beachwatch Program 139

Wollongong City Council Location beaches ranked equal second or third (Table 12). Wollongong City Council covers an area of Rankings were not determined for Thirroul 714 square kilometres and has a population and Austinmer beaches, as enterococci of 182 000 people. levels are not measured at these sites. The Wollongong City Council beaches Council actions to improve water quality occupy a 40-kilometre stretch of coastline from Stanwell Park in the north to the Actions specific to individual swimming entrance of Lake Illawarra in the south. locations are included on the beach pages. Land uses within the Wollongong ocean Improvements in water quality are also beach catchments include residential, rural, expected as a result of a stormwater commercial, recreational, industrial and management plan and grant funding, as bushland. well as individual programs. Sydney Water monitors eleven beaches Wollongong Coastal Catchment Stormwater within the Wollongong City Council area. Management Plan Enterococci levels are not monitored at The stormwater management plan for the Austinmer or Thirroul beaches. (See page 18 Wollongong Coastal Catchment offers for details.) structural and non-structural strategies to be Compliance with guidelines implemented across the Council area. Council is currently adopting the strategies The Wollongong beaches had a high level of outlined in the plan. compliance with the swimming guidelines Grant funding (Table 12). During summer 2004–2005, all but one beach complied 100% of the time Estuary Management Program: Council with the guidelines for faecal coliforms. The received a NSW Government grant to exception was Fishermans Beach, which establish an Estuary Management Program complied 97% of the time with the faecal for Fairy Lagoon, Towradgi Creek and coliform criteria. Enterococci compliance Hewitts/Tramway Creek. The first stage of

Illawarra Beaches was 100% at 5 beaches and exceeded 90% at the program was to conduct an Estuary the remaining four beaches. Processes Study that reviewed information relating to tidal movements, sediment The range of bacterial levels measured at transport, water quality and biodiversity for Illawarra beaches during summer 2004–2005 the four waterways. The estuary is shown in Figure 17, with Wollongong management process will provide valuable beaches highlighted in grey. Levels of faecal background information for the coliforms and enterococci were similar to development of Council’s Coastal Zone the range of values measured at all Illawarra Management Plan. beaches. Other council programs Ranking of beaches Environment Fund: As a response to All monitored harbour and ocean beach environmental challenges facing the City of swimming locations in the Hunter, Sydney Wollongong, Council is providing and Illawarra regions were ranked on the $1,000,000 in funding per year for 5 years for basis of their compliance with swimming projects incorporated under the guidelines during summer 2004–2005. A Environment Fund. Projects selected for total of 23 rankings were determined for the inclusion in the Environment Fund have 126 sites monitored both for faecal coliforms been formulated from Stormwater and enterococci, with many sites ranked Management Plans, Community Land equally. Management Plans, the Bushcare Program, The Wollongong City Council beaches were the draft Illawarra Escarpment Strategic generally ranked highly, with 5 beaches Management Plan and sustainability ranked equal first and the remaining initiatives. Emphasis is placed on projects 140 State of the Beaches 2004–2005 that address the restoration of riparian, environmental education programs. The estuarine, wetland and bushland habitats, program identifies 'Black Spot' polluted along with water quality and sustainability areas where litter prevention/clean-up activities. campaigns can be focused and educates primary schools and community groups in The Healthy Waterways Program is an environmental issues, with a strong focus on Environment Fund education project that stormwater pollution. The Sydney Water addresses stormwater issues with local Cleanup is a component of this program residents through providing the opportunity where over 100 different community groups for the community to join a voluntary clean up their local areas. Last year this pledge. As part of joining the pledge stopped over 35 tonnes of litter reaching residents can trade in their old yard broom Wollongong beaches. for a new one to assist in keeping their street gutters clean and reducing the quantity of Development Audit Program: Council officers pollutants picked up by stormwater. conduct regular audits of development sites to monitor developers’ compliance with Rise and Shine Program: Council is continuing sediment control procedures. This includes this successful program. Council officers installing and maintaining sediment fences assist community groups interested in and ensuring that sediment does not enter participating in dune maintenance, the stormwater system. revegetating, rubbish removal and

Table 12: Compliance and Ranking of Wollongong Beaches for Summer 2004–2005* Site Compliance (%) Overall ranking Faecal Coliforms Enterococci (out of 23) Austinmer Beach 100 No data – Thirroul Beach 100 No data – Bulli Beach 100 100 1 Woonona Beach 100 100 1 Bellambi Beach 100 97 2 Corrimal Beach 100 94 3 North Wollongong Beach 100 100 1 Wollongong City Beach 100 100 1 Coniston Beach 100 100 1 Fishermans Beach 97 97 3 Port Kembla Beach 100 97 2 Illawarra Beaches

The Beachwatch Program 141

Figure 17: Range of Bacterial Levels at Illawarra Beaches during summer 2004–2005*

10000

1000

100

h h h h h h h h h h h e h h h h a h c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c a a a a a a a a a a m a a a a n a a a e e e e e e e e e e e a e e e e i e tr B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B r l li i l s n r s , K i l a g n la a o r e u b a ity n l u e h r o u n n to b E il b c r o m m a r o n e m B i o s a b m a n ir n a r g C i m r a o Faecal coliform density (cfu/100 mL) r ll r g n m r o e W ti h o n r e a a J s o e o o n o e W B T l lh 's f B u B C l o C h t K w l a d r A W o g s r l e u n i o y F Il h o S W o P ll e S B th o k r a o W L N

10000

1000

100

h h h h h h h h h h h e h h h h a h c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c a a a a a a a a a a m a a a a n a a a e e e e e e e e e e e a e e e e i e tr Enterococci density (cfu/100 mL) B l B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B r li i l n s n r s , K i u l a b a g la a o h r e n ity n ll u e b r o u n to b E i o c m r o m m o a r n e r B i s a b m a n i n a r g C i m r a r o ll r g n m r o e W ti h o n r e a a J s o e o o n o e W B T l lh 's f B u B C l o C h t K w l a d r A W o g s r l e u n i o y F Il h o S W o P ll e S B th o k r a o W L N

Illawarra Beaches * Enterococci levels are not measured at Austinmer Beach, Thirroul Beach or Surf Beach, Kiama. (See page 18 for details.)

142 State of the Beaches 2004–2005

Austinmer Beach See page 138 for key to map Description The beach is 250 metres long. It is situated between two low headlands and backed by a park and picnic area. Two ocean pools are located on the southern rock platform. Swimming can be hazardous because of strong permanent rips at each end of the beach. B5 Austinmer Lifeguards patrol the beach from September to April. g3 Beach Dr 4 e Baths SLSC

Pollution Sources Stormwater drains discharge to the beach. Hargrave

Actions There are no specific actions for this beach this year. Lawrence

Compliance Seasonal compliance with swimming guidelines for faecal coliforms was 100% over the last 5 years. Sampling is conducted only during summer seasons and enterococci levels are not monitored.

Faecal Coliforms

100 100 100 100 100 100

75 ■ winter season 50 ■ summer season

% Compliance 25

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

Response to Rainfall Faecal coliform densities showed little response to rainfall until 20 mm or more of rain was received in the previous 24 hours. These trends are apparent on the season data plot below.

10000 Faecal Coliforms

1000

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

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

The Beachwatch Program 143

Thirroul Beach See page 138 for key to8É map Description The beach is 1 kilometre long. It is backed by a large, s grassy reserve. Swimming can be potentially Dr hazardous because of permanent and shifting rips. A Flanagans Ck Hargrave 50-metre ocean pool and wading pool are located Lawrence midway along the beach. SLSC Bath St 4 B5 Thirroul Pollution Sources Flanagans Creek, Hewitts Creek and stormwater e Beach drains discharge to the beach. Baths

Actions Wetland improvement works being conducted under g3 Council’s Environment Fund are being implemented in g3 s the Tramway Creek catchment.

Compliance Seasonal compliance with swimming guidelines for faecal coliforms was 100% over the last 5 years. Sampling is conducted only during summer seasons, and enterococci levels are not monitored.

Faecal Coliforms

100 100 100 100 100 100

75 ■ winter season 50 ■ summer season

% Compliance 25

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

Response to Rainfall Faecal coliform densities increased in response to rainfall but mostly remained below the median guideline limits. These trends are apparent in the season data plot below.

10000

Illawarra Beaches Faecal Coliforms

1000

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

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

144 State of the Beaches 2004–2005

Bulli Beach See page 138 for key to map Description The beach is 900 metres long and is backed by sand dunes and a reserve. Beach conditions are safest in the patrolled area at the northern end of the beach. Lifeguards patrol the beach from September to April. Baths Farrell Rd 4 g3 8É e SLSC B5 Bulli Pollution Sources A stormwater drain discharges to the northern end of Beach the beach. Whartons and Collins creeks discharge to Whartons Ck the beach. Bulli Beach Actions There are no actions specific to this beach. Reserve

Compliance Relatively high levels of compliance have been recorded over the last 5 years for both faecal coliforms and enterococci. Both indicators have complied 100% of the time since summer 2001–2002.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 97 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 82 82 75 75 ■ winter season 50 50 ■ summer season

% Compliance 25 25

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

Response to Rainfall Bacterial densities generally increased with increasing rainfall. Faecal coliform levels generally remained below the median guideline limit until more than 20 mm of rain had fallen in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci densities exceeded the guidelines more regularly, when more than 10 mm of rain or more had fallen in the previous 24 hours.

100000 100000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 10000 10000

1000 1000

100 100 − − median guidelines 10 10 Bacterial count/100 mL 1 1 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 24-h rainfall (mm) 24-h rainfall (mm) Illawarra Beaches Season Data Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 100000 0  rainfall 10000 o individual result 50  rolling median 1000 − − rolling 80th percentile 100 100 Guidelines 150 10 (see page 7 for details) (mm) Daily Rainfall Bacterial count/100 mL  median guidelines 1 200 th − − 80 percentile May-04 Jul-04 Sep-04 Nov-04 Jan-05 Mar-05 May-05 May-04 Jul-04 Sep-04 Nov-04 Jan-05 Mar-05 May-05

The Beachwatch Program 145

Woonona Beach See page 138 for key to map Description Woonona Beach is at the northern end of a 2- kilometre stretch of beach and is backed by sand dunes and a reserve. Beach conditions are safest in the patrolled area at the northern end of the beach. Collins Ck

Lifeguards patrol the beach from September to April. Carrington St Bulli Beach Reserve

Actions There are no specific actions for this beach. Baths

Kurraba Rd Compliance With the exception of the 2001 winter season , 4 e B5 Woonona seasonal compliance with swimming guidelines for SLSC Beach both faecal coliforms and enterococci has been 100%.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 82 82 75 75 ■ winter season 50 50 ■ summer season

% Compliance 25 25

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

Response to Rainfall Faecal coliform densities exceeded median guideline limits only when 20 mm of rain or more was recorded in 24 hours. Enterococci densities tended to exceed the median guideline limit when 10 mm of rain or more was recorded in 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

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

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

146 State of the Beaches 2004–2005

Bellambi Beach See page 138 for key to map Description Bellambi Beach is at the southern end of a 2-kilometre stretch of beach and is backed by a reserve. Beach conditions are relatively safe, and lifeguards patrol the beach from September to April.

Lighthorse Drive Pollution Sources Bellambi STP discharges primary treated effluent via Park

an extended shoreline outfall at Bellambi Point to the SLSC 4 south of the beach. Bellambi Creek also discharges to e Bellambi Bellambi CkB5 the beach. Beach

Actions Under Sydney Water Corporation’s Illawarra Rothery St Baths Wastewater Strategy (due for completion in 2005), dry weather wastewater arriving at Bellambi STP will be diverted to Wollongong STP. As well, Bellambi STP will be converted to a specialised storm flow plant to store and treat excess wastewater during prolonged wet weather

Compliance Faecal coliform levels have complied with swimming guidelines 100% of the time in all but one season over the last 5 years. A high level of compliance has also been recorded for enterococci, with 100% compliance recorded in all but two seasons.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 10095 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 97 100 100 82 75 75 ■ winter season 50 50 ■ summer season

% Compliance 25 25

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

Response to Rainfall Bacterial densities increased with increasing rainfall. Faecal coliform levels exceeded the median guideline limits after 20 mm of rain or more was recorded in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci densities often exceeded the median guideline limits after 5 mm of rain or more had fallen in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100 − − median guidelines 10 10 Illawarra Beaches 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 147

Corrimal Beach See page 139 for key to map Description The beach is 1.4 kilometres long and is backed by fenced sand dunes, a grassy reserve and a caravan Corrimal Holiday Park park. Several dominant rips are present, and beach 4 e conditions are safest at the southern end. Lifeguards SLSC B5 Corrimal patrol the beach from September to April. Beach

Pollution Sources Bellambi Lagoon and Towradgi Creek discharge to Towradgi Ck the beach following heavy rain. Bellambi STP discharges primary treated effluent via an extended shoreline outfall at Bellambi Point. Towradgi Rd Actions Under Sydney Water Corporation’s Illawarra Wastewater Strategy (due for completion in 2005), dry weather wastewater arriving at nearby Bellambi STP will be diverted to Wollongong STP.

Compliance With the exception of the 2001 winter season, faecal coliform levels have complied with swimming guidelines more than 96% of the time over the last 5 years. Enterococci compliance has also generally been high, exceeding 93% of the time in all but one season.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100 100100 100 10097 100 100 100 100 97100 97 100 97 100 100 100 94

75 75 55 59 ■ winter season 50 50 ■ summer season

% Compliance 25 25

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

Response to Rainfall Bacterial densities increased with increasing rainfall and frequently exceeded the median guideline limits after 10 mm of rain or more had fallen in the previous 24 Illawarra Beaches hours.

100000 100000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 10000 10000

1000 1000

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

148 State of the Beaches 2004–2005

North Wollongong Beach See page 139 for key to map Description This popular bathing beach is 500 metres long and is backed by steep bluffs, a reserve and a picnic area. A number of rock and ocean pools are found on the rock 4 e North platform at the southern end. The beach is relatively SLSC B5 Wollongong safe, although small rips and side currents do occur. Beach Lifeguards patrol the beach from September to April. Stuart Park Pollution Sources A number of small stormwater drains discharge at the Cliff Rd southern end of the rock platform. Corrimal St North

g3 g3 Actions Under Council’s Environment Fund and Estuary g3 g3 g3 Management Program, a number of environment g3 management projects are being implemented in the Fairy Creek catchment. This includes the installation of online pollution treatment devices.

Compliance Seasonal compliance with swimming guidelines for faecal coliforms was 100% over the last 5 years. Enterococci compliance has also been very high, with 100% compliance recorded in all but the summer 2002–2003 season.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 88

75 75 ■ winter season 50 50 ■ summer season

% Compliance 25 25

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

Response to Rainfall Bacterial densities generally increased with increasing rainfall. Faecal coliform densities occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit after 20 mm of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci densities often exceeded the median guideline limit after 10 mm of rain or more was received in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

z 100 z 100 z z − − median guidelines z 10 10 Bacterial count/100 mL

1 1 Illawarra Beaches 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 149

Wollongong City Beach See page 139 for key to map Description Wollongong City Beach is at the northern end of a 4-kilometre stretch of beach that extends south to Coniston Beach. A reserve, picnic areas and car park are located around the surf club. Beach conditions are safest at the patrolled northern end. Elsewhere, Endeavour Dr swimming is potentially hazardous because of the Flagstaff prevalence of rips. Lifeguards patrol the beach from Hill Park September to April. Cliff Rd

Pollution Sources Stormwater runoff from the mainly residential and 4 e SLSC B5Wollongong commercial catchment. City Beach Actions There are no actions specific to this beach.

Compliance With the exception of the 2001 winter season, faecal coliform levels have complied with swimming guidelines 100% of the time. Enterococci levels have consistently complied 100% of the time over the past 5 years.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 10095 100100 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 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05

Response to Rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci densities and occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit when 5 mm of rain or more had fallen in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000

Illawarra Beaches Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

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

150 State of the Beaches 2004–2005

Coniston Beach See page 139 for key to map Description Coniston Beach is at the southern end of a 4- kilometre stretch of beach that extends north to Flagstaff Hill Flagstaff Point. It is a steep, narrow beach and is Park backed by a golf course. Coniston Beach is not Corrimal St patrolled by lifeguards.

Pollution Sources Wollongong STP discharges secondary treated Swan St B5 Coniston effluent via an extended shoreline outfall located at Beach the southern end of the beach.

Wollongong Actions Sydney Water Corporation is upgrading the Golf Course Wollongong STP as part of the Illawarra Wastewater Strategy. The upgrade includes building a water re- use plant, improving tertiary treatment and replacing the existing short outfall with a 1-kilometre outfall.

Compliance Faecal coliform levels have complied with the swimming guidelines 100% of the time in all but one season over the last 5 years. Enterococci compliance has been at least 95% over the past 5 years.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 10095 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 10095 100 95 97 100100 100 100 100 100

75 75 ■ winter season 50 50 ■ summer season

% Compliance 25 25

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

Response to Rainfall Elevated faecal coliform and enterococci densities exceeding median guideline limits were frequently recorded when 10 mm of rain or more had fallen in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

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

The Beachwatch Program 151

Fishermans Beach See page 139 for key to map Description Fishermans Beach is 500 metres long and has a low headland at each end. It is backed by a small reserve and residential land. Beach conditions are safe most of the time. Fishermans Beach is not patrolled by B5 lifeguards. Fishermans Beach

Pollution Sources Port Kembla STP discharges primary treated effluent Hill 60 via the shoreline outfall at Red Point at the southern Park end of the beach. STP Cliff−face Actions Under Sydney Water Corporation’s Illawarra @® Outfall Port Kembla Wastewater Strategy (due for completion in 2005), STP wastewater arriving at the nearby Port Kembla STP will be diverted to Wollongong STP. As well, Port Kembla STP will be converted to a specialised storm flow plant to store and treat excess wastewater during prolonged wet weather.

Compliance Faecal coliform and enterococci compliance has varied considerably in the last 5 years. Faecal coliform compliance has ranged from 41% to 100%, and enterococci compliance has ranged from 59% to 100% of the time.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100 100 97 100 100 100 95 100 97 100 90 100 84 86 81 76 76 75 75 69 59 53 ■ winter season 50 41 50 ■ summer season

% Compliance 25 25

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

Response to Rainfall Elevated bacterial densities are occasionally recorded at this beach in dry weather. Faecal coliform and enterococci densities regularly exceeded their Illawarra Beaches respective median guideline limits when 10 mm of rain or more was recorded in the previous 24 hours. This is also shown in the season data plots below.

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

152 State of the Beaches 2004–2005

Port Kembla Beach See page 139 for key to map

Description Port Kembla Beach is located at the northern end of a Military Rd stretch of beach that extends to the entrance of Lake

Illawarra. It is backed by grassy sand dunes and a King George V reserve. Beach conditions are safest in the patrolled Park area, as rips occur at frequent intervals along the length of the beach. Lifeguards patrol the beach from Cowper St 4 e September to April. SLSC Baths Coomaditchy Pollution Sources Port Kembla STP discharges primary treated effluent Lagoon g3 Reserve B5 via the shoreline outfall at Red Point at the northern Port Kembla end of the beach. Beach

Actions Under Sydney Water Corporation’s Illawarra Wastewater Strategy (due for completion in 2005), wastewater arriving at the nearby Port Kembla STP will be diverted to Wollongong STP. As well, Port Kembla STP will be converted to a specialised storm flow plant to store and treat excess wastewater during prolonged wet weather.

Compliance Faecal coliform levels have complied with swimming guidelines 100% of the time over the last 5 years. Enterococci compliance has also been high, with 100% recorded in all but two seasons.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 97 100 100 82 75 75 ■ winter season 50 50 ■ summer season

% Compliance 25 25

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

Response to Rainfall Bacterial densities generally increased with increasing rainfall. Faecal coliforms densities occasionally exceeded the median guideline limits after 10 mm of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci densities frequently exceeded then median guideline limit after 10 mm of rain or more in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

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

The Beachwatch Program 153

Illawarra Beaches

Illawarra Region Beaches

Shellharbour City Council Illawarra Beaches

The Beachwatch Program 155

Shellharbour City Council Beaches: Lake Illawarra Entrance, Warilla Beach and Shellharbour

g3 B5 Lake Illawarra g3 g3 Entrance g3

TASMAN SEA

Shellharbour Road

4 B5 e Warilla Beach

8É 8É

8É

0 0.25 0.5 Kilometres Illawarra Beaches

STP Outfall LEGEND B5 Sampling Site

4 e Surfclub

Major road

8É g3 Small stormwater drain

g3 Medium stormwater drain

Shellharbour g3 Large stormwater drain @® STP s Open stormwater drain

Creek

8É Designed structure sewage overflow 4 e B5 Shellharbour Beach 8É Undirected sewage overflow

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

156 State of the Beaches 2004–2005

Shellharbour City Council Location Council actions to improve water quality Shellharbour City Council covers an area of Actions specific to individual beaches are 154 square kilometres and has a population included on the beach pages. Improvements of about 54 000 people. in water quality are also expected as a result of the continued implementation of The Shellharbour City Council beaches objectives in the Lake Illawarra – stretch along 20 kilometres of coastline from Shellharbour Stormwater Management Plan. Lake Illawarra in the north to the Minnamurra River in the south. Land uses Lake Illawarra – Shellharbour Stormwater Management within the Shellharbour beach catchments Plan include residential, rural, commercial, The stormwater management plan outlines recreational, industrial and bushland. actions aimed at improving water quality, Sydney Water monitors three of the beaches including both structural and non-structural in this council area. measures. The plan has been reviewed, and Council has commenced development of a Compliance with guidelines revised implementation strategy. Council Compliance with swimming guidelines continues to maintain existing stormwater during 2004–2005 was varied for beaches in devices, and stormwater quality control is the Shellharbour City Council area targeted in new subdivisions. (Table 13). Other Council Programs All three beaches complied 100% of the time Lake Illawarra Entrance Works: Shellharbour with the guidelines for faecal coliforms. City Council, along with the Lake Illawarra Enterococci compliance was 100% at Authority and Wollongong City Council, is Shellharbour Beach, 87% at Warilla Beach, contributing to a major project to address and 48% at Lake Illawarra Entrance. long-running problems relating to the entrance of Lake Illawarra. The proposed The range of bacterial levels measured at work includes the construction of a northern Illawarra beaches during summer 2004–2005 breakwater and channel dredging and aims is shown in Figure 18, with Shellharbour to provide a channel that will remain open City Council beaches highlighted in grey. more often than in the past. It is expected Bacterial levels at Shellharbour beaches are that this will improve water quality in the comparable to the range of values measured lake through an enhanced flushing ability. at other beaches in the Illawarra. Faecal coliform and enterococci levels at Lake Foreshore Management Plan for Shellharbour Illawarra Entrance were generally higher Foreshore: Shellharbour City Council, with than at most other Illawarra sites. financial assistance from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Ranking of beaches Illawarra Beaches Resources, has now adopted this plan. All monitored harbour and ocean beach Management actions will include the design swimming locations in the Hunter, Sydney and upgrade of stormwater outlets along the and Illawarra regions were ranked on the foreshore and will address erosion basis of their compliance with swimming prevention and litter reduction. guidelines during summer 2004–2005. A Elliot Lake Estuary Management Plan: With total of 23 rankings were determined for the financial assistance from the Estuary 126 sites monitored both for faecal coliforms Management Program of the Department of and enterococci, with many sites ranked Infrastructure, Planning and Natural equally. Resources, Council has assessed and Shellharbour Beach was ranked equal first, adopted this plan. The plan has been Warilla Beach was ranked equal 7th and designed to take into account the ecological Lake Illawarra Entrance was ranked 19th and social demands of the estuary, targeting (Table 13). water quality in the estuary and lake

The Beachwatch Program 157

entrance and entrance stability. It was pollutant loads created from urban runoff prepared following the completion of an through scientifically engineered pond Estuary Process Study and Estuary design and the planting of aquatic and Management Study. Bank stabilisation terrestrial vegetation. works have commenced, with plantings Environmental Assessments Program: Council established along the Jason Avenue canal. is currently undertaking environmental Stabilisation works in the Elliot Lake assessments of commercial and industrial entrance channel will commence upon premises in the LGA. The program involves completion of the Lake Illawarra entrance assessing premises for potential works. environmental risks (including potential for Myimbarr Wetland Project: Work has begun stormwater pollution) and then providing on the construction of the Myimbarr advice to the business operator that will artificial wetlands – a series of water quality help minimise these risks. ponds which will reduce stormwater Stormwater Education: Council continues to sediment loads created by new residential promote stormwater awareness in schools development in the upper part of the Elliot and the community as part of its Lake catchment. The state of the art environmental education program. wetlands will reduce sediment and other

Table 13: Compliance and Ranking of Shellharbour Beaches for Summer 2004–2005 Site Compliance (%) Overall ranking Faecal Coliforms Enterococci (out of 23) Lake Illawarra 100 48 19 Warilla Beach 100 87 7 Shellharbour Beach 100 100 1

Illawarra Beaches

158 State of the Beaches 2004–2005

Figure 18: Range of Bacterial Levels at Illawarra Beaches during Summer 2004–2005*

10000

1000

100

h h h h h h h h h h h e h h h h a h c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c a a a a a a a a a a m a a a a n a a a e e e e e e e e e e e a e e e e i e tr B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B r l li i l s n r s , K i l a g n la a o r e u b a ity n l u e h r o u n n to b E il b c r m m a r o n e m B o i o s a b m a n ir n a r g C i m r a o Faecal coliform density (cfu/100 mL) r ll r g n m r o e W ti h o n r e a a J s o e o o n o e W B T l lh 's f B u B C l o C h t K w l a d r A W o g s r l e u n i o y F Il h o S W o P ll e S B th o k r a o W L N

10000

1000

100

h h h h h h h h h h h e h h h h a h c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c a a a a a a a a a a m a a a a n a a a e e e e e e e e e e e a e e e e i e tr Enterococci density (cfu/100 mL) B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B r l li i l s n r s , K i u l a g n la a o r e b a ity n ll u e b h r o u n n to b E i o c m r o m m o a r n e r B i s a b m a n i n a r g C i m r a r o ll r g n m r o e W ti h o n r e a a J s o e o o n o e W B T l lh 's f B u B C l o C h t K w l a d r A W o g s r l e u n i o y F Il h o S W o P ll e S B th o k r a o W L N

* Enterococci levels are not measured at Austinmer Beach, Thirroul Beach or Surf Beach, Kiama. (See page 18 for details.) Illawarra Beaches

The Beachwatch Program 159

Lake Illawarra Entrance See page 156 for key to map Description This sample site is located on the southern shoreline of the entrance to Lake Illawarra. It is backed by a large, grassy reserve and picnic area. Beach conditions are generally safe, although the area is not Shellharbour Rd patrolled.

Pollution Sources Stormwater runoff from urban and industrial areas and runoff from golf courses within the Lake Illawarra

catchment may pollute the beach. g3 B5 Lake Illawarra g3g3 Entrance g3 Actions Lake Illawarra Authority expects stage two of major Reddall Pde entrance works to begin in late 2005. With support g3 from Shellharbour and Wollongong Councils, this will increase the flushing of the lake and ultimately lead to improvements in lake water quality.

Compliance Faecal coliform compliance has generally been high, exceeding 86% over the past 5 years. Enterococci compliance has varied greatly, ranging from 44% to 100%.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100100 100 100 100 94 95 100 87 100 87 88 82 75 75 64 68 67 ■ winter season 48 50 50 44 ■ summer season

% Compliance 25 25

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

Response to Rainfall Bacterial levels increased with increasing rainfall. Faecal coliform levels exceeded the median guideline limit when 10 mm of rain or more was recorded in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci levels occasionally exceeded the guideline value Illawarra Beaches after little or no rain, and often exceeded the median guideline limit with 5 mm or more of rain in the previous 24 hours. These trends are also apparent in the season plots below.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci z z z 1000 z 1000 z

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

160 State of the Beaches 2004–2005

Warilla Beach See page 156 for key to map Description The beach is backed by a reserve and residential Reddall Pde land. Beach conditions are potentially hazardous, with rips dominating the surf. Lifeguards patrol the beach

from October to April. Henderson Park Pollution Sources Outflows from Lake Illawarra can pollute the beach. Little Lake, also known as Elliot Lake, at the southern

end of the beach, may also cause pollution on the Osborne4 Pde B5 Warilla e beach. SLSC Beach

Woodford Ave Actions Council has adopted The Elliot Lake Estuary Management Plan, which will target water quality and entrance stability. Works have also commenced on the Myimbarr Wetlands, designed to reduce the amount of sediment and other pollutant loads entering the lake system.

Compliance Faecal coliform compliance levels have complied with the swimming guidelines 100% of the time over the last 5 years. With the exception of the summer 2004– 05 season, enterococci compliance has also been 100%.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 87

75 75 ■ winter season 50 50 ■ summer season

% Compliance 25 25

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

Response to Rainfall Bacteria densities increased with increasing rainfall. Faecal coliform densities occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit when 10 mm of rainfall or more in the previous 24 hours was recorded. Enterococci densities often exceeded the median guideline limit when 10 mm of rainfall or more was recorded in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000 z 100 100 z z z z − − median guidelines z z 10 10 Illawarra Beaches 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 161

Shellharbour Beach See page 156 for key to map Description The beach is backed by a low vegetated dune and reserve. Barrack Point is located at the northern end of the beach. Beach conditions are safest for @® Shellharbour

swimming in the patrolled area at the southern end, STP Junction Rd as permanent rips run out along the rocks at either Bardsley end of the beach during moderate to high wave Park 4 Shellharbour action. Lifeguards patrol the beach from October to e B5 April. SLSC Beach

Wollongong St Pollution Sources Shellharbour STP discharges secondary treated effluent from an extended shoreline outfall at Barrack Beach Rd Point to the north of the beach.

Actions Shellharbour City Council has adopted the Shellharbour Foreshore Management Plan. The plan will target stormwater improvements and litter reduction. Sydney Water is upgrading the Shellharbour STP.

Compliance Faecal coliform levels have complied with swimming guidelines 100% of the time over the last 5 years. With the exception of the 2001–2002 summer season, enterococci levels have also complied 100% of the time.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 94

75 75 ■ winter season 50 50 ■ summer season

% Compliance 25 25

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

Response to Rainfall Bacterial densities sometimes exceeded median guideline limits when 20 mm of Illawarra Beaches rain or more was recorded in the previous 24 hours.

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

162 State of the Beaches 2004–2005

Illawarra Region Beaches

Kiama Municipal Council Illawarra Beaches

The Beachwatch Program 163

Kiama Municipal Council Beaches: Boyds Jones, Bombo, Surf Beach Kiama and Werri

4 g3 e B5 Boyd’s Jones Beach g3 g3

KIAMA DOWNS

8É Bombo Bombo @ ® STP Outfall STP

sB5 Bombo Beach

8É

TASMAN SEA

g3 4B5 KIAMA e s Surf Beach, Kiama

Princes Princes Hwy y

012 Kilometres Illawarra Beaches

LEGEND B5 Sampling Site

4 e Surfclub

Major road

g3 Small stormwater drain

g3 Medium stormwater drain

g3 Large stormwater drain WERRI s Open stormwater drain LAGOON

g3 Creek

8É Designed structure sewage overflow

8É Undirected sewage overflow

@® Sewage treatment plant

4 B5 Park / reserve e Werri Beach g3 GERRINGONG Other land

164 State of the Beaches 2004–2005

Kiama Municipal Council

Location Rankings for Kiama Municipal Council beaches were excellent for the 2004–2005 Kiama Municipal Council covers an area of summer swimming season, with all beaches 256 square kilometres and has a population ranked equal first (Table 14). of approximately 19 000 people. Council actions to improve water quality Kiama Municipality’s beaches lie along a 20- kilometre stretch of coastline from the Actions specific to individual beaches are Minnamurra River in the north to Seven included on the beaches pages. Mile Beach in the south. Land uses in the Improvements in water quality are also beach catchments include residential, expected through the implementation of industrial and rural. There are also small priority actions outlined in the stormwater areas of remnant bushland. management plan and other Council programs. Four of the beaches in this council area are monitored by Sydney Water Corporation. Kiama Municipal Council Stormwater Management Plan Enterococci measurements are not taken at Council’s Stormwater Management Plan Surf Beach, Kiama. (See page 18 for details.) (SMP) aims to address local environmental concerns through the management and Compliance with guidelines mitigation of stormwater impacts from Compliance with swimming guidelines was existing and future developments. The plan excellent for beaches in the Kiama Municipal outlines a number of objectives and Council area (Table 14). associated actions that aim to improve water quality in the local area. All beaches complied with the faecal Identified under Council’s SMP review in coliform guidelines 100% of the time and all 2003, Council has developed an Interim beaches monitored for enterococci complied Entrance Management Policy and associated 100% of the time. This is an improvement Review of Environmental Factors for Werri from last year when Boyds Jones Beach Lagoon. complied 88% of the time with the enterococci criteria. Other programs The range of indicator bacteria levels Adopt a Beach & Pelican Story Programs: measured at Illawarra beaches during Council and the Kiama Tidy Towns summer 2004–2005 is shown in Figure 19, Committee continues to implement these with Kiama Municipal Council beaches programs. The Pelican Story Project aims to highlighted in grey. Levels of faecal raise awareness about the impacts of litter coliforms and enterococci tended to be on the marine environment. Educational slightly lower than those measured at other tools have included a portable Kiama Illawarra beaches. Pelican statue, and brochures and activities for environmental events, shopping centres Illawarra Beaches Ranking of beaches and school visits. All monitored harbour and ocean beach Sustainability Project: Over the summer of swimming locations in the Hunter, Sydney 2004–05, in partnership with Kiama and Illawarra regions were ranked on the Council’s Holiday Parks, Council basis of their compliance with swimming implemented a program to raise the guidelines during summer 2004–2005. A total awareness of sustainable living issues of 23 rankings were determined for the 126 among visitors to the Kiama region. All sites monitored both for faecal coliforms and holiday park guests received a Sustainability enterococci, with many sites ranked equally. Kit focusing on visitor impacts such as water Rankings could not be determined for Surf use and quality, litter, waste management, Beach, Kiama, as enterococci levels are not energy use, and biodiversity impacts of measured at this site (see page 18 for holiday makers. details.)

The Beachwatch Program 165

‘Clean Up Australia Day’: In 2005 the Plastic-Bag-Free Strategy: This strategy has program involved 22 groups and four been prepared and is being implemented in schools. Litter and waste was collected from partnership with the Chamber of 26 sites, including a number of foreshore Commerce, local market organisers and areas such as Bombo, Surf and Werri local media. It encourages businesses to use Beaches. alternatives to plastics and promotes awareness of the impacts of plastic bags on the environment.

Table 14: Compliance and Ranking of Kiama Beaches for Summer 2004–2005* Site Compliance (%) Overall ranking Faecal Coliforms Enterococci (out of 23) Boyds Jones Beach 100 100 1 Bombo Beach 100 100 1 Surf Beach, Kiama 100 No data – Werri Beach 100 100 1

Figure 19: Range of Bacterial Levels at Illawarra Beaches during Summer 2004–2005*

10000

1000

100

h h h h h h h h h h h e h h h h a h c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c a a a a a a a a a a m a a a a n a a a e e e e e e e e e e e a e e e e i e tr B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B r l li i l s n r s , K i u l a g n la a o r e b a ity n ll u e b h r o u n n to b E i o c m r o m m o a a r n e r B i C is r b m a Illawarra Beaches n i n a r g m a o Faecal coliform density (cfu/100 mL) r ll r g n m r o e W ti h o n r e a a J s o e o o n o e W B T l lh 's f B u B C l o C h t K w l a d r A W o g s r l e u n i o y F Il h o S W o P ll e S B th o k r a o W L N

10000

1000

100

* Enterococci levels are not measured at Austinmer Beach, Thirroul Beach or Surf Beach, Kiama. (See page 18 for details.)

166 State of the Beaches 2004–2005

Boyds Jones Beach See page 164 for key to map Description The beach is 1 kilometre long and backed by dunes and a reserve. Permanent rips occur against each headland. Lifeguards patrol the beach from October to April. Johnson St

g3 4 Pollution Sources Stormwater drains discharge to the beach. e SLSC B5 Boyd’s Jones Beach Actions The Clean Beach Challenge program continued at Boyds Jones Beach and was awarded a ‘Highly g3 Commended’ in the Overall Winner category for the g3 Illawarra Region Clean Beaches Awards 2004. North Kiama Dr

Compliance Seasonal compliance with swimming guidelines for faecal coliforms was 100% over the last 5 years. With the exception of the 2003–2004 summer season, enterococci levels have also complied with guidelines 100% of the time.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 88

75 75 ■ winter season 50 50 ■ summer season

% Compliance 25 25

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

Response to Rainfall Bacterial densities generally remained below the median guideline limits, with elevated levels occasionally recorded after 20 mm of rain or more had fallen in the previous 24 hours. These trends are also apparent in the season data plots below.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

The Beachwatch Program 167

Bombo Beach See page 164 for key to map

Description The beach is backed by a narrow grassy reserve and Bombo @® STP a railway line. Persistent rips occur along the length of Darien Av the beach during moderate to high wave action and make swimming dangerous for the inexperienced. Lifeguards patrol the beach for 6 weeks over the summer school holidays. sB5 Bombo Beach Pollution Sources Spring Creek and an open drain discharge to the beach. Bombo STP discharges secondary treated sewage via a near-shore outfall at Bombo Head at the Princes Hwy northern end of the beach. 8É Actions The Clean Beaches Challenge program continued at this beach. The beach won both the Natural Heritage and Litter Prevention awards in the Illawarra Regional Clean Beaches Award, 2004.

Compliance Faecal coliform and enterococci levels have complied with swimming guidelines 100% of the time over the last 5 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 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05

Response to Rainfall Faecal coliform densities occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit after 20 mm or more rain was recorded in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci densities often exceeded the median guideline limit after 20 mm of rain or more was Illawarra Beaches received in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

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

168 State of the Beaches 2004–2005

Surf Beach, Kiama See page 164 for key to map Description This 250-metre-long beach is backed by a park and the surf club. Swimming is potentially dangerous because of the often large swell. There are permanent rips along the rocks at either end. Lifeguards patrol Manning St g3 the beach from October to April. 4 B5 Surf Beach e Pollution Sources Stormwater drains discharge to the beach. SLSC Kiama s Actions The Clean Beach Challenge program continued at this beach. The beach won both the Young Legends and Friendly Beach awards in the Illawarra Regional and NSW Clean Beaches Awards in 2004. Bourroul St

Compliance This beach is monitored only during the summer season, and only faecal coliform levels are measured. Seasonal compliance with swimming guidelines for faecal coliforms was 100% over the last 5 years.

Faecal Coliforms

100 100 100 100 100 100

75 ■ winter season 50 ■ summer season

% Compliance 25

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

Response to Rainfall Faecal coliform densities increased slightly with increasing rainfall but rarely exceeded the median guideline limit. These trends are also apparent in the season data plot below.

10000 Faecal Coliforms

1000

100 − − median guidelines z 10 z Bacterial count/100 mL 1 z 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 24-h rainfall (mm) Illawarra Beaches Season Data Faecal Coliforms 100000  rainfall o individual result 10000  rolling median 1000 − − rolling 80th percentile 100 Guidelines

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

The Beachwatch Program 169

Werri Beach See page 164 for key to map Description This 1.7-kilometre-long beach is backed by a narrow reserve and residential land. An ocean pool is located on the southern rock platform. Swimming is safest at

the southern end. Lifeguards patrol the beach for six Bridges weeks over the summer school holidays. Rd B5 Pollution Sources Werri Lagoon intermittently flows into the ocean and 4 Werri Beach e stormwater drains discharge to the beach. SLSC

g3 Actions The Clean Beach Challenge program continued at Geering St this beach which won the Community Action category for the Illawarra Regional and NSW Clean Beaches Baths Awards in 2004. Council has adopted an Interim Entrance Management Policy for Werri Lagoon.

Compliance Seasonal compliance with swimming guidelines for faecal coliforms and enterococci was 100% over the last 5 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 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05

Response to Rainfall Bacterial densities displayed little response to rainfall, mostly remaining below the median guideline limits irrespective of rainfall in the previous 24 hours. These trends can also be seen in the season data plots below.

10000 10000

Illawarra Beaches Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

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

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

170 State of the Beaches 2004–2005