Sydney Metropolitan Area Harbour Swimming Sites

Sydney Harbour – Port Jackson Harbourwatch

The Harbourwatch Program 197

Sydney Harbour – Port Jackson Sites: Hayes Street Beach, Little Sirius Cove, Clifton Gardens, Redleaf Pool, Watsons Bay, Parsley Bay, Nielsen Park and Rose Bay Beach Harbourwatch Harbourwatch

198 State of the Beaches 2006–2007

Sydney Harbour – Port Jackson Catchment

Location The rankings for the eight swimming areas in the Port Jackson catchment were good. Port Jackson stretches east of the Sydney Six sites scored equal first place, with Little Harbour Bridge to the Heads. Land use in Sirus Cove ranked fourth and Hayes Street the Port Jackson catchment is mainly Beach ranked fifth. residential, commercial, recreational and bushland (including Sydney Harbour Actions to improve water quality National Park). Actions specific to individual swimming Mosman, North Sydney, Sydney City and locations are included on the ‘swimming Woollahra councils operate in this area. area’ pages. Compliance with guidelines Initiatives contained within North Port Jackson and South Port Jackson stormwater Faecal coliform and enterococci compliance management plans are also expected to was generally high across the Port Jackson result in improvements in water quality. region during summer 2006–2007. Stormwater management plans Clifton Gardens, Redleaf Pool, Rose Bay Beach, Nielsen Park, Parsley Bay and The stormwater management plans for Watsons Bay all complied with both the North Port Jackson and South Port Jackson faecal coliform and enterococci guidelines are currently being implemented by the 100% of the time. A high level of compliance local councils in the area, the Roads and was also recorded at Little Sirius Cove, Traffic Authority, and Sydney Water. which complied 100% of the time with the Woollahra Council faecal coliform guidelines and 94% of the Environmental Works Program: Woollahra time with the enterococci guidelines (Table Council is in its final year of implementing a 16). five-year Environmental Works Program Hayes Street Beach complied 97% of the (EWP) totalling over $5 million. The EWP time with the faecal coliform guidelines and aims to improve stormwater quality by 94% of the time with the enterococci reducing the amount of sediment, litter and guidelines. pollution entering Sydney Harbour. EWP The range of indicator bacteria levels projects include water quality treatment measured at Sydney Harbour swimming works, environmental education programs, areas during summer 2006–2007 is shown in bushland and watercourse rehabilitation, Figure 23, with Port Jackson sites seawall restoration and local flooding highlighted in grey. Levels of faecal improvements. Specific projects coliforms and enterococci were within the implemented during the reporting period ranges measured in other swimming sites in include: Sydney Harbour. • training of Council’s operational staff on emergency response and development of Ranking of beaches a draft emergency response policy All monitored harbour and ocean beach • implementation of environmental swimming locations in the Hunter, Sydney education programs targeting the and Illawarra regions were ranked on the community, businesses and schools, basis of their compliance with swimming raising environmental awareness in the guidelines during summer 2006–2007. A community total of 15 distinct ranks were determined • development of new park signage and for the 131 sites monitored both for faecal installation at more than 30 parks, coliforms and enterococci, with many sites Harbourwatch educating dogs owners on dog waste and ranked equally. its impact on water quality

The Harbourwatch Program 199

• stormwater drainage upgrade at Cliff North Sydney Council Street, Watsons Bay, to reduce local SQID maintenance: Council continued to flooding experienced in and around maintain SQIDs throughout the catchment, Camp Cove Reserve reducing the amount of litter entering the • bush regeneration works in Parsley Bay, harbour. which involved removing exotic Community education: Council conducted the vegetation and replanting with local Sustainable Business Program, funded by native plants the Environmental Trust. This project aims • restoration works to the seawall located to reduce the environmental impact of small in Steyne Park at Double Bay and Darling businesses, including in the area of water. It Point. encompasses capacity-building through Council intends to apply to the Department training workshops, sustainability surveys of Local Government for an integrated and audits, and the provision of a manual Environmental Works and Infrastructure for small businesses. Levy, which takes into account the new Council engaged schools in drain stencilling, State legislation allowing the introduction of which involved school children labelling a Stormwater Management Service Charge. drains with educational messages. The revised five-year program of environmental works will become a part of Council ran a number of gross pollution trap the new combined Infrastrucure and excursions. School students observed litter Environmental Levy works program, traps being cleaned and were encouraged to ensuring a continuing commitment to take actions to reduce the amount of litter in environmental projects. their school grounds. Mosman Council Additional water quality monitoring: Council monitors the water quality of six local Stormwater Quality Improvement Device creeks. Physio-chemical water and sediment (SQID) maintenance: Council continued to parameters are monitored quarterly and maintain SQIDs throughout the catchment, macroinvertebrates are sampled twice a improving the water quality of receiving year. waters. City of Sydney Council Water quality monitoring: Implementation of the Water Quality Monitoring Program Stormwater management: The City of Sydney continued during 2006–2007. The Council has implemented components of the monitoring program aims to evaluate the Port Jackson South Stormwater Management performance of the SQIDs in improving the Plan. Activities completed to date include quality of stormwater before it enters regular maintenance and cleaning of receiving waters. stormwater quality improvement devices, channels and gully pits. A proposal has been completed for the water quality monitoring of Mosman’s local Clean Harbour Partners Program: The creeks and estuaries, including quarterly program originally funded by the sampling for physio-chemical parameters of Stormwater Trust is complete, but the City water and sediments, and twice-yearly continues to fund it to raise environmental Harbourwatch Harbourwatch macroinvertebrate sampling. awareness by businesses and employees in the city. This includes the use of the DECC The Sydney Water Overflow Abatement ‘Don’t be a Tosser’ and City of Sydney litter Program is focused on improving the campaign materials, including posters and system and alleviating stress on the billboard, newspaper and cinema overflow points in Little Sirius Cove advertising. catchment, with the aim to reduce sewage overflows and improve water quality.

200 State of the Beaches 2006–2007

Table 16: Compliance and Ranking of Port Jackson Sites during Summer 2006–2007 Compliance (%) Overall rank Site Faecal Coliforms Enterococci (out of 15) Hayes Street Beach 97 94 5 Little Sirius Cove 100 94 4 Clifton Gardens 100 100 1 Redleaf Pool 100 100 1 Rose Bay Beach 100 100 1 Nielsen Park 100 100 1 Parsley Bay 100 100 1 Watsons Bay 100 100 1

Figure 23: Bacterial Levels at Sydney Harbour Sites during Summer 2006–2007

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s l k l s s s l h s y s s l s h e h y y o h e e e o h y s h o c n o c r a c v v v c c a c v o a o r th th th o th a th th o th a o e a a a o o a a th a B B e a a a a B B a a a a e d e P P e e e e P C r f P y s C C s f P e d B r a n e t B B B r B l B r B B B s a B le n ts ly y o B in B y k e t B y e e t B l n e s s a h h e u le s o n n d g ta r fo e c s c i G a ls r k h R e n d r u ic ita l i a i e ir d ts g a a n a d n r o d r r n e a s i c r i o a o n w w tr e B i a l o s r l a o lw a S P a r M g m b o e s F n Faecal coliform density (cfu/100 mL) density (cfu/100 Faecal coliform i M s b m l b i fto R e N W e n C w o H e S le li s B a e d r a a m o a h n s l i a th d W e tt o F r in B a C w r e i C ty itt v C S E C R r a o h T W a y L o L y G a D e N C D F n H r u G

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s l k l s s s l h s y s s l s h e h y y o h e e e o h y s h o c n o c r a c v v v c c a c v o a o r th th th o th a th th o th a o e a a a o o a a th a e a a a a B a a a a e d e B B P e e e B e P r f P P y s C s f P e d B r C n C B B r B r B B B Enterococci density (cfu/100 mL) density (cfu/100 Enterococci s a a B e n ts y y e t B B B l n B e t B e l t B l l o e s i h y k h u e y s o e n ta s a r fo c s c e i G l s r k h n n R d g n d r c ta le i i r a l ts a e n u d i i a e i n d e a s ig a n c a id a r o r n r i a l r r o a o o w w w tr e B a r M o s l b l a e s S P i M s g b m lm o b i F n fto R e N W e n C w o H e S le li s B a e d r a a m o a h n s l i a th d W e tt o F r in B a C w r e i C ty itt v C S E C R r a o h T W a y L o L y G a D e N C D F n H r u G Harbourwatch

The Harbourwatch Program 201

Hayes Street Beach, Neutral Bay See page 198 for key to map Description This 50-metre-long beach is situated east of the Hayes Street ferry wharf in Neutral Bay. The area is infrequently used for swimming and is not enclosed by netting.

Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge in the vicinity of the swimming area.

Actions There are no actions specific to this beach.

Compliance With the exception of the 2005–2006 season, faecal coliform compliance with swimming guidelines has generally been high over the last five years. Compliance with the enterococci criteria has ranged from 55% to 100% of the time.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100 100 100 100 100 95 97 95 97 95 100 100 94 86 87 84 81 77 75 75 68 59 55 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci densities tended to increase with increasing rainfall. Both bacterial levels frequently exceeded the median guideline limit after five millimetres or more of rainfall in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci densities occassionally exceeded the median guideline limit after little or no rainfall indicating a possible dry-weather contamination problem.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

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

Season data Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 100000 0 ⏐ rainfall 10000 o individual result 50 ⎯ rolling median 1000 − − rolling 80th percentile 100

Harbourwatch Harbourwatch 100 Guidelines 150 10 (see page 7 for details) Daily Rainfall (mm) Bacterial count/100mL ⎯ median threshold 1 200 − − 80th percentile May-06 Jul-06 Sep-06 Nov-06 Jan-07 Mar-07 May-07 May-06 Jul-06 Sep-06 Nov-06 Jan-07 Mar-07 May-07 threshold

202 State of the Beaches 2006–2007

Little Sirius Cove See page 198 for key to map Description The beach is 100 metres long and located at the northern end of Little Sirius Cove. The swimming area is not netted.

Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge within the vicinity of the swimming area. Taronga Zoo discharges treated animal exhibit effluent to the bay.

Actions Mosman Council continued to maintain the SQIDs throughout the catchment.

Compliance Faecal coliform compliance with swimming guidelines has generally been high over the last five years, ranging from 72% to 100%. Compliance with the enterococci criteria has been more variable, ranging from 23% to 100% of the time.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100 100 100 100 95 97 95 97 94 100 90 100 86 81 80 72 75 75 75 68 66 55 winter season 50 50 summer season 23 % Compliance 25 25

0 0 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci densities generally increased with increasing rainfall. Both bacterial indicators occasionally exceeded the median guideline limits in response to light rainfall and often exceeded the guideline limits in response to five millimetres or more of rainfall in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100 − − median threshold 10 10 BacterialmL count/100 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/100mL ⎯ median threshold 1 200 − − 80th percentile May-06 Jul-06 Sep-06 Nov-06 Jan-07 Mar-07 May-07 May-06 Jul-06 Sep-06 Nov-06 Jan-07 Mar-07 May-07 threshold Harbourwatch

The Harbourwatch Program 203

Clifton Gardens See page 198 for key to map Description A large netted swimming enclosure is located at the western end of the 250-metre-long beach. The beach is backed by a large park and picnic area.

Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge in the vicinity of the swimming area. A small lagoon and creek at the northern end of the beach discharge stormwater during wet weather.

Actions Mosman Council continued to maintain the SQIDs throughout the catchment.

Compliance Faecal coliform levels complied 100% of the time over the last five years. Compliance with the enterococci criteria has ranged from 91% to 100% of the time.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 10095 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 91

75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci densities tended to increase with increasing rainfall. Faecal coliform levels occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit in response to 20 millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci levels often exceeded the median guideline limit in response to 5 millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100 − − median threshold 10 10 BacterialmL count/100 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

204 State of the Beaches 2006–2007

Redleaf Pool See page 198 for key to map Description The netted swimming enclosure in eastern Double Bay is bordered on three sides by a narrow sun deck and is backed by a small park.

Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge in the vicinity of the swimming area.

Actions Woollahra Council continued to maintain a number of SQIDs in the Double Bay sub-catchment, which include 81 pit baskets in the Double Bay commercial area, floating litter booms, and a GPT on the stormwater line that drains to Seven Shillings Beach near Redleaf Pool.

Compliance Faecal coliform compliance with swimming guidelines has generally been high over the last five years, ranging from 77% to 100%. Compliance with the enterococci criteria has been more variable, ranging from 61% to 100% of the time over the last five years.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 95 95 95 100 100 87 91 77 70 75 75 61 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci densities generally increased with increasing rainfall Faecal coliform densities often exceeded the median guideline limits after five millimetres or more of rain in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci densities often exceeded the median guideline in response to light rain in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100 − − median threshold 10 10 BacterialmL count/100 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)

threshold Harbourwatch

The Harbourwatch Program 205

Rose Bay Beach See page 198 for key to map Description This is a 500-metre-long narrow beach that is not enclosed by netting. The beach is a popular site for recreational boating. A sailing school and sailboat hire company operate in the area.

Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge in the vicinity of the swimming area. A large designed sewer overflow point is situated 200 metres from the site.

Actions Woollahra Council continued to maintain two SQIDs on the main stormwater lines that drain into the bay. In 2005–2006 Sydney Water constructed a wetland with sediment basin and trash rack on the main stormwater line in Woollahra Golf Course, aiming to improve stormwater quality.

Compliance With the exception of one season, faecal coliform levels complied 100% of the time over the last five years. Compliance with the enterococci criteria has been more variable, ranging from 40% to 100% of the time.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 95 95 100 100 91 94 84 86

75 75 winter season 50 50 40 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci densities generally increased with increasing rainfall. Faecal coliform densities frequently exceeded the median guideline limit in response to ten millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci densities frequently exceeded the median guideline limit in response to five millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

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

Season data Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 100000 0 Harbourwatch Harbourwatch ⏐ 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/100mL ⎯ median threshold 1 200 − − 80th percentile May-06 Jul-06 Sep-06 Nov-06 Jan-07 Mar-07 May-07 May-06 Jul-06 Sep-06 Nov-06 Jan-07 Mar-07 May-07 threshold

206 State of the Beaches 2006–2007

Nielsen Park See page 198 for key to map Description The swimming area is approximately 150 metres long and enclosed by netting during summer. The narrow beach and adjacent large park are part of Sydney Harbour National Park.

Pollution sources A stormwater drain discharges to the eastern end of the beach.

Actions Woollahra Council continued to maintain a SQID on the stormwater outlet draining to the bay.

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 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci densities tended to increase with increasing rainfall. Faecal coliform densities occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit in response to 20 millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci densities occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit in response to five millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours and frequently exceeded the guideline limit in response to 20 millimetres or more of rain in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

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

The Harbourwatch Program 207

Parsley Bay See page 198 for key to map Description The southern end of the bay is netted to provide a large swimming area. The swimming area is backed by Parsley Bay Reserve.

Pollution sources A stormwater drain discharges to the western side of the bay and a designed sewer overflow point is located along the drain flowing into the western side of Parsley Bay.

Actions Woollahra Council continued to maintain four SQIDs situated in the catchment of the bay.

Compliance With the exception of one season, faecal coliform levels complied 100% of the time over the last five years. Compliance with the enterococci criteria has generally been high, ranging from 85% to 100% of the time.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 10095 100 100 100 100 100 91 91 90 100 100 85

75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci densities generally increased with increasing rainfall, usually exceeding median guideline limits after 20 millimetres of rain in the previous 24 hours. Faecal coliform densities occasionally exceeded the median guideline in response to five millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci densities often exceeded the median guideline in response to five millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

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

Season data Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 100000 0 ⏐ rainfall 10000 o individual result 50 Harbourwatch Harbourwatch ⎯ rolling median 1000 − − rolling 80th percentile 100 100 Guidelines 150 10 (see page 7 for details) Daily Rainfall (mm) Bacterial count/100mL ⎯ median threshold 1 200 − − 80th percentile May-06 Jul-06 Sep-06 Nov-06 Jan-07 Mar-07 May-07 May-06 Jul-06 Sep-06 Nov-06 Jan-07 Mar-07 May-07 threshold

208 State of the Beaches 2006–2007

Watsons Bay See page 198 for key to map Description The 20-metre by 40-metre enclosed tidal swimming area adjoins a narrow, sandy beach.

Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge into the bay.

Actions Woollahra Council regularly maintained the SQID in Robertson Park.

Compliance Faecal coliform levels complied with swimming guidelines 100% of the time over the last five years. Enterococci compliance has also generally been high, ranging from 87% to 100% of the time.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 87 90 90

75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07

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

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100 − − median threshold 10 10 BacterialmL count/100 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)

Harbourwatch

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Harbourwatch

Sydney Metropolitan Area Harbour Swimming Sites

Sydney Harbour – North Harbour Harbourwatch

The Harbourwatch Program 211

Sydney Harbour – North Harbour Sites: Forty Baskets Pool, Fairlight Beach, Manly Cove and Little Manly Cove Harbourwatch Harbourwatch

212 State of the Beaches 2006–2007

Sydney Harbour – North Harbour Location Manly Council The catchment of North Harbour is Community education: Manly Council relatively small at approximately five square completed stage 1 of the Starboard Right kilometres. Land use to the north of the and Green program. Council worked closely catchment is primarily residential. Sydney with three local marinas to assist them in Harbour National Park covers the eastern implementing pollution prevention plans. and western slopes and forms 30% of the Stage 2 of the program involves the catchment. education of recreational boat users. Council held mini expos with local businesses, NSW Manly Council operates in this area. Government and key community figures for Compliance with guidelines recreational boat users in the past 12 months and is seeking to expand the program, Compliance with swimming guidelines in focusing on local businesses and North Harbour was excellent during environmental auditing. summer 2006–2007 (Table 17). Forty Baskets and Little Manly Cove Coastline Faecal coliform and enterococci levels at all Management Plans: Manly Council adopted sites complied with the swimming the Forty Baskets and Little Manly Cove guidelines 100% of the time. Coastline Management Plans in May 2004. The range of indicator bacteria levels The plans provide long-term strategies to measured at Sydney Harbour swimming guide the sustainable management of the areas during summer 2006–2007 is shown in study areas. Figure 24, with North Harbour sites Manly Cove and North Harbour Coastline highlighted in grey. Levels of faecal Management Plans: Council has elected to coliforms and enterococci were slightly develop two Coastline Management Plans lower than, or similar to, levels measured (CMPs) for the North Harbour area in across all the swimming sites monitored in response to legislative requirements and Sydney Harbour. community issues, in accordance with Ranking of beaches current best practice for the management of coastal and estuary foreshores. Two separate All monitored harbour and ocean beach CMPs are to be developed for North swimming locations in the Hunter, Sydney Harbour owing to the differing functions and Illawarra regions were ranked on the and settings of the study areas. Manly Cove basis of their compliance with swimming plays a functional role as a ‘working’ cove guidelines during summer 2006–2007. A with a diversity of water based activities, total of 15 distinct ranks were determined whereas the foreshores between Delwood for the 131 sites monitored both for faecal Beach and Davis Marina have a more coliforms and enterococci, with many sites natural setting. ranked equally. The Manly Cove and North Harbour The swimming areas in the North Harbour Coastline Management Plans will develop a catchment all ranked equal first. blueprint for the future management of the Actions to improve water quality North Harbour area. The Coastline Management Plans will be used as an Actions specific to individual swimming important resource to guide community locations are included on the ‘swimming action and to assist government and the area’ pages. Water quality within North local planning authority in the ongoing Harbour will be improved through various management of North Harbour’s coastal initiatives and projects implemented by Harbourwatch reserves and foreshore areas. Manly Council.

The Harbourwatch Program 213

Table 17: Compliance and Ranking of North Harbour Sites during Summer 2006–2007 Compliance (%) Overall rank Site Faecal Coliforms Enterococci (out of 15) Forty Baskets Pool 100 100 1 Fairlight Beach 100 100 1 Manly Cove 100 100 1 Little Manly Cove 100 100 1

Figure 24: Bacterial Levels at Sydney Harbour Sites during Summer 2006–2007

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s l l s s s l y s l s h e h k y y h e e e h h s y s h s o c n o c r a o c v v o c c a c v o a o v r th th th o th a h th th o th a o e a a a o o a a t a e a a a a B a a a a e d e B B P e e e B e P r f P P y s C s f P e d r B C n C B B r B r B B B B Enterococci density (cfu/100 mL) a e ts e t B B l t s a B l n ly ly o e B in B y k e h y e o e t B n s s a r h a s e iu le s s h n n R d g ta r fo c t e c c r G a l r k e n n d u d i i l i a i e i n d a ts s g a a n c a id a r o r n r r ie a li r o o o w w w t e B a r M o s r l a l a e s S P i M s g b m lm b o b i F n fto R e N W e n C w o H e S e li s B a e d r a a m o a h n s i a th d W e ttl o F r in B a C w r e i C ty ttl v C S E C R r i a o h T W a y L o L y G a D e N C D F n H r u G

Harbourwatch Harbourwatch

214 State of the Beaches 2006–2007

Forty Baskets Pool See page 212 for key to map Description A 20-metre by 40-metre netted swimming area is adjacent to the narrow beach. The beach is backed by a small park.

Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge in the vicinity of the swimming enclosure. The area is a popular area for off-leash exercising of dogs.

Actions Manly Council maintains GPTs in the catchment and conducts street sweeping on a regular basis to reduce litter, nutrient, sediment and other pollutant loads in stormwater entering the harbour.

Compliance Faecal coliform levels complied with swimming guidelines 100% of the time over the last five years. Compliance with the enterococci criteria was also generally high, ranging from 80% to 100% of the time.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 10095 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 90 80 75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07

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

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100 − − median threshold 10 10 BacterialmL count/100 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)

threshold Harbourwatch

The Harbourwatch Program 215

Fairlight Beach See page 212 for key to map Description The beach is long and narrow and backed by a small reserve and picnic area. A 25-metre pool filled with water from the harbour is adjacent to the beach.

Pollution sources Stormwater drains and a sewage overflow discharge are in the vicinity of the swimming area.

Compliance Faecal coliform levels complied with swimming guidelines 100% of the time over the last five years. With the exception of one season, enterococci levels complied 100% of the time over the last five years.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

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

75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci densities generally increased with increasing rainfall. Faecal coliform densities occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit in response to 20 millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci densities occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit in response to light rain in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100 − − median threshold 10 10 BacterialmL count/100 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 Harbourwatch Harbourwatch − − rolling 80th percentile 100 100 Guidelines 150 10 (see page 7 for details) Daily Rainfall (mm) Bacterial count/100mL ⎯ median threshold 1 200 − − 80th percentile May-06 Jul-06 Sep-06 Nov-06 Jan-07 Mar-07 May-07 May-06 Jul-06 Sep-06 Nov-06 Jan-07 Mar-07 May-07 threshold

216 State of the Beaches 2006–2007

Manly Cove See page 212 for key to map Description A netted swimming enclosure is situated towards the centre of the 250-metre-long beach. The beach is to the west of the Manly ferry terminal and is backed by a promenade and park.

Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge east of the wharf.

Compliance With the exception of one season, faecal coliform levels complied 100% of the time over the last five years. Enterococci compliance has generally been high, ranging from 94% to 100% of the time.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 95 95 100 100 94

75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci densities tended to increase with increasing rainfall and occasionally exceeded the median guideline limits in response to light rain in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci densities often exceeded the guideline limits 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 BacterialmL count/100 1 1 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 0 0.1–4.9 5–9.9 10–19.9 20+ 24-h rainfall (mm) 24-h rainfall (mm)

The Harbourwatch Program 217

Little Manly Cove See page 212 for key to map Description The beach is bounded by a small recreational reserve, and a 30-metre-square netted swimming enclosure is located at the eastern end.

Pollution sources A stormwater drain discharges to the western end of the beach. A former industrial site is adjacent to the beach.

Compliance Faecal coliform levels complied with swimming guidelines 100% of the time over the last five years. With the exception of one season, enterococci levels also complied 100% of the time.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 10097 100100 100 100 100 100

75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci densities tended to increase with increasing rainfall. Enterococci densities occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit in response to light rain and often exceeded the median guideline limit in response to ten millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100 − − median threshold 10 10 BacterialmL count/100 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)

218 State of the Beaches 2006–2007

Sydney Metropolitan Area Harbour Swimming Sites

Sydney Harbour – Middle Harbour Harbourwatch

The Harbourwatch Program 219

Sydney Harbour – Middle Harbour Sites: Davidson Reserve, Gurney Crescent Baths, Sangrado Baths, Northbridge Baths, Clontarf Pool, Chinamans Beach, Edwards Beach and Balmoral Baths Harbourwatch Harbourwatch

220 State of the Beaches 2006–2007

Sydney Harbour – Middle Harbour

Location The swimming areas in Middle Harbour were generally highly ranked, with Gurney The Middle Harbour catchment covers Crescent Baths, Davidson Reserve, Sangrado 100 square kilometres and has a population Baths, Chinamans Beach, Edwards Beach of approximately 200 000 people. Land use and Balmoral Beach ranked equal first. in the catchment is mainly residential, with Clontarf Pool was ranked fourth and some commercial and industrial use as well. Northbridge Baths was ranked seventh. Bushland covers one-quarter of the catchment and includes Garigal National Actions to improve water quality Park. Actions specific to individual swimming Mosman, Willoughby City, North Sydney, locations are included on the ‘swimming Manly, Ku-ring-gai and Warringah councils area’ pages. Improvements in water quality operate in this area. are also expected as a result of management Compliance with guidelines plans and other council projects. The commissioning of the Northside Storage Faecal coliform and enterococci compliances Tunnel in 2001 is continuing to provide were generally high at Middle Harbour enhanced water quality in Middle Harbour. swimming locations during summer 2006– 2007 (Table 18). Middle Harbour Stormwater Management Plan Six of the eight sites complied 100% of the Local councils and other government time with both faecal coliform and organisations are currently implementing enterococci guidelines. These sites were the Middle Harbour Stormwater Davidson Reserve, Gurney Crescent Baths, Management Plan. Sangrado Baths, Chinamans Beach, Edwards The plan contains initiatives such as Beach, and Balmoral Baths. community education campaigns, drain Clontarf Pool complied 100% of the time stencilling programs, improved street with faecal coliform criteria and 94% with sweeping practices and the installation of enterococci criteria. Northbridge Baths stormwater quality improvement devices complied 90% with faecal coliform criteria throughout the catchment. and 94% with enterococci criteria. Manly Council The range of indicator bacteria levels Clontarf – Bantry Bay Estuary Management measured at Sydney Harbour swimming Plan: Manly Council is preparing an Estuary areas during summer 2006–2007 is shown in Management Plan for the Clontarf – Bantry Figure 25, with Middle Harbour sites Bay area. Council was awarded $30,000 in highlighted in grey. Levels of faecal funding under the NSW Government’s coliforms and enterococci tended to be Estuary Management program. The plan within the range measured in other areas of will address estuarine and foreshore issues the harbour. between Castle Rock Beach and the Ranking of beaches boundary of the National Park at Bantry Bay, and will provide strategic direction for All monitored harbour and ocean beach the management of this area into the future. swimming locations in the Hunter, Sydney Stormwater treatment and re-use projects: and Illawarra regions were ranked on the Council was awarded a $28,000 grant from basis of their compliance with swimming the Federal Government for stormwater guidelines during summer 2006–2007. A treatment, storage and on-use at Seaforth total of 15 distinct ranks were determined Oval. This includes stormwater treatment for the 131 sites monitored both for faecal Harbourwatch and harvesting from the car park and coliforms and enterococci, with many sites building areas for use in irrigation of the ranked equally.

The Harbourwatch Program 221

field, thus improving the quality of devices before the stormwater enters stormwater in Middle Harbour. receiving waters. Willoughby City Council A proposal has been completed to monitor Streets to Creeks Program: Council continued the water quality of Mosman’s local creeks, to educate the community within Sailors including quarterly sampling for physio- Bay about the catchment and how chemical parameters of water and sediment, stormwater becomes polluted through day- and macroinvertebrate sampling twice a to-day activities. year. Water quality monitoring: Council maintained SQID installation: Water quality monitoring five gross pollutants traps in the region, is being undertaken during wet weather preventing waste from entering the events over a two-month period to evaluate waterways. Additionally, Council continued the performance of the Julian Street SQID to monitor the catchment water quality and installed at Quakers Hat Bay, as a performed macro-invertebrate studies at component of Council’s Community seven sites in the creeks of Middle Harbour Environmental Contract (CEC). The Quakers and the Lane Cove River bi-yearly. Water Hat Bay Project is the only outstanding quality monitoring continued at project funded by a Stormwater Trust Grant. Northbridge Baths. The final report is the only component outstanding. Other projects: Council is part of the Northern Sydney Regional Organisations of Balmoral Reuse Project: Council is in the Councils (NSROC), which is a voluntary planning stages of this project, which partnership among seven Sydney councils involves the installation of tanks to capture working to address regional issues and to and store stormwater for reuse on Balmoral manage the environment sustainably. oval. Capture, treatment and reuse of stormwater will reduce the volume of Council has implemented a number of stormwater flowing to Balmoral beach, environmental projects under the e.restore reducing the impact on water quality. program, with the aid of the environmental levy. The program focuses on maintaining Community Education: Council continued to and repairing natural environments, provide information to the community on implementing educational activities, and rainwater tanks, as a method of conserving environmental monitoring. Work has water, as well as reducing the quantity of continued on bushland regeneration projects stormwater entering Council’s waterways. throughout the catchment to prevent erosion Regulation: Council continued to investigate and runoff in the Willoughby region. pollution incidents and undertake Council ran sustainability street workshops regulatory and educational approaches to to educate the community on water reduce the risk of pollution from conservation and the reuse of water. construction sites and landscaping works. Educational material was produced for Council adopted a revised version of its No residents to explain the responsible use of Smoking Policy. Smoking at all Mosman grey water. beaches is prohibited, to reduce pollution

Harbourwatch Harbourwatch Mosman Council from cigarette butts. Water quality monitoring: Implementation of Warringah Council the Water Quality Monitoring Program Stormwater Technical Manual: Warringah continued during 2006–2007. The Council has completed a Stormwater monitoring program aims to evaluate the Technical Manual to increase awareness in performance of the Stormwater Quality the community and commercial sectors of Improvement Devices (SQIDs) in improving best practice water management, decrease stormwater quality downstream of the urban flooding and improve water quality in Warringah waterways. The manual is to

222 State of the Beaches 2006–2007 be used to design stormwater management Water quality monitoring program: In systems for most new developments and partnership with the former Department of when carrying out works near Warringah Natural Resources (DNR), council is in the watercourses. process of finalising a new water quality monitoring program for the entire council Warringah Creek Management Study: This area that will provide information on study has aided Council in identifying the ecological health; measure the effectiveness scale of development and other pressures of on-ground works; and provide sound confronting Warringah’s creeks and information on which to base management prioritises actions to improve creek decisions. management. Council is now using these actions to assess development applications in a more creek-friendly way. One of the actions, the development of a Waterways Policy, is currently being completed. Harbourwatch

The Harbourwatch Program 223

Table 18: Compliance and Ranking of Middle Harbour Sites during Summer 2006–2007 Compliance (%) Overall rank Site Faecal Coliforms Enterococci (out of 15) Davidson Reserve 100 100 1 Gurney Crescent Baths 100 100 1 Sangrado Baths 100 100 1 Northbridge Baths 90 94 7 Clontarf Pool 100 94 4 Chinamans Beach 100 100 1 Edwards Beach 100 100 1 Balmoral Baths 100 100 1

Figure 25: Bacterial Levels at Sydney Harbour Sites during Summer 2006–2007

10000

1000

100

s l l s s s l y s s l s h e h k y y h e e e h h s y s h o c n o c r a o c v v o c c a c v o a o v r th th th o th a th th o th a o e a a a o o a a th a B B e a a a a B B a a a a e d e P P e e e e P C r f P y s C C s f P e d B r n e B B r B r B B B s a a B le n ts y y t B B B l in B y k e t B y e t B l l n o e s s a h h u e s o e n d g ta r fo e c s c e i G l a ls r k h n R e n d r u ic ita l i i e ir d ts a a a d n r o d r a n e a s ig n c r i a o n w r w tr e B i a l o s r lo a o lw a S P a r M g m b o e s F n Faecal coliform density (cfu/100 mL) density (cfu/100 Faecal coliform i m i fto R e N M s e b C w l o b S e i s W B a e d r n a a m a H h n e l l l i a th d W o e s tt o F r n B a C w r e i C ty tt v C S i E C R r i a o h T W a y L o L y G a D e N C D F n H r u G

10000

1000

100

s l l s s s l y s s l s h e h k y y h e e e h h s y s h o c n o c r a o c v v o c c a c v o a o v r th th th o th a th th o th a o e a a a o o a a th a e a a a a B a a a a e d e B B P e e e B e P r f P P y s C s f P e d B r C n C B B r B r B B B Enterococci density (cfu/100 mL) density (cfu/100 Enterococci e s a a B le n ts y y t B B B l in B y k e t B y e t B l l n o e s s a h h e u le s o e n n d g ta r fo e c s c i G a ls r k h R e n d r u ic ita l i a i e ir d ts g a a n a d n r o d r r n e a s i c r i o a o o w n w w tr e B i a a l o s r l a l a e S P ir M g m m b o is F n fto R e N M s e b C w l o b S e i s W B a e d r n a a m a H h n e l l l i a th d W o e s tt o F r n B a C w r e i C ty tt v C S i E C R r i a o h T W a y L o L y G a D e N C D F n H r u G Harbourwatch Harbourwatch

224 State of the Beaches 2006–2007

Davidson Reserve See page 220 for key to map Description Davidson Reserve is a 25-metre-long netted swimming enclosure situated within Garigal National Park. The beach is backed by a grass reserve with picnic facilities.

Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge in the vicinity of the beach.

Actions There are no actions specific to this beach.

Compliance Faecal coliform compliance varied over the last five years, ranging from 71% to 100%. Enterococci compliance has also varied, ranging from 48% to 100% over the last five years.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100 100 100 100 94 100 87 86 100 91 91 82 81 81 82 78 71 73 75 75 61 60 winter season 48 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci densities generally increased with increasing rainfall and usually exceeded median guideline limits after ten millimetres of rain in the previous 24 hours. Faecal coliform densities occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit in response to light rainfall in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci densities often exceeded the median guideline limit in response to light rain and frequently exceeded the median guideline limit in response to five millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours.

100000 100000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 10000 10000

1000 1000

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

The Harbourwatch Program 225

Gurney Crescent Baths See page 220 for key to map Description The baths are a 20-metre-square netted swimming enclosure backed by a bush reserve and are located on Pickering Point.

Pollution sources Water quality can be affected by bacterial contamination from sewage overflows in the catchment of Middle Harbour.

Actions Manly Council maintains GPTs in the catchment and conducts street sweeping on a regular basis to reduce litter, nutrient, sediment and other pollutant loads entering the harbour.

Compliance Faecal coliform compliance varied over the last five years, ranging from 82% to 100% of the time. Enterococci compliance also varied, ranging from 82% to 100% of the time.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 90 100 91 94 86 82 84 82 82 75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci densities generally increased with increasing rainfall and usually exceeded median guideline limits after 20 millimetres of rain or more had fallen in the previous 24 hours. Faecal coliform densities occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit in response to five millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci densities occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit in response to light rain and often exceeded the median guideline limit in response to five millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

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

Season data Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 100000 0 ⏐ rainfall

Harbourwatch Harbourwatch 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/100mL ⎯ median threshold 1 200 − − 80th percentile May-06 Jul-06 Sep-06 Nov-06 Jan-07 Mar-07 May-07 May-06 Jul-06 Sep-06 Nov-06 Jan-07 Mar-07 May-07 threshold

226 State of the Beaches 2006–2007

Sangrado Baths See page 220 for key to map Description The baths are a 25-metre by 20-metre netted swimming enclosure in Powder Hulk Bay. They are backed by a bush reserve.

Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge to Powder Hulk Bay. Water quality can be affected by bacterial contamination from sewage overflows in the catchment of Middle Harbour.

Actions Manly Council maintains GPTs in the catchment and conducts street sweeping on a regular basis to reduce litter, nutrient, sediment and other pollutant loads entering the harbour.

Compliance Faecal coliform compliance varied over the last five years, ranging from 65% to 100% of the time. Enterococci compliance also varied considerably, ranging from 40% to 100% of the time.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100 95 100 97 100 100 100 94 100 87 86 84 84 84 77 77 82 75 65 75 65 55 winter season 50 50 40 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci densities generally increased with increasing rainfall and occasionally exceeded the median guideline limits after light rain in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci densities frequently exceeded the median guideline limit after five millimetres of rainfall in the previous 24 hours.

100000 100000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 10000 10000

1000 1000

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

The Harbourwatch Program 227

Northbridge Baths See page 220 for key to map Description The baths are a 30-metre by 65-metre enclosed tidal swimming area. Lifeguards patrol the swimming area from October to March. On Beachwatch advice, the council closes the baths when there is likely to be stormwater pollution.

Pollution sources A stormwater drain discharges from the eastern pier of the baths and numerous drains discharge to the bay. Sewage overflows can discharge into the headwaters of the bay during wet weather.

Actions Willoughby Council continued to educate the community about stormwater pollution through the Streets to Creeks program. Council maintained a number of GPTs in the catchment, reducing the amount of stormwater pollution entering the harbour.

Compliance Faecal coliform compliance with swimming guidelines has generally been high over the last five years, ranging from 82% to 100% of the time. Enterococci compliance has varied considerably, ranging from 68% to 100% of time.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 95 95 100 90 90 100 94 86 84 82 81 77 82 75 75 68 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci densities generally increased with increasing rainfall, often exceeding the median guideline limit after five millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci densities occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit after light rainfall in the previous 24 hours.

100000 100000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 10000 10000

1000 1000

100 100 − − median threshold 10 10 BacterialmL count/100 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)

228 State of the Beaches 2006–2007

Clontarf Pool See page 220 for key to map Description The baths are backed by Clontarf Reserve and consist of a small netted swimming enclosure and a narrow sandy beach.

Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge directly into, and in the immediate vicinity of, the baths. Water quality can be affected by bacterial contamination from sewage overflows in upper Middle Harbour.

Actions Manly Council maintains GPTs in the catchment and conducts street sweeping on a regular basis to reduce litter, nutrient, sediment and other pollutant loads entering the harbour.

Compliance With the exception of one season, faecal coliform levels complied 100% of the time with guidelines over the last five years. Enterococci compliance with swimming guidelines has ranged from 81% to 100% of the time.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 95 94 100 86 100 86 91 81 84 75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci densities generally increased with increasing rainfall. Faecal coliform densities occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit after five millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci densities occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit after light rain and often exceeded the guideline limit after five or more millimetres of rainfall in the previous 24 hours.

100000 100000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 10000 10000

1000 1000

100 100 − − median threshold 10 10 BacterialmL count/100 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)

− − 80th percentile May-06 Jul-06 Sep-06 Nov-06 Jan-07 Mar-07 May-07 May-06 Jul-06 Sep-06 Nov-06 Jan-07 Mar-07 May-07 Harbourwatch threshold

The Harbourwatch Program 229

Chinamans Beach See page 220 for key to map Description Chinamans Beach is a popular unnetted swimming area in Middle Harbour. The beach is approximately 250 metres long and is backed by Rosherville Reserve.

Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge directly on to, and in the immediate vicinity of, the beach. Water quality can be affected by bacterial contamination from sewage overflows in upper Middle Harbour.

Actions Mosman Council continued to maintain the SQIDs throughout the catchment.

Compliance Faecal coliform compliance with swimming guidelines has generally been high over the last five years, ranging from 86% to 100% of the time. With the exception of one season, enterococci levels complied 100% of the time over the last five years.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100 100 10097 100100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 86 100 86

75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci densities tended to increase with increasing rainfall. Faecal coliform densities occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit after five millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci densities often exceeded the median guideline limit after five millimetres of rain had fallen and usually exceeded the median guideline limit after 20 millimetres of rainfall in the previous 24 hours.

100000 100000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 10000 10000

1000 1000

100 100 − − median threshold 10 10 BacterialmL count/100 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

230 State of the Beaches 2006–2007

Edwards Beach See page 220 for key to map Description A promenade and a small park at the northern end back the beach. A netted swimming enclosure is located at the beach’s southern end.

Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge directly to the beach area. Water quality can be affected by sewage overflows in upper Middle Harbour.

Actions Mosman Council continued to maintain the SQIDs throughout the catchment. Council monitored chemical, physical and biological water quality indicators at Edwards Beach as a reference site for water quality within the area.

Compliance Faecal coliform levels complied with the swimming guidelines 100% of the time over the last five years. With the exception of one season, enterococci levels complied 100% of the time.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

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

75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci densities tended to increase with increasing rainfall and often exceeded median guideline limits after 20 millimetres of rainfall in the previous 24 hours. Both bacterial levels occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit in response to five millimetres or more of rain in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

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

The Harbourwatch Program 231

Balmoral Baths See page 220 for key to map Description A promenade and a large park and picnic area back the beach. The netted swimming enclosure is located towards the eastern end of the beach.

Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge directly to the beach area. Water quality can be affected by sewage overflows in upper Middle Harbour.

Actions Mosman Council continued to maintain SQIDs throughout the catchment. Council commenced the planning stages of the Balmoral Reuse Program.

Compliance Faecal coliform levels have complied 100% of the time with recreational guidelines over the last five years. With the exception of one season, enterococci levels complied 100% of the time.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 10095 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100

75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci densities generally increased with increasing rainfall. Both faecal coliform and enterococci densities occasionally exceeded the median guideline limits after five millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci densities also occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit after light rain in the previous 24 hours.

100000 100000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 10000 10000

1000 1000

100 100 − − median threshold 10 10 BacterialmL count/100 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)

232 State of the Beaches 2006–2007

Sydney Metropolitan Area Harbour Swimming Sites

Sydney Harbour – Lower Lane Cove River Harbourwatch

The Harbourwatch Program 233

Sydney Harbour – Lower Lane Cove River Sites: Tambourine Bay, Woodford Bay and Woolwich Baths Harbourwatch Harbourwatch

234 State of the Beaches 2006–2007

Sydney Harbour – Lower Lane Cove River Location safeguards to water quality in the lower Lane Cove River. The lower Lane Cove River is the Lane Cove River Stormwater Management Plan three-kilometre-long downstream reach of the Lane Cove River. Land use in this area of Lane Cove Council and Hunters Hill the catchment is mainly residential, with Municipal Council are currently some bushland, commercial and recreational implementing the components of the Lane uses. Cove River Stormwater Management Plan that relate to the Lower Lane Cove River. Hunters Hill Municipal Council and Lane Other government organisations such as Cove Council operate in this area. Sydney Water and the Roads and Traffic Compliance with guidelines Authority are also involved in this process. Compliance with the guidelines in the lower The plan consists of a series of major Lane Cove River was excellent during projects that address specific issues of summer 2006–2007 (Table 19). concern within the catchment. The project areas include nutrients, sediment, toxicants, All three sites complied with the faecal and health and safety. Each project consists coliform and enterococci guidelines 100% of of a range of measures such as education the time. campaigns, inspections of the sewerage The range of indicator bacteria levels system, reporting programs and the measured at Sydney Harbour swimming installation of wetlands and gross pollutant areas during summer 2006–2007 is shown in traps. Figure 26, with lower Lane Cove River sites Lane Cove Council highlighted in grey. Levels of faecal coliforms and enterococci were similar to Community education: Council participated in those at other sites across Sydney Harbour. ‘Clean Up Australia Day’ activities and coordinated the collection and disposal of Ranking of beaches gathered waste. The event attracted a high All monitored harbour and ocean beach level of community participation. swimming locations in the Hunter, Sydney Lane Cove Council jointly ran the and Illawarra regions were ranked on the ‘Footprints – tread lightly into the future’ basis of their compliance with swimming program with North Sydney and guidelines during summer 2006–2007. A Willoughby councils, bringing local total of 15 distinct ranks were determined residents together to focus on issues of for the 131 sites, with many sites ranked sustainability of waste, water and energy. equally. Stormwater Quality Improvement Device All lower Lane Cove sites (Tambourine Bay, (SQID) maintenance: Council continued to Woodford Bay and Woolwich Baths) were maintain the SQIDs throughout the ranked equal first (Table 19). catchment, reducing the amount of litter Actions to improve water quality entering the river and harbour. Actions specific to individual swimming Additional water quality monitoring: Lane locations are included on the ‘swimming Cove Council has continued to monitor area’ pages. water quality at four creeks in the Lane Cove catchment. Water sampling could not Improvements in water quality are also be carried out when the creeks were dry expected as a result of initiatives in the Lane because of the drought. Council also carried Cove River Stormwater Management Plan.

out macroinvertebrate monitoring of the Harbourwatch The commissioning of the Northside Storage creeks in the Lane Cove Council area. Tunnel in 2001 has provided ongoing

The Harbourwatch Program 235

Sediment removal: During 2006, dredging of Community education: The Tarban Bay the Burns Bay boat ramp contributed to a environment walk offers the local lowering of the usual sediment loads. The community and visitors an educational tour dredging will have an added advantage of through the Hunters Hill catchment, with improving the benthic environment of this useful maps, signs and drain stencilling. bay. Gross Pollution Trap (GPT) maintenance: Hunters Hill Council Council continues to maintain over 20 GPTs Hunters Hill Council is a member of the and Enviropods and four wetlands, to help Parramatta River Catchment Group and the prevent pollution from entering the river North Sydney Regional Organisations of and harbour. Councils (NSROC), working together with a Additional water quality monitoring: Hunters number of councils and groups to jointly Hill Council carried out macroinvertebrate manage stormwater issues within the region sampling at Brickmakers Creek. to improve water quality. Harbourwatch Harbourwatch

236 State of the Beaches 2006–2007

Table 19: Compliance and Ranking of Lower Lane Cove River Sites during Summer 2006–2007 Compliance (%) Overall rank Site Faecal Coliforms Enterococci (out of 15) Tambourine Bay 100 100 1 Woodford Bay 100 100 1 Woolwich Baths 100 100 1

Figure 26: Bacterial Levels at Sydney Harbour Sites during Summer 2006–2007

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1 l l l l h e s h k y y h e e e s s s h h s y y s h s s s c n o c r a o c v v h o c c a c o v o a o v r th th t o th a th th o th a o e a a a o o a a th a B B e a a a a B B a a a a e d e P P e e e e P C r f P y s C C s B f P e d r n e t B B r B r B B B B B s a a B le n ts ly y B B l in y k e t B y e t B l n o e s s a h h u e s o e n d g ta r fo e c s c e i G l a ls r k h n R e n d r u ic ita l i i e ir d ts a a a d n r o d r a n e a s ig n c r i a o n w r w tr e B i a l o s r lo a o lw a S P a r M g m b o e s F n Faecal coliform density (cfu/100 mL) Faecal coliform density (cfu/100 i M s b m l b i fto R e N W e n C w o H e S e li s B a e d r a a m o a h n s i a th d W e ttl o y F r in B a C w r e i C t ttl v C S E C R r i a o h T W a y L o L y G a D e N C D F n H r u G

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s l l s s s l y s s l s h e h k y y h e e e h h s y s h o c n o c r a o c v v o c c a c v o a o v r th th th o th a h th th o th a o e a a a o o a a t a e a a a a B a a a a e d e B B P e e e B e P r f P P y s C s f P e d r B C n C B B r B r B B B B Enterococci density (cfu/100 mL) a e ts e t B B l t s a B l n ly ly o e B in B y k e h y e o e t B n s s a r h a s e iu le s s h n n R d g ta r fo c t e c c r G a l r k e n n d u d i i l i a i e i n d a ts s g a a n c a id a r o r n r r ie a li r o o o w w w t e B a r M o s r l a l a e s S P i M s g b m lm b o b i F n fto R e N e n C w o H e S e li s W B a e d r a a m o a h n s i a th d W e ttl o F r in B a C w r e i C ty ttl v C S E C R r i a o h T W a y L o L y G a D e N C D F n H r u G

Harbourwatch

The Harbourwatch Program 237

Tambourine Bay See page 234 for key to map Description The pool is located at the end of the bay and is backed by parklands. It is regularly filled with river water.

Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge alongside the pool and a sewage overflow may discharge into the bay during wet weather. Waters from the upper Lane Cove River also affect water quality.

Actions Lane Cove Council continued to maintain the SQIDs throughout the catchment, reducing the amount of litter entering the river and harbour.

Compliance Faecal coliform compliance with swimming guidelines has generally been high over the last five years, ranging from 82% to 100% of the time. Enterococci compliance has been more varied, ranging from 71% to 100% of the time.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 95 100 90 94 100 90 91 90 82 82 73 71 75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci densities generally increased with increasing rainfall and occasionally exceeded the median guideline limits after light rain in the previous 24 hours. Bacterial levels usually exceeded the median guideline limits after ten millimetres of rain or more had fallen in the previous 24 hours.

100000 100000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 10000 10000

1000 1000

100 100 − − median threshold 10 10 BacterialmL count/100 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)

238 State of the Beaches 2006–2007

Woodford Bay See page 234 for key to map Description The narrow, sandy beach is enclosed by a 20-metre by 25-metre swimming area. The pool is located in the western corner of the bay.

Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge in the area. Water quality is also likely to be affected by waters from the upper Lane Cove River and by wet-weather sewage overflows.

Actions Lane Cove Council continued to maintain the SQIDs throughout the catchment, reducing the amount of litter entering the river and harbour.

Compliance With the exception of one season, faecal coliform levels complied with guidelines 100% of the time over the past five years. Enterococci compliance has varied, ranging from 84% to 100% of the time.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 97 100 100100 100 100 100 100 90 86 84 86

75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci densities generally increased with increasing rainfall, often exceeding the median guideline limits after ten millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours.

100000 100000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 10000 10000

1000 1000

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

The Harbourwatch Program 239

Woolwich Baths See page 234 for key to map Description The baths are a 20-metre by 30-metre netted swimming area with a narrow, sandy beach. The baths are backed by a reserve.

Pollution sources A stormwater drain discharges alongside the swimming enclosure. Water quality is likely to be affected by the waters from the upper Lane Cove River.

Actions Hunters Hill Council continued to maintain GPTs throughout the catchment, reducing the amount of litter entering the river and harbour.

Compliance With the exception of one season, faecal coliform levels complied with guidelines 100% of the time over the past five years. Enterococci compliance has been more variable, ranging from 82% to 100% of the time.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 97 95 100 100 90 82 84 82 82 75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci densities generally increased with increasing rainfall and often exceeded the median guideline limits in response to ten millimetres or more of rain in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci densities also occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit in response to light rainfall in the previous 24 hours and usually exceeded the median guideline limit after ten millimetres of rain or more had fallen in the previous 24 hours.

100000 100000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 10000 10000

1000 1000

100 100 − − median threshold 10 10 BacterialmL count/100 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

240 State of the Beaches 2006–2007

Sydney Metropolitan Area Harbour Swimming Sites

Sydney Harbour – Lower Parramatta River Harbourwatch

The Harbourwatch Program 241

Sydney Harbour – Lower Parramatta River Sites: Cabarita Beach, Henley Baths, Chiswick Baths, Dawn Fraser Pool, Greenwich Baths and Darling Harbour Harbourwatch Harbourwatch

242 State of the Beaches 2006–2007

Sydney Harbour – Lower Parramatta River

Lower Parramatta River Catchment Improvements in water quality should also be achieved as a result of initiatives in the The lower Parramatta River stretches Lower Parramatta River, North Port Jackson between Breakfast Point in the west and and South Port Jackson Stormwater Sydney Harbour Bridge in the east. Land Management Plans. use in the catchment is mainly residential and commercial. Stormwater management plans Canada Bay, Hunters Hill, Lane Cove, Local councils and other government Leichhardt, North Sydney and Sydney City organisations are currently implementing councils and the Sydney Harbour Foreshore the Stormwater Management Plans for the Authority operate in this area. Lower Parramatta River, North Port Jackson and South Port Jackson. Compliance with guidelines Initiatives contained within these plans Compliance with swimming guidelines at include stormwater education campaigns, lower Parramatta River sites during summer drain stencilling, review of street sweeping 2006–2007 was excellent for both faecal practices, water quality monitoring coliforms and enterococci (Table 20), with all programs and a range of structural controls. but one site complying 100% of the time. The exception was Chiswick Baths, which A number of streambank stabilisation achieved 90% compliance for faecal projects are under way along the coliforms and 100% compliance for Stringybark Creek and accompanying enterococci. tributaries. Works vary from the establishment of riparian vegetation to rock The range of indicator bacteria levels armouring. These projects will reduce measured at Sydney Harbour swimming sediment flow into the Lane Cove River and areas during summer 2006–2007 is shown in improve water quality. Figure 27, with Lower Parramatta River sites Hunters Hill Council highlighted in grey. The levels of bacteria were generally within the range measured at Hunters Hill Council is a member of the other swimming sites in Sydney Harbour. Parramatta River Catchment Group and the Ranking of beaches North Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (NSROC), working together with a All monitored harbour and ocean beach number of councils and groups to jointly swimming locations in the Hunter, Sydney manage stormwater management issues and Illawarra regions were ranked on the within the region to improve water quality. basis of their compliance with swimming Community education: The Tarban Bay guidelines during summer 2006–2007. A environment walk offers the local total of 15 distinct ranks were determined community and visitors an educational tour for the 131 sites monitored for both faecal through the Hunters Hill catchment, with coliforms and enterococci, with many sites useful maps, signs and drain stencilling. ranked equally. Gross Pollutant Trap (GPT) maintenance: With the exception of Chiswick Baths, all Council continues to maintain four GPTs, lower Parramatta River swimming sites which have prevented pollution from were ranked equal first. Chiswick Baths was entering the river and harbour. ranked equal fifth (Table 20). Additional water quality monitoring: Hunters Actions to improve water quality Hill Council has carried out Actions specific to individual swimming macroinvertebrate sampling at Tarban creek. Harbourwatch locations are included on the ‘swimming area’ pages.

The Harbourwatch Program 243

Leichhardt Council removed to allow continual water flow Stormwater management charge: Council through the wetland and to remove implemented a Stormwater Management nutrients absorbed by the plants. In the last Charge as part of the Council Rates. This year wetlands were drained to remove will generate $500,000 per annum to spend goldfish, mullet and sediment. Since on stormwater initiatives. In 2006–2007 December 2006, approximately 7680 cubic expenditure will include the installation of a metres of sediment have been removed that pollution control device to capture otherwise would have entered the bay. stormwater pollution before it is discharged Fencing was also erected around the into Parramatta River adjacent to Dawn wetland to prevent dogs from entering the Fraser Pool, preparation of a flood study for ponds. Pump maintenance was also carried the Council area, and the Water Reuse out. Feasibility Study. A number of educational signs were Spill response: Council staff received a produced to explain the function and refresher training session to ensure that they wildlife values in and around the wetlands. continued rapid and appropriate responses These will be installed during 2007. to spills across Leichhardt council area. Additional water quality monitoring: School Spills affecting the Whites Creek Wetland students from St Scholastica High School are minimised by turning off the pump continued to participate in the Streamwatch supplying the wetland with water from the monitoring program. The monitoring took creek. A manual is being produced for the place at Whites Creek Wetland. Hawthorn wetland to ensure operational issues are Canal was regularly monitored by documented. Kegworth Public School, with students’ Leichhardt’s Water Saving Action Plan: The efforts recognised as reaching levels of plan was completed and approved by the ‘excellence’, winning environmental awards former Department of Energy, Utilities and through the Streamwatch Program. Sustainability (DEUS) during 2006–2007 and Canada Bay City Council identifies water savings in the top eleven Street sweeping program: Council has water-using Council properties. The plan augmented its street sweeping program, aims to save 18 million litres of water each which continues to reduce the amounts of year once implemented. Water use is now litter and other pollutants entering the monitored monthly within the Council to stormwater system. ensure progress is made. Gross Pollutant Trap (GPT) maintenance: Water Reuse and Feasibility Study: Council is Canada Bay City Council maintains a undertaking a Water Reuse Feasibility Study number of gross pollutant traps, during 2007. The study aims to identify intercepting pollution from the stormwater major projects that could utilise rainwater, entering the bays of the Parramatta River. stormwater, groundwater or sewage to reduce water usage within Council facilities Barnwell Park Golf Course stormwater re-use and operations and by other major water project: Canada Bay Council completed the users in the Council area. It will also include sand-filter and re-use system at Barnwell Park Golf Course, which utilises treated

Harbourwatch Harbourwatch opportunites to improve water quality through water-sensitive urban design. This stormwater for irrigation. The re-use of strategic approach will direct future stormwater reduces the amount of expenditure of the stormwater management stormwater entering Hen and Chicken Bay charge and grant funding applications. at Drummoyne on the Parramatta River. Whites Creek Wetland: Council employed a Lane Cove Council contractor to maintain the wetland. Routine Community education: Council participated in maintenance included the removal of ‘Clean Up Australia Day’ activities and common aquatic weeds, while native coordinated the collection and disposal of aquatic plants were routinely cut back and

244 State of the Beaches 2006–2007 gathered waste. This event attracted a high water quality at four creeks within the Lane level of community participation. Cove catchment. Water sampling could not be carried out consistently because the Stormwater Quality Improvement Device creeks were sometimes dry because of the (SQID) maintenance: Council continued to drought. Council also carried out maintain the SQIDs throughout the macroinvertebrate monitoring of the creeks catchment, reducing the amount of litter in the Lane Cove Council area. entering the river and harbour. Additional water quality monitoring: Lane Cove Council has continued to monitor

Table 20: Compliance and Ranking of Lower Parramatta River Sites during Summer 2006–2007 Compliance (%) Overall rank Site Faecal Coliforms Enterococci (out of 15) Cabarita Beach 100 100 1 Henley Baths 100 100 1 Chiswick Baths 90 100 5 Dawn Fraser Pool 100 100 1 Greenwich Baths 100 100 1

Figure 27: Bacterial Levels at Sydney Harbour Sites during Summer 2006–2007

) 10000

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l l s s s l h y s s l s h e s h k y y h e e e h s y s h o c n o c r a o c v v h o c c a c v o a o v r th th t o th a th th o th a o e a a a o o a a th a B B e a a a a B a a a a e d e P P e e e B e P C r f P y s C C s f P e d r n B e B B r B r B B B B s a a B le n ts ly y t B B B l in B y k e t B y e e t l n o e s s a h h e u le s o n n d g ta r fo e c s c i G a ls r k h R e n d r u ic ita l i a i e ir d ts g a a n a d n r o d r r n e a s i c r i o a o n w w tr e B i a l o s r l a o lw a S P a r M g m b o e s F n Faecal coliform density (cfu/100 mL coliform Faecal e i M s b m l b i fto R N W e n C w o H e S e li s B a e d r a a m o a h n s i a th d W e ttl o F r in B a C w r e i C ty ttl v C S E C R r i a o h T W a y L o L y G a D e N C D F n H r u G ) 10000

1000

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s l l s s s l y s s l s h e h k y y h e e e h h s y s h o c n o c r a o c v v o c c a c v o a o v r th th th o th a th th o th a o e a a a o o a a th a B B e a a a P a B B a a a a e d e P P e e e e P r f P y s C C s B f e d r C n B r B r B B B B Enterococci density (cfu/100 mL a e t B B s a B le n ts ly y o B l in B y k e t B y e e t B l n e a s s a o h h e u le s o n n d g t r f e c s c i G a ls r k h R e n d r u ic ita l i a i e ir d ts g a a n a d n r o d r r n e a s i c r i o a o o w n w w tr e B i a a l o s r l a l a e F S P ir M g m m b o is n S fto R e N M s e b C w l o b e i s W B a e d r n a a m a H h n e l i a th d W o e s Harbourwatch ttl o F r in B a C w r e i C ty ittl v C S E C R r a o h T W a y L o L y G a D e N C D F n H r u G

The Harbourwatch Program 245

Cabarita Beach See page 242 for key to map Description This 120-metre-long narrow beach is located west of Cabarita Point and is backed by a large reserve and picnic area.

Pollution sources Water quality is likely to be affected by waters from numerous nearby urban stormwater drains and the upper Parramatta River.

Actions Canada Bay Council maintains a number of GPTs throughout the catchment, reducing the amount of pollution entering the river and habour.

Compliance With the exception of one season, faecal coliform levels complied 100% of the time over the last five years. Enterococci compliance has been more varied, ranging from 77% to 100% of the time.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 90 91 84 82 77 75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci densities generally increased with increasing rainfall and often exceeded the median guideline limit in response to ten millimeters or more of rainfall in the previous 24 hours.

100000 100000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 10000 10000

1000 1000

100 100 − − median threshold 10 10 BacterialmL count/100 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

Harbourwatch Harbourwatch Guidelines 150 10 (see page 7 for details) Daily Rainfall (mm) Bacterial count/100mL ⎯ median threshold 1 200 − − 80th percentile May-06 Jul-06 Sep-06 Nov-06 Jan-07 Mar-07 May-07 May-06 Jul-06 Sep-06 Nov-06 Jan-07 Mar-07 May-07 threshold

246 State of the Beaches 2006–2007

Henley Baths See page 242 for key to map Description This small 20-metre-square netted swimming enclosure is backed by a grassy reserve. The baths are infrequently used and are in poor condition.

Pollution sources Water quality is likely to be affected by waters from numerous nearby urban stormwater drains and the upper Parramatta River.

Actions Hunters Hill Council continued to maintain a number of GPTs throughout the catchment, reducing the amount of pollution entering the river and harbour.

Compliance Faecal coliform and enterococci levels complied with the swimming guidelines 100% of the time in all but one swimming season in the last five years.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 86 82 75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci densities generally increased with increasing rainfall and occasionally exceeded the median guideline limits in response to light rainfall in the previous 24 hours.

100000 100000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 10000 10000

1000 1000

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

The Harbourwatch Program 247

Chiswick Baths See page 242 for key to map Description A narrow sandy beach and a picnic area back the netted swimming enclosure.

Pollution sources Water quality is likely to be affected by waters from numerous nearby urban stormwater drains and the upper Parramatta River.

Actions Canada Bay Council maintains a number of GPTs throughout the catchment, reducing the amount of litter entering the river and harbour.

Compliance Faecal coliform and enterococci compliance with swimming guidelines has generally been high over the last five years, ranging from 84% to 100%.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 100 90 100 90 91 86 84 86 84

75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci densities generally increased with increasing rainfall. Faecal coliform densities frequently exceeded the median guideline limit in response to 20 millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci densities occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit in response to five millimetres of rain or more and usually exceeded the guideline limit in response to 20 millimeters or rain or more in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100 − − median threshold 10 10 BacterialmL count/100 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

248 State of the Beaches 2006–2007

Dawn Fraser Pool See page 242 for key to map Description Boardwalks and a pavilion surround this enclosed tidal swimming area. The pool, a famous swimming site, is listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.

Pollution sources Stormwater drains discharge alongside the swimming enclosure. Pollution from the upper Parramatta River, Lane Cove River and Iron Cove Bay can affect water quality at this site.

Actions Leichhardt Council plans to install a pollution control device at the stormwater outlet currently discharging into Dawn Fraser Pool.

Compliance Faecal coliform compliance with swimming guidelines has generally been high over the last five years, ranging from 86% to 100%. Enterococci compliance has also been high, ranging from 82% to 100%.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 90 91 90 100 91 87 90 86 84 82 75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci densities generally increased with increasing rainfall, occasionally exceeding the median guideline limit in response to even light rainfall in the previous 24 hours. Bacterial levels usually exceeded the median guideline limit in response to 20 millimetres of rain in the previous 24 hours.

100000 100000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 10000 10000

1000 1000

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

The Harbourwatch Program 249

Greenwich Baths See page 242 for key to map Description The 40-metre-long netted swimming area is backed by a small, sandy beach. The baths are open for swimming only in summer.

Pollution sources Water quality is likely to be affected by pollution from the Lane Cove River and the upper Parramatta River.

Actions Lane Cove Council continued to maintain the SQIDs throughout the catchment, reducing the amount of litter entering the river and harbour.

Compliance With the exception of one season, faecal coliform levels have complied 100% of the time over the last five years. Enterococci compliance has varied, ranging from 86% to 100% of the time.

Faecal Coliforms Enterococci

100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100100 100 100 94 100 86 100 86 91 87

75 75 winter season 50 50 summer season

% Compliance 25 25

0 0 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07

Response to rainfall Faecal coliform and enterococci densities tended to increase with increasing rainfall, often exceeding the median guideline limit in response to 20 millimetres of rain or more in the previous 24 hours. Enterococci densities occasionally exceeded the median guideline limit in response to light rain in the previous 24 hours.

10000 10000 Faecal Coliforms Enterococci 1000 1000

100 100 − − median threshold 10 10 BacterialmL count/100 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

250 State of the Beaches 2006–2007