Lagoons not so good
The 2024-25 State of the Beaches Report (SoBR) has rated 100% of Central Coast beaches as Good or Very Good – maintaining the same improved level as in the 2023-24 Report.
The annual report gives a grading for each designated swim site from Very Good to Poor and is an indicator of suitability for swimming.
This year, for the first time, 16 additional sites on the Central Coast (15 beaches, 1 estuarine site) were included as a part of the SoBR to be graded.
These 16 sites have been monitored for several years as a part of the Unpatrolled Beaches monitoring program (monitored monthly) however have not been included in the SoBR in the past.
This means that the total number of sites graded in 2024-25 SoBR is 48, compared to 32 in 2023-24.
Data for the SoBR comes from the Beachwatch sampling program, which is managed and collected by the Catchments to Coast team.
Beachwatch is a state-wide program managed by NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) aimed at assessing water quality of popular swimming sites.
Council has participated in the Beachwatch partnership program since 2002.
Central Coast Council Director Environment and Planning, Luke Nicholls said there are mixed results for the Central Coast.
“The good news is that 100% (30/30) ocean beach sites were rated Good to Very Good. Also 71% (34/48) of all swim sites on the Central Coast were also rated Good to Very Good.
“This 71% figure is an improvement on the 59% rating in the 2023-24 report.
“Other good news is that Summerland Point Baths improved from Poor to Good, and The Entrance Ocean Baths improved from Good to Very Good,” Mr Nicholls said.
“Council completed a significant amount of works at The Entrance Ocean Baths (now the Grant McBride Baths) throughout the previous year with new pumps being installed that have resulted in increased running time throughout day and a new intake pipeline on rock platform installed.
“Council has also increased the cleaning scheduled throughout year, which has resulted in this site now showing Very Good from previous Good grade which is a great outcome for the community and users of this facility.”
As in previous years, most estuary and lagoon sites were graded as Poor, the exception being Summerland Point being ranked as Good, and Woy Woy Baths maintaining its Good grading. Cabbage Tree Harbour Rockpool’s grade also declined from Good to Poor.
“These results are indicative of the nature of estuary waterways which flush very slowly and are more susceptible to impacts of stormwater networks.
“Council is continuing investigations to determine the source and cause of poor water quality in these sites, notably Gwandalan and Canton Beach.”
To view the State of the Beaches report and check Beachwatch daily forecast for reliable information on water quality visit: www.beachwatch.nsw.gov.au
Council advises to avoid swimming at ocean beaches for 24 hours after rain and 72 hours at estuary sites.
# Information in this article came from a Council press release.
Leave a Reply