The results of a recent report for five beach swimming areas – Terrigal Lagoon, Copacabana Beach, Pearl Beach Bath, Ocean Beach and Lighthouse Beach - have improved as a result of Central Coast Council’s management.

Council manages and tests 44 swimming sites across the region, including beaches, lagoons, lakes and baths, in collaboration with the Office of Environment and Heritage.

Of all the sites, 28 returned very good or good water quality ratings.

Council’s Group Leader, Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mr Mike Dowling, said Council was committed to the ongoing management of beaches and other swimming spots around the Coast.

“It’s pleasing the BeachWatch report verified that our management of water areas is leading to cleaner beaches,” Mr Dowling said.

“Council does a lot to manage community beaches and swimming spots – we installed gross pollutant traps at a number of key locations, bins at popular dog walking areas to stop pollutants entering our waterways, as well as crews who clean Macmasters Beach and Pearl Beach Rockpool four times a year.”

Some of the works that led to the reported improvements include an investment of some $30 million on improving major sewerage transfer systems that service Forresters Beach, Terrigal, Avoca, North Avoca and Kincumber.

Council plans to invest a further $36 million on improving the sewerage system, sewage pumping stations and sewage treatment plants throughout the former Gosford Local Government Area.

Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said this was great news for the community and tourism on the Coast, but there was still a number of projects to be completed.

“We know how much the community loves our beautiful coast beaches and it is important our residents and visitors can swim in the water with confidence,” Mr Reynolds said.

The Office of Environment and Heritage produces BeachWatch reports annually, using data and risks ratings provided by Council.