Central Coast Council has welcomed the release of the NSW State of the Beaches report, with 100% of ocean beaches and baths receiving a good or very good quality rating for 2019-2020.

The annual report uses the Beachwatch results to rate designated ocean and estuarine swimming sites across the state.

Mayor Lisa Matthews said the report shows Central Coast beaches to be in good condition overall.

“It’s great to see all of our ocean beaches and baths receive a Good or Very Good rating for swimming water quality this year,” Mayor Matthews said.

“Terrigal Beach, which has been a particular focus for our community, retained a good rating for the second reporting year, while Toowoon Bay and Cabbage Tree Bay Rockpool have returned to good from poor last year.

“While we have some work to do on the estuarine beaches, baths and lagoon sites, improvements were seen at Summerland Point baths which was also rated good and no sites declined in rating this year.

“Council has a number of significant projects underway, some in partnership with the NSW Government, to address many of these concerns.

“We remain committed to pinpointing potential pollution sources and continue to improve the water quality in the area.”

Sites that have shown improvement in the 2019-20 year include:

• Cabbage Tree Bay rockpool
• Soldiers Beach
• Summerland Point baths
• Toowoon Bay
• Umina Beach.

Council’s Director Environment and Planning, Scott Cox said there were a number of processes underway to help Council address some of the issues in the report.

“In addition to the audits underway, Council will consider ways to improve the estuarine, lake and lagoon sites as part of the Coastal Management Program processes currently underway and we look forward to the recommendations of the Tuggerah Lakes Expert Panel to assist with this.

“In the meantime, Council advises residents to check the Beachwatch website for the latest results before choosing to swim in these locations.”

Across NSW, it is recommended that swimming be avoided during and for up to one day after rainfall at ocean beaches and three days at estuaries, lakes and lagoons.

For daily forecasts of water quality visit: environment.nsw.gov.au/beach

For more information on the state of the beaches report visit: environment.nsw.gov.au/research-and-publications/publications-search/state-of-the-beaches-2019-20