Willoughby Council welcomes NSW Government Beachwatch support

Willoughby City Council has welcomed  the NSW Government's decision to continue funding for its Beachwatch program, reversing a proposal by the previous State Government to shift the cost onto Local Councils.

The NSW Government, after extensive consultation, announced last week, that it would continue the Beachwatch program funding under the current model for another two years and will continue to work with Councils on sustainable long-term arrangements for Beachwatch, as more swim sites open.

The Beachwatch program supports local councils to monitor the water quality of their beaches, rivers and inland swim sites. Beachwatch currently provides high-quality data and information on pollution for 94 swimming spots right across Sydney, from popular coastal beaches to new swimming spots in Penrith and Parramatta.

At its General Meeting in April of 2024, Willoughby Mayor Tanya Taylor delivered a Mayoral Minute detailing the importance of the program to the people of Willoughby and encouraging fellow Councillors to support a motion to write to various ministers and the local State Member on the matter.

Testing swimming sites for bacteria and other pollutants that could pose threats to human health, Beachwatch is crucial to informing Willoughby City Council as to the safety of swimming at sites like the Northbridge Baths – an historic and very important community asset that recently celebrated its 100th anniversary.

Mayor Tanya Taylor said she is pleased by the decision and would like to thank the NSW Government for its continued support of Councils through this program.

"This is a fantastic decision by the NSW Government to continue its delivery of this important program and the invaluable support it provides to local recreation as well as the environmental management of our waterways," said Mayor Taylor.

"Local community groups like the 1st Sailor's Bay Sea Scouts, Northbridge Scouts, Northbridge Amateur Swimming Club, Northbridge Sailing Club and Friends of Northbridge Baths are so crucial to our sense of community and belonging here in Willoughby. The Beachwatch testing facility in Sailors Bay helps to ensure that they can continue to operate and for all of our residents to enjoy and utilise our beautiful waterways."

Image.Northbridge Baths. Credit: Willoughby Council