Image Courtesy of Andrew Shield
Surfrider Foundation Gold Coast-Tweed Branch has released the inaugural Annual Report of the Blue Water Task Force (BWTF), its volunteer water monitoring program.
The findings highlight key beaches and surf breaks where recreational users face potential health risks due to poor water quality.
While many testing sites recorded good water quality for extended periods, three high-risk sampling locations—Burleigh Headland, Palm Beach Parklands and Coolangatta Creek —consistently exceeded health risk criteria.
High-Risk Locations (frequent exceedances of safe levels)
Coolangatta Creek (93% of samples exceed safe levels)
Palm Beach Parklands (80%)
Burleigh Headland (53%)
Lower-Risk Locations (exceedances ≤20%):
Duranbah Beach (7%)
Kirra Point (20%)
Currumbin Alley (7%)
Tallebudgera Creek (20%)
Southport Spit & Seaway (13%)
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What’s the BWTF?
Formed in response to poor water quality caused by the 2022 NSW/QLD flood event, the program provides critical water quality data to help protect coastal communities.
The BWTF measures enterococcus bacteria levels as an indicator of faecal pollution from human and animal waste. These results are assessed against national water quality guidelines set by the Australian Government and published monthly. High levels of enterococcus bacteria indicate elevated risks of pathogens responsible for gastrointestinal illness, ear, eye and skin infections and respiratory diseases.
We’re calling for…
Surfrider Gold Coast-Tweed are calling for further investigations into the sources of pollution at high-risk locations, greater transparency from the City of Gold Coast about water quality data, action to reduce pollution in water catchments and greater public engagement and education on water quality.
Swimmers and surfers should avoid areas near stormwater outfalls and use caution when swimming or surfing after rainfall, when contamination levels are likely to be highest.
Image Courtesy of Andrew Shield
