Celebrating 35 Years of caring for our coasts and estuaries

In 1989, coastal councils in Sydney united with key government agencies to address one of Sydney’s most pressing environmental challenges—the clean-up of sewage from our beaches. Following this historic achievement, the SCCG was established and a foundation for coastal protection continues today.

Now, 35 years later, the SCCG stands as a leading force in sustainable coastal management, driving innovation and collaboration across Sydney’s coastline. Thanks to the continued involvement of our Member Councils and strong partnerships with government agencies, research institutions, and community groups, we have not only built on that early success but expanded our focus to address emerging coastal challenges.

Throughout its tenure, the SCCG has provided a critical platform which facilitates regional collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and coordinated advocacy across its members. It has also been pivotal in shaping coastal policy, securing funding for regional projects, and fostering partnerships that benefit our coastline and communities.

For a deeper look at our early history and the legacy of collaboration that continues to drive our work, we invite you to explore our Love the Coast publication. This document captures the stories, milestones, and achievements—largely from SCCG’s first 25 years—that have defined our role as a trusted advocate and leader in coastal management over the past 35 years.

As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to protecting and enhancing Sydney’s coast for future generations, guided by the same spirit of collaboration, innovation, and advocacy that has defined SCCG since its inception.