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.

While Australia remains free of H5N1 avian influenza, Local Governments must be proactive in preparing for potential detection. Councils play a vital role in wildlife monitoring and supporting response efforts.

Key Actions:

1. Raise Awareness and Brief Staff:
   Train staff to recognise symptoms of H5N1 in wildlife, such as incoordination, tremors, or sudden death, and establish a reporting process.
2. Enforce Biosecurity Measures:
   Implement baseline biosecurity practices, including PPE and hygiene for staff handling wildlife. Follow guidelines from resources like the Wildlife Health Australia Risk Mitigation Toolbox.
3. Map and Monitor Vulnerable Areas:
   Identify locations where wildlife may gather and assess if access restrictions are needed to reduce public exposure.
4. Develop Public Signage and Advisory Materials:
   Provide clear signage and information on H5N1 symptoms and reporting, including the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline (1800 675 888).
5. Engage with Relevant Agencies:
   Coordinate with agencies like the NSW DPI to stay informed on preparedness measures and response strategies.
6. Report Suspected Cases:
   Immediately report any sick or dead wildlife showing symptoms, recording relevant details. Advise the public to avoid contact and report findings.

NSW EPA Guidance:

• Carcass Disposal:
  Bird carcasses are not currently biosecurity waste. Dispose of them as usual in waste facilities. For five or more dead birds, report to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline.
• Handling Sick Birds:
  Use PPE (gloves, mask, long sleeves) when handling sick or dead birds. Record details and dispose of fewer than five birds in a red-lidded bin. Report five or more birds to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline.

Community Advice:

Advise the public to avoid handling sick or dead birds and report multiple dead birds (greater than five) to the Hotline.

By taking these actions, councils can enhance surveillance and readiness for a potential H5N1 incursion. Additional details will be provided as the situation evolves.

For further information, visit the DPIRD website.

 

Relevant links:

OLG H5N1 Fact sheet

Local Government H5 Information

Far south coast of NSW preparing for potential bird flu outbreak in wildlife | Media release | Environment and Heritage

We are excited to announce that Sydney Coastal Councils Group (SCCG) has been named a finalist for its Little Penguin Education Video at the 2024 Sustainable Cities Awards. The video brings attention to the threats facing the Little Penguin colony at Spring Cove, including boat strikes, dogs, and damage to their foraging habitats, such as seagrass beds. It also highlights actions that the community can take to protect these penguins and secure their future at Manly.

SCCG has been shortlisted in two key award categories:

• Biodiversity Conservation Award: This award recognises projects that regenerate, conserve, or advance scientific understanding of biodiversity in terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
• Waterways and Marine Protection Award: This award celebrates programs and actions that restore and enhance natural waterways and beaches.

These nominations reflect the impact of SCCG’s efforts to protect Sydney’s biodiversity and marine environments.

For more information on the awards and other finalists, visit Keep Australia Beautiful NSW here.

Stay tuned for the results!

The Sydney Coastal Councils Group (SCCG), in partnership with Transport for NSW (Maritime), Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), launched its Little Penguin education video, which aims to improve education of the boating community around protections in place at Spring Cove in Sydney Harbour.

The SCCG urges all small recreational watercraft operators to follow the boating rules in Spring Cove, Manly, designed to protect this critically endangered population of Little Penguins.

SCCG’s Executive Director, Sarah Joyce, was recently featured in an interview on ABC Radio to discuss the Little Penguin Recovery Program, which can be listened to below.

For more information on the Little Penguin Recovery Program click here.