11 March 2025
Increased construction costs, along with predicted above-average rainfall, emphasise the urgency for builders and developers to ‘Get the Site Right’ to prevent sediment laden runoff and other building waste from leaving their sites and polluting our waterways.
Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics in November 2024 revealed that building supply costs have risen by up to 15%1, while the Bureau of Meteorology’s long-range forecast predicts higher-than-average rainfall for much of eastern Australia in February and March 20252.
Now in its ninth year, Get the Site Right is a joint taskforce between the Parramatta River Catchment Group, Cooks River Alliance, Georges Riverkeeper, NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Sydney Coastal Councils Group, WaterNSW, and councils across NSW.
The campaign aims to prevent pollution of local waterways by highlighting the importance of securing building materials and ensuring sites are properly managed. The 2025 campaign includes expanded educational materials and collaboration with councils to help standardise inspection reporting and increase awareness of best-practice erosion and sediment control.
As part of the month-long campaign in March, officers from NSW EPA and more than 20 councils will participate in inspections for a one-day compliance blitz on Thursday 13 March.
In the October 2024 Blitz, 748 sites were inspected, with 56.4 percent found to be compliant by the end of the campaign – a slight decrease compared to the May campaign, highlighting the ongoing need for greater education and enforcement.
$357,410 in fines were issued for non-compliance, including inadequate sediment controls and unsecured building waste.
NSW EPA Executive Director Operations, Jason Gordon, said builders and developers have a duty to ensure their sites have the proper controls in place to prevent pollution incidents.
“Large building sites can lose up to four truckloads of soil in a single storm if not properly managed. This not only wastes materials, but puts our environment at risk,” Mr Gordon said.
“Sediment runoff can have serious environmental impacts including harming aquatic life, eroding creeks and riverbanks, and damaging stormwater infrastructure.
“Thanks to stronger penalties, with on-the-spot fines for water pollution starting at $30,000 for companies, builders and developers have even more reason to prevent pollution and do the right thing.”
Parramatta River Catchment Group Coordinator (PRCG), Alexi Gilchrist, said that preventing sediment runoff from polluting our waterways is essential for creating more places to swim and cool off as temperatures rise.
“Many builders enjoy fishing, boating, and other water activities in our rivers, harbours, and beaches,” Mr Gilchrist said.
“Installing and maintaining proper controls on building sites saves builders time and money and helps improve water quality. This is especially important as we celebrate the opening of the Parramatta River’s newest swim site, Putney Beach, with three more planned for the next two years.”
The Sydney Coastal Councils Group Chair, Councillor Shannon Welch, emphasised the importance of strong site management in light of rising construction costs and forecasted heavy rainfall.
“It’s more important than ever for developers and builders to secure construction materials and implement proper erosion and sediment controls. The Get the Site Right campaign plays a critical role in ensuring best-practice site management, protecting our waterways from sediment runoff, and safeguarding the health of our coastal and marine environments for future ggenerations,”said Cr Welch.
A follow-up blitz week will be held from 25 to 29 August 2025.
Members of the public are encouraged to report pollution incidents, including poor sediment control, to their local council or via the NSW EPA’s 24-hour Environment Line on 131 555.
1Australia inflation: Home building costs rise $100,000 over four years
2Australian climate outlooks
Coastal Resilience Under Review: National and NSW Reports Highlights the Need for Greater Support for Coastal Councils
/in Uncategorised /by SCCG AdminMedia Release
17 September 2025
The Sydney Coastal Councils Group (SCCG) welcomes the release of two major reports that underscore the urgent need for coordinated action and greater support for local government to address coastal risks in NSW and across Australia.
The NSW Audit Office’s Coastal Management Framework Audit identifies key gaps in how state agencies are supporting Councils in developing and implementing Coastal Management Programs (CMPs). CMPs identify local coastal hazards and outline actions to manage risks such as erosion, inundation, poor water quality and reduced ecological health. These programs are essential tools for building resilience and protecting coastal assets, ecosystems and communities.
The Audit found that the framework is not being effectively implemented to manage the NSW coastal environment. Seven years after the framework came into effect, most councils are still developing CMPs, and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is not effectively overseeing or facilitating implementation. The Office recommends greater support to be provided to coastal councils which Sydney Coastal Councils Group has long advocated for.
Meanwhile, the Commonwealth Government’s National Climate Risk Assessment, highlights sea level rise and coastal erosion as some of the most pressing climate hazards threatening Australia’s coastal communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems. It provides a framework for prioritising adaptation actions which are identified in the recently released National Adaptation Plan. The plan recognises the need for the Australian Government to work with all levels of government to respond to these challenges through the delivery of mechanisms such as funding and consistency of policies.
Councillor Shannon Welch, Chair of the Sydney Coastal Councils Group, said:
“The National Adaptation Plan rightly calls for coordinated action, but without equitable funding, councils are left unable to implement the very measures the Commonwealth has prioritised. Coastal erosion and sea level rise are not future threats, they are happening now, and Sydney’s coastal councils need urgent support.”
Local governments play a frontline role in climate adaptation, yet many are struggling to access the resources needed to protect their communities and natural assets. Sydney, home to iconic coastlines and critical infrastructure, is particularly exposed. The Australian Government must ensure that funding mechanisms like the Disaster Ready Fund are accessible, transparent and fairly distributed, enabling councils to deliver on the national climate resilience agenda.
The development of CMPs in Sydney can be a complex process, particularly where multiple councils share interconnected coastal environments. Several CMPs are being developed collaboratively across local government boundaries to ensure consistent approaches to assessing and responding to sea level rise and other coastal hazards. These joint efforts also support more integrated and effective management of waterway health. One such example is the CMP for Sydney Harbour, which involves eight councils working together to address shared challenges and deliver coordinated outcomes for one of Australia’s most iconic systems.
Sarah Joyce, Executive Director of the SCCG and Project Manager of the Outer Sydney Harbour CMP said:
“Sustained support is essential to develop and implement CMPs that effectively address the risks of climate change on our coasts. We call on the NSW and Commonwealth Governments to urgently commit to long-term funding, clearer policy guidance and greater support to help councils deliver the coastal resilience our communities need.”
Read the NSW Audit Office report: https://www.audit.nsw.gov.au/our-work/reports/coastal-management
Learn more about the National Climate Risk Assessment and National Adaptation Plan: https://www.acs.gov.au/pages/national-climate-risk-assessment
Learn more about the Outer Sydney Harbour CMP: Outer Sydney Harbour Coastal Management Program – Sydney Coastal Councils Group Inc
Media contact:
Sarah Joyce
Executive Director of the Sydney Coastal Councils Group
sarah@sydneycoastalcouncils.com.au
0407733075
End of Release
Download the SCCG’s media release here
Stronger site controls key to protecting waterways for recreation and wildlife
/in Uncategorised /by SCCG AdminMEDIA RELEASE
25 August 2025
With increasing residential building activity1 and a wetter-than-usual spring forecast 2, the upcoming ‘Get the Site Right’ Blitz Week (25-29 August 2025) serves as an urgent reminder for builders to focus on proper site management to protect our rivers, beaches, and harbours from construction and demolition waste.
Get the Site Right is a joint effort by catchment groups, local councils, and the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to strengthen erosion and sediment controls on building sites across NSW, preventing waste and sediment runoff from polluting local waterways.
The campaign’s urgency is underscored by findings from the March 2025 blitz, which revealed that compliance on construction sites was only 48.3 per cent. Regulatory staff across 20 councils and the EPA inspected 867 sites and issued more than 70 penalty notices totalling $404,780 for breaches including sediment run-off and poor stockpile controls.
With harsher penalties now in place, including on-the-spot fines starting at $15,000 for individuals and $30,000 for corporations, the August blitz is a critical reminder for builders and developers to get their sites right.
NSW EPA Executive Director Operations Jason Gordon emphasised the importance of effective site management.
“Proper erosion and sediment control is not just a regulatory requirement – it’s essential for protecting our waterways and the communities that rely on them,” Mr Gordon said.
“During heavy rain, even minor compliance breaches on construction sites can potentially cause major pollution incidents in our rivers and creeks,” he added.
Sydney Coastal Councils Group (SCCG) Chair, Councillor Shannon Welch highlighted the mounting pressures that coastal councils face from urban development and climate-driven rainfall and the importance of the campaign.
“Stronger site controls are not only about compliance, they’re about protecting the health of our waterways, safeguarding biodiversity and ensuring safe recreational spaces for our communities,” Councillor Welch said.
“The SCCG commends the collaborative effort behind this initiative and encourage builders and developers to take proactive responsibility for their environmental impact,” Councillor Welch added.
A range of educational material, including a site maintenance checklist and information leaflets for builders and home renovators, can be accessed here: ourlivingriver.com.au/getthesiteright
Members of the public are encouraged to report pollution incidents, including poor sediment control, to
their local council or the NSW EPA by emailing info@epa.nsw.gov.au or phoning the Environment Line on 131 555.
– ENDS –
Note to Editors:
Overlay available for media use here.
Images available on request.
1 Australian Construction Activity Stalls in Q1 2025, with Residential Building Offering a Bright Spot | Master Builders Association
2 Australian climate outlooks
Sydney Coastal Council Group media enquiries:
Thea Thompson
Office Manager
Email: admin@sydneycoastalcouncils.com.au
Microplastic waste project awarded NSW Government grant
/in Uncategorised /by SCCG Admin24 July 2025
An innovative collaborative project to mitigate microplastic waste from synthetic turf has been awarded more than $330,000 through the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA).
The joint project by Ku-ring-gai Council, Sydney Coastal Councils Group and the Australian Microplastic Assessment Project (AUSMAP) aims to reduce microplastic contamination from synthetic turfs, which have become more and more common across the state to meet growing demand for sporting fields.
The two-year project will study conditions of synthetic turf fields and sources of microplastics, then develop and implement measures to prevent contamination in the local environment.
In recent years, synthetic turf blades and rubber crumb infill from synthetic sports fields have been found in local waterways and beaches. Research into the impacts of microplastics on the environment and human health is still underway and a lot remains unknown.
Ku-ring-gai Mayor Christine Kay said councils were springing to action to overcome this environmental challenge.
“Councils are on the frontline on the war on waste, developing innovative strategies to reduce, reuse and recycle waste,” Mayor Kay said.
“This project is just one of the ways we are tackling challenges posed by new waste sources, such as microplastics from synthetic pitches. Together, we can help prevent microplastics from entering our waterways and protect our precious environment.”
Chair of the Sydney Coastal Councils Group, Cr Shannon Welch, also welcomed the EPA funding.
“Sydney’s waterways are critical to our local ecology and community wellbeing,” Cr Welch said.
“This project will allow us to better understand how synthetic turf might impact our water systems and explore solutions that support both recreational needs and environmental sustainability.”
Jeff Angel, Director of the Total Environment Centre, which manages AUSMAP, said preventing microplastics from entering waterways was beneficial for the environment and threatened wildlife.
“Plastic pollution is an ever growing concern for the community and this joint project will address an important local source,” Mr Angel said.
“The combination of AUSMAPs rigorous sampling, monitoring and measuring methodology with the councils and EPA objectives of improved policy approaches will assist all areas in NSW with tackling this problem.”
The project was awarded under round three of the Local Government Waste Solutions Fund. It is an initiative of the NSW Environment Protection Authority under the NSW Government’s Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy, and is funded from the waste levy.
ends
For further information, please contact:
Jacqui McLeod
Principal Project Officer
jacqui@sydneycoastalcouncils.com.au
End of Release
Join Call to End Shark Nets in Sydney
/in Uncategorised /by SCCG Admin23 June 2025
In 2024, the NSW Government asked our member Councils whether their communities wanted shark nets and the answer across our four coastal members where shark nets are deployed was a resounding no. Further information on the SCCG’s position can be found in our letter to Ministers here.
As identified in the SCCG’s media statement (March 2025), shark nets are outdated, scientifically ineffective, and responsible for the unnecessary deaths of protected marine species, including dolphins, turtles, and rays. We are urging the NSW Government to remove shark nets and shift toward modern, non-lethal technologies for shark mitigation which have been shown to be much more effective and less lethal.
This position is supported by the NSW Threatened Species Scientific Committee (TSSC) which released a strong critique of shark nets and its governance under the Joint Management Agreement (JMA). It highlighted a failure to meet environmental obligations and manage impacts to threatened species due to the use of shark nets.
With the current nets due to be redeployed in September, the window for action is now. We strongly encourage your organisation to write to the NSW Minister for Agriculture (Hon. Tara Moriarty) and the NSW Minister for the Environment (Hon. Penny Sharpe) asking them to:
By uniting our voices, we can amplify public concern, drive policy change, and protect both marine life and ocean users.
Franc.2025 Conference
/in Uncategorised /by SCCG AdminThe official conference of Stormwater NSW, Franc.2025 is set for 15-16 October this year.
franc.2025 will be held at the Mercure Hotel Hunter Valley Gardens, Pokolbin. The conference will feature two days of engaging presentations and speakers, a day of pre-conference workshops, and a technical tour showcasing local examples of stormwater management in the Hunter region.
The theme for franc.2025 is Building Partnerships, Finding Solutions
franc.2025 builds upon the success of previous franc conferences and will continue to provide a dynamic platform for the industry to come together, collaborate, share knowledge, and learn from each other. It will also feature informative site visits, interactive hands-on workshops, and an expo showcasing state-of-the-art technologies in stormwater management. knowledge-sharing format.
In addition, the Stormwater NSW Awards for Excellence winners will be announced at a special event on Wednesday, 15 October.
Further details and registration links can be found via Franc’s website here.
The Conference Program is also available and can be viewed here.
A victory for coastal communities: NSW Government reverses decision on requiring Councils to fund Beachwatch monitoring
/in Uncategorised /by SCCG Admin5 June 2025
The Sydney Coastal Councils Group (SCCG) warmly welcomes the NSW Government’s recent decision to continue funding the Beachwatch Program, a pivotal initiative that monitors water quality across our state’s beloved beaches and swimming spots. This commitment, announced by the Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe, ensures that the program will remain state-funded, safeguarding public health and environmental integrity.
The SCCG has been at the forefront of advocating for the Beachwatch program to remain a fully funded state responsibility. This advocacy was in response to proposed changes that would have shifted the financial burden of water quality monitoring onto local councils – a move that many councils, already facing budget constraints, opposed. The SCCG highlighted that local councils are not legally responsible for monitoring water quality in coastal waters, a responsibility that traditionally falls under state jurisdiction. It also identified that the majority poor beachwatch ratings are also due to sewer leaks, which are not the responsibility of Sydney Councils.
The Beachwatch program is instrumental in providing the public with accurate and timely information about the safety of our swim sites. The collation of long-term monitoring data into the Annual State of the Beaches reports, also enables the health of our swim sites to be tracked and efforts to improve sewer leaks prioritised.
The NSW Government’s decision acknowledges the concerns raised by the SCCG and its member Councils. However, there are still concerns that this backflip is only a temporary reprieve and is urging the NSW Government to rule out future cost-shifting of this vital long term monitoring program for Sydney.
Read the Minister’s media release here.
For more information on Beachwatch, click here.
Future of the NSW Beachwatch Program
/in Uncategorised /by SCCG Admin4 June 2025
The SCCG has again written to the NSW Minister for the Environment, urging the State Government to maintain funding for the NSW Beachwatch Program and to respond to our earlier correspondence.
In our May 2025 letter, we reiterated the strong position of our member councils, that Beachwatch must remain a state funded program. Shifting the financial responsibility to local councils risks undermining public health and water quality monitoring at many popular swimming sites from July 2025.
We’re not alone in this call. Environmental advocacy organisations have also pushed for the program to remain publicly funded, recognising its critical role in protecting our coasts and communities.
We are again seeking a formal update from the Minister and call for genuine engagement to identify a sustainable, state-supported future for Beachwatch.
Take Action:
Members of the public can also show support for Beachwatch by writing to the NSW Environment Minister through Surfers for Climate’s website here.
Read the SCCG letter to the Minister for the Environment here.
2025 Sydney Water Community Grants Program are now open
/in Uncategorised /by SCCG AdminSydney Water’s popular annual Community Grants Program is back, offering local organisations the chance to make a real impact in their communities. The program supports grassroots organisations and community groups across Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, and the Illawarra, providing grants of up to $10,000 for projects that deliver sustainable water outcomes and enhance local liveability.
If your group has a great idea for a water-focused initiative, now is the time to apply.
Who Should Apply?
Sydney Water is inviting applications from not-for-profit groups, social enterprises, and community organisations that have a passion for water sustainability and community wellbeing. Whether you’re protecting local waterways, educating communities, or finding innovative ways to conserve water, this grant can help bring your ideas to life.
Focus Areas for Funding
Projects must align with one or more of the following key themes:
Water Education
Projects that raise awareness of our connection to water, its cultural and environmental value, and promote water efficiency. These should include a clear call to action to inspire behaviour change in the community.
Healthy Waterways
Initiatives that protect and enhance the health of rivers, beaches, and green spaces. Projects must demonstrate a tangible benefit to aquatic environments.
Water Conservation
Programs that reduce, reuse, or recycle water to cut down on consumption. Eligible projects may include the implementation of water-saving technologies, devices, or systems, delivering measurable water savings.
Key Details
Grant amount: Up to $10,000 per project
Applications close: 5:00 PM, Monday 16 June 2025
More info: Community grants
Media Release – Sydney Councils Unite Against Shark Nets to Protect Marine Biodiversity
/in Uncategorised /by SCCG Admin26 March 2025
Coastal Councils across Sydney have taken a united stand against the continued use of shark nets, citing their devastating impact on marine biodiversity and the availability of modern, effective alternatives.
This collective decision reflects a growing commitment to safeguarding marine ecosystems while ensuring public safety at Sydney’s iconic beaches.
Shark nets, introduced nearly a century ago, have long been criticized for their indiscriminate harm to marine life.
These nets, which are designed to reduce shark interactions with swimmers, often entangle and kill non-target species, including dolphins, turtles, rays, and critically endangered grey nurse sharks.
Recent data reveals that over 90% of marine animals caught in shark nets are non-target species, with majority suffering fatal injuries.
In response to these concerns, Sydney Councils are advocating for the removal of shark nets and the adoption of innovative, non-lethal technologies.
“Shark nets are outdated and ineffective,” Sydney Coastal Councils Group Chair, Councillor Shannon Welch said.
“We now have access to advanced technologies that not only protect swimmers but also preserve the rich marine biodiversity that defines our coastal waters.
It’s time to move forward with solutions that reflect our values and our responsibility to the environment.”
Among the alternatives being championed are SMART (Shark-Management-Alert-in-Real-Time) drumlines, which are designed to catch, tag, and relocate sharks away from swimming areas.
These devices have proven to be highly effective in reducing shark interactions without harming marine life.
Other measures, such as drone surveillance, shark listening stations, and personal shark deterrents, are also being implemented to enhance beach safety while minimizing ecological impact.
The positions of Northern Beaches, Waverley, Randwick and Sutherland Councils align with growing public support for sustainable shark management practices.
Community consultations and scientific research have highlighted the urgent need to retire shark nets in favour of modern alternatives that prioritize both human safety and marine conservation.
The SCCG and its member Councils are calling on the NSW Government to take decisive action and implement a comprehensive shark safety program that eliminates the use of shark nets.
By embracing innovative technologies and fostering coexistence with marine life, Sydney can set a global example of responsible and forward-thinking coastal management.
See the full media release here and for media inquiry contacts.
Media Release – Higher building costs and forecasted rain reinforce the need for builders to properly manage sites
/in Uncategorised /by SCCG Admin11 March 2025
Increased construction costs, along with predicted above-average rainfall, emphasise the urgency for builders and developers to ‘Get the Site Right’ to prevent sediment laden runoff and other building waste from leaving their sites and polluting our waterways.
Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics in November 2024 revealed that building supply costs have risen by up to 15%1, while the Bureau of Meteorology’s long-range forecast predicts higher-than-average rainfall for much of eastern Australia in February and March 20252.
Now in its ninth year, Get the Site Right is a joint taskforce between the Parramatta River Catchment Group, Cooks River Alliance, Georges Riverkeeper, NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Sydney Coastal Councils Group, WaterNSW, and councils across NSW.
The campaign aims to prevent pollution of local waterways by highlighting the importance of securing building materials and ensuring sites are properly managed. The 2025 campaign includes expanded educational materials and collaboration with councils to help standardise inspection reporting and increase awareness of best-practice erosion and sediment control.
As part of the month-long campaign in March, officers from NSW EPA and more than 20 councils will participate in inspections for a one-day compliance blitz on Thursday 13 March.
In the October 2024 Blitz, 748 sites were inspected, with 56.4 percent found to be compliant by the end of the campaign – a slight decrease compared to the May campaign, highlighting the ongoing need for greater education and enforcement.
$357,410 in fines were issued for non-compliance, including inadequate sediment controls and unsecured building waste.
NSW EPA Executive Director Operations, Jason Gordon, said builders and developers have a duty to ensure their sites have the proper controls in place to prevent pollution incidents.
“Large building sites can lose up to four truckloads of soil in a single storm if not properly managed. This not only wastes materials, but puts our environment at risk,” Mr Gordon said.
“Sediment runoff can have serious environmental impacts including harming aquatic life, eroding creeks and riverbanks, and damaging stormwater infrastructure.
“Thanks to stronger penalties, with on-the-spot fines for water pollution starting at $30,000 for companies, builders and developers have even more reason to prevent pollution and do the right thing.”
Parramatta River Catchment Group Coordinator (PRCG), Alexi Gilchrist, said that preventing sediment runoff from polluting our waterways is essential for creating more places to swim and cool off as temperatures rise.
“Many builders enjoy fishing, boating, and other water activities in our rivers, harbours, and beaches,” Mr Gilchrist said.
“Installing and maintaining proper controls on building sites saves builders time and money and helps improve water quality. This is especially important as we celebrate the opening of the Parramatta River’s newest swim site, Putney Beach, with three more planned for the next two years.”
The Sydney Coastal Councils Group Chair, Councillor Shannon Welch, emphasised the importance of strong site management in light of rising construction costs and forecasted heavy rainfall.
“It’s more important than ever for developers and builders to secure construction materials and implement proper erosion and sediment controls. The Get the Site Right campaign plays a critical role in ensuring best-practice site management, protecting our waterways from sediment runoff, and safeguarding the health of our coastal and marine environments for future ggenerations,”said Cr Welch.
A follow-up blitz week will be held from 25 to 29 August 2025.
Members of the public are encouraged to report pollution incidents, including poor sediment control, to their local council or via the NSW EPA’s 24-hour Environment Line on 131 555.
1Australia inflation: Home building costs rise $100,000 over four years
2Australian climate outlooks