Faecal contamination on Coffs Coast risking health and sending “terrible message” about tourism

A marine biologist has recommended urgent action on faecal contamination in waterways north of Coffs Harbour, warning of health risks for locals and tourists. 

What happened: Professor Kirsten Benkendorff, from Southern Cross University, told Coffs Harbour councillors last week her research has found faecal bacteria exceeding national guidelines for recreational waters in various northern Coffs Coast estuaries. 

• Elevated levels of E. coli and human-specific pathogens were also identified in some waterways, alongside compounds such as nitrate, phosphate and ammonium.

• Waterways of concern include Arrawarra Gully at Arrawarra, the Corindi River at Red Rock, Pipe Clay Creek at Corindi and Darkum Creek at Safety Beach.

Top priority: The worst offender, she said, is Arrawarra Gully.

In a report from 2024, Benkendorff found the waterway to be “heavily contaminated” by faecal bacteria and “unsafe for all cultural and recreational activities”, warning last week of tourists “potentially getting ear infections and sinus [issues]” from contact with it.

The report describes the water in all studied estuaries as “unsafe for fishing or shellfish harvest”.

Solution focused: Benkendorff has called for signage to warn waterway users of potential risks and a report to understand “where the hotspot and priority areas” are.

Her research recommends investigation into potential contamination sources such as stormwater and wastewater discharge, surface run-off and farm septic systems.

Cultural impacts: Aunty Yvette Pacey, speaking on behalf of the Garby Elders, said Aboriginal people are losing access to cultural activities - such as fishing - due to concerns over water quality.

• “Aboriginal people are very concerned about the state of their waterways,” she told councillors.
  
  “[Poor water quality] denies us cultural opportunities, access to our history and, more importantly, our health and wellbeing.”

Not a good look: Councillor Tony Judge warned that poor water quality is bad for tourism on the Coffs Coast.

• “You can now swim at Barangaroo, less than a kilometre from the Harbour Bridge… but you can't swim in Hearnes Lake (Woolgoolga),” he said.
  
  “The mouth of the Arrawarra Creek into the ocean is now polluted and we have the preeminent expert on the Coffs Coast about water quality telling us she wouldn't swim there. I think that's a terrible message about us and I think we need to do more.”

Watered down action: Councillor Jonathan Cassell brought the issue to the attention of council last week, after being “blown away” by the research findings.

His request for a public-facing report - identifying the likely sources of contamination and potential solutions - was not supported however.

Instead, the council will assess the results of its water quality monitoring programs “without undue delay” and report back internally on the findings. 

Image credit: BMT.