- Target:
- Min Env. Sydney Water Woollahra Council
- Region:
- Australia
Att:
The Hon. Penny Sharpe MLC, Minister for the Environment
Sydney Water Corporation
Woollahra Municipal Council
NSW Planning Industry and Environment
Rose Bay Beach is experiencing a severe environmental decline, driven by several interconnected issues:
1. Limited Water Flushing and Contaminant Accumulation
Rose Bay lacks natural water circulation, allowing pollutants from stormwater and untreated runoff to accumulate. Inadequate tidal flushing means contaminants linger for long periods, creating persistent water quality issues that endanger both public health and marine ecosystems.
2. Infrastructure Failures and Systemic Pollution
Sydney Water’s infrastructure cannot adequately manage runoff. The frequent presence of enterococci bacteria and pollutants during dry weather highlights ongoing leaks, overflows, and system malfunctions, underscoring the insufficiency of the current water management system.
3. Public Health Risks
The lingering pollution creates severe health risks, including gastrointestinal illnesses, infections, and respiratory problems. Beachwatch alerts often fail to capture the full extent of contamination, as pollutants remain even after rainfall events. Without intervention, unsafe water conditions will persist, jeopardizing recreation and tourism.
4. Ecosystem Collapse
Endangered seagrasses, such as Posidonia australis, are being destroyed by sediment buildup and nutrient pollution from stormwater runoff. The loss of these habitats is devastating fish populations and biodiversity. Pollutants also promote algal blooms and oxygen depletion, creating "dead zones" where marine life cannot survive. Toxic blue-green algae further threatens both human and ecological health.
5. Stormwater-Induced Sand Movement and Erosion
Despite repeated efforts to redistribute sand, stormwater outflows have formed sandbars at drain outlets, destabilizing the shoreline. The loss of stabilizing seagrasses and increased sand movement are accelerating coastal erosion, threatening public spaces and infrastructure.
6. Overdevelopment Exacerbates Runoff
New developments are amplifying stormwater runoff by increasing impervious surfaces (buildings, roads, and parking lots), which block water absorption. Each new project adds to the burden on already overwhelmed infrastructure, further degrading water quality and accelerating ecosystem decline.
We, the undersigned, urgently call for the immediate redirection of 100% of stormwater runoff from Rose Bay Beach into wastewater treatment systems. The following measures must be implemented to safeguard public health, the environment, and water quality:
1. Full Diversion of Stormwater and Pollutants
Redirect all stormwater flows and pollutants from Rose Bay Beach into wastewater infrastructure at Diamond Bay and Parsley Bay. Ensure thorough treatment at the Bondi Water Resource Recovery Plant before release into Sydney Harbour.
2.Moratorium on New Developments
Suspend all residential and commercial development approvals in Rose Bay until sustainable stormwater management systems are fully implemented and operational.
3.Prioritise Green Infrastructure
Mandate that all future developments and public projects incorporate green infrastructure solutions, including permeable surfaces, rain gardens, and water-sensitive urban designs, to reduce runoff and maintain water quality.
4.Provide Safe, Pollutant-Free Swimming Areas
Restore Rose Bay Beach as a clean, safe space for public recreation by ensuring swimming areas remain free from harmful pollutants year-round.
These actions are essential to protect public health, support biodiversity, and preserve the ecological integrity of Rose Bay Beach and Sydney Harbour for future generations.
You can further help this campaign by sponsoring it
The Stop Rose Bay Beach Pollution petition to Min Env. Sydney Water Woollahra Council was written by Rose Bay Community Group and is in the category Environment at GoPetition.