West Beach West contamination
Published on 22 January 2026
6 February 2026
Good news — recent water testing at West Beach West (west of the playground) has returned compliant results, and the temporary advisory signs were removed friday morning.
Council is confident the earlier elevated results were associated with a stormwater-related issue, which has now been resolved. As a precaution, Council will continue regular water sampling over the coming months.
Thank you to everyone for your patience and understanding during this time.
22 January 2026
Council has been monitoring the water quality along West Beach West (west of the playground) after elevated bacteria levels were found.
Council have now identified the likely source of the contamination as damaged stormwater infrastructure. Council is now working with the relevant agencies to resolve the matter. As a safety measure, precautionary signage will stay in place while this work is carried out.
Water testing at West Beach West will continue. The signage will only be removed once the issue is resolved and tests show the water is safe for use.
Recent testing at West Beach East (in front of the surf club) shows the water quality there remains safe for swimming.
Bacterial levels can be localised and influenced by factors such as stormwater outlets, currents, and wind conditions. As a result, closures and advisory signage are applied only to the affected sections rather than the entire beach, in line with our monitoring protocol and public health guidance.
Thank you to the community for your patience and understanding while we work to resolve this matter.
16 January 2026
Recent water sampling tests have shown elevated levels of bacteria at West Beach West (west of the playground).
Council officers are currently investigating the cause. This means that swimming is not recommended at this section of the beach until further notice and signage is now in place at West Beach West.
We will continue to conduct water sampling of the beach, and once deemed safe the signage will be removed.
During summer, water sampling is done every fortnight. We will provide an update when this improves and, as always please pay attention to beach signage at your local beach.