Most of the Ocean beaches in Byron Shire and Ballina Shire have been given excellent grades in this year’s State of the Beaches report. Water quality assessment indicated that 100% of monitored ocean beaches in Ballina Shire achieved a Good or Very Good grading. This means the swim sites were suitable for swimming most or almost all the time.
The best rated beaches in the Ballina electorate were Seven Mile Beach, Shelly Beach, and Lighthouse Beach. In Ballina Shire three of the seven estuarine swim spots were classed as Good while Shaws Bay North, East and West, and Missingham Beach – received poor grades. Shaws Bay East was downgraded from Good from the previous year. Only one of the four monitored lake/lagoon sites (Lake Ainsworth South) was graded as Good in 2023-24, with Lake Ainsworth North, East and West all graded as Poor this year.
The North Coast experienced above average rainfall in Spring 2023 due to heavy rainfall in October and November. Rainfall is the major driver of pollution in swim sites, with water quality impacted by stormwater runoff and sewage overflows.
State of the Beaches grades are compiled from water quality samples collected at NSW swim sites monitored under the Beachwatch and Beachwatch Partnership programs.
Member for Ballina
“It is fantastic to see our ocean beaches receive great results despite the high rainfall we have received.”
“It is also a timely reminder that that swimming should be avoided during and for up to three days following rainfall or if there are signs of stormwater pollution such as discoloured water or floating debris.”
“I will be working with Ballina Shire Council to confirm if the beaches that were rated poorly near the mouth of the Richmond River are due to the overall poor health of the river, or if there are other contributing factors.”
“As a major tourist destination for our beautiful beaches it is great news that our ocean beaches are some of the safest in terms of water quality in the State.”