SCCG Making Waves ~ August 2026

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Get the Site Right – Blitz Week

The Sydney Coastal Councils Group is excited to be assisting with the Get the Site Right Blitz week.

Running from August 24th – August 28th where councils inspect developments of all sizes and take regulatory action as required. Established in 2016 this campaign has grown into a statewide partnership with the Cooks River Alliance, Georges Riverkeeper, Sydney Coastal Councils Group, NSW Environmental Protection Authority, and more than 20 Sydney and NSW councils – working together to improve construction sediment management and protect our waterways.

Erosion and Sediment Control Training

The Parramatta River Catchment Group (PRCG) locked in Kel Sanson from Strategic Environmental and Engineering Consulting (SEEC) to deliver a two-hour online Erosion and Sediment Control training in the lead-up to the Get the Site Right Blitz Week. It was a great opportunity to engage with other councils and learn more about ESC Compliance. The training was held on Wednesday 19 August with more than sixty council representatives across Sydney attending. This included Sydney Coastal Councils Group member councils of Waverley, Northern Beaches, North Sydney and Randwick.

Avian Flu Update

On the 10th of July 2026, the first H5N1 strain of bird flu was detected in an Australian bird. As at 23rd August there have now been 298 positive bird flu events in Australia (ABC News, 2026). The clock is ticking to try and protect Australia’s bird population from mass casualty events.  

In what is thought to be a world first, scientists have begun vaccinating some of the little penguin population on Phillip Island in a bid to get ahead of the flu and try to protect this beloved species.  

Unfortunately the first case of H5N1 has been detected in a long-nosed fur seal in South Australia and recorded as the first bird to mammal transmission in Australia, whilst the federal government is working closely with state governments on its vaccination program for birds unfortunately there is no vaccination for mammals and we must now watch closely and hope that this does not cause an extinction event in mammals and bird species across Australia. 

Follow these steps if you find a deceased bird and suspect bird flu: 

  • Avoid contact 
  • Record what you see 
  • Report to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888  

What councils can do: 

  • Stay informed: Ensure staff and contractors are briefed on the current situation, including what to look for and how to report any unusual bird or animal deaths. 
  • Collaborate with NSW DCCEEW: Work together to identify local sites that provide habitat for higher-risk species such as marine mammals, seabirds, waterbirds, shorebirds, or birds of prey, and nominate a lead contact person for each site. 
  • Assess public access: Consider the level of public interaction with animals at these sites and whether temporary access restrictions (e.g. signage or barrier fencing) may be appropriate to minimise risk. 

For more information, please visit the NSW Government website for up-to-date factsheets and guidance. 

30% marine protection by 2030 in focus at NSW Marine Parks Forum

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The SCCG attended the 3rd NSW Marine Parks Forum held at the Australian National Maritime Museum on 31 March 2026. The forum brought together government representatives, scientists, Traditional Owners, community stakeholders and ocean advocates to discuss the future of marine protection in NSW. Sarah Joyce, Executive Director, presented on SCCG’s advocacy to enhance marine biodiversity in the Sydney region. 

A key focus of the forum was Australia’s commitment under the Global Biodiversity Framework to protect at least 30% of land and oceans by 2030 (the “30 by 30” target), and how this commitment will be implemented in NSW marine waters. Discussions highlighted that while a significant proportion of NSW waters are currently protected, highly protected “sanctuary zones” remain limited and will be critical to achieving meaningful ecological outcomes. Forum discussions emphasised that strengthening marine protection, particularly through well-designed sanctuary zones, is essential to building long-term ecosystem resilience and supporting sustainable fisheries. 

Stakeholders also explored the key ingredients for a successful marine parks and aquatic reserves review process in NSW. These included clear governance arrangements, transparent and timely planning processes, and improved communication to build community understanding. 

The SCCG welcomes the recent announcement by the NSW Government confirming its commitment to aligning marine park planning with national and international nature-positive goals, including the 30 by 30 target. In her address to the forum, NSW Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe outlined the NSW Government’s commitment to: 

  •  release shortly the draft NSW Mainland Marine Park Network Management Plan  
  • Apply comprehensive, adequate and representative principles in marine planning  
  • Align marine park planning with the NSW Plan for Nature and international biodiversity commitments  
  • Enhance governance arrangements, including increased conservation expertise in government expert committees.  

The SCCG welcomes these commitments and supports the pathway toward achieving the national 30 by 30 target in NSW and the benefits this will deliver for the health and resilience of coastal and marine environments. 

The SCCG looks forward to continuing to engage with the NSW Government, member councils and stakeholders throughout the review process to help ensure effective and enduring protection for NSW’s marine environments. 

Photo: National Parks Association