Sydney Coastal Councils Group

24/03/2026

What does Sydney Harbour mean to you? 🌊

For some, it’s part of everyday life. For others, it’s where weekends are spent. For many, it’s a shared place that connects us all.

The Outer Sydney Harbour Coastal Management Program is being developed to help protect and manage this nationally significant asset into the future.

Community input is a key part of this process.

We are inviting residents, businesses and harbour users to share their views on what matters most. This includes things like biodiversity, waterway health, recreation, heritage and how we respond to coastal hazards.

Your feedback will help shape the long-term direction of how outer Sydney Harbour is managed. Comments are open until 31 March.

Have your say and be part of shaping the future of Sydney Harbour.

You can explore the interactive map and share your thoughts here: https://www.sydneycoastalcouncils.com.au/program/outer-sydney-harbour-coastal-management-program/

North Sydney Council Bushcare National Parks Association of NSW Nature NSW Bondi To Manly Making Waves Education Foundation International 18ft Skiff EcoWalks Tours Glebe Rowing Club

23/12/2025

The SCCG is seeking a motivated Environmental Project Officer to join the team to assist in developing the Outer Sydney Harbour Coastal Management Program. This position is 2-days per week.

The Project Officer supports the effective planning, delivery and coordination of the OSH CMP. Working closely with the SCCG’s Executive Director and Project Lead, project partners and consultants, the role provides project, communication and administrative support to ensure milestones are met, stakeholders are engaged and governance and reporting requirements are fulfilled.

Head to the link in our bio for the full position description.

If interested in applying, please send your resume and cover letter to SCCG Executive Director, Sarah Joyce at [email protected]

Applications close 27 January 2026

19/12/2025

The SCCG recently attended the Local Government NSW Environment Symposium Awards.

We are grateful to have been awarded Highly Commended in Division D of the Communication, Education and Empowerment category for our advocacy on the NSW Government’s Beachwatch Program, which championed long-term, state-led coastal water quality monitoring.

Congratulations to all winners and nominees for their contributions to a healthier, more resilient environment.

Head to our website to find out more.

Image courtesy of Local Government NSW

27/11/2025

Last week we had the privilege of touring the UNSW Water Research Laboratory with their engineer tour leaders.

A great opportunity for our Executive Committee Members to see first hand some of the important research WRL is doing. 🌊

A big thank you to A/Prof Kristen Splinter, Dr Dan Howe, Vincent Miller, Dr Tommy Fellowes, Dr Reilly Cox, Daniel Gilbert and Ian Colman for running demonstrations on WRL models. We look forward to learning from your important work.

Images courtesy of WRL.

26/11/2025

The SCCG team had a fantastic few days at the 2025 NSW Coastal Conference earlier this month, a great opportunity to connect with the broader coastal community and learn from the important work being delivered by state agencies, researchers, consultants and councils across NSW.

We’re also proud to share that the SCCG received the Local Government Award for our advocacy on the NSW Government’s Beachwatch program, recognising our commitment to championing long-term, state-led coastal water quality monitoring and raising its importance with decision-makers and the broader community. 🏆🌊

Thank you to the organisers, presenters and partners and congratulations to all award recipients!

22/09/2025

New NSW and Commonwealth reports confirm sea level rise and erosion are pressing risks. Local governments are on the frontline but lack the funding, guidance and resources to respond effectively.

It’s time for stronger action to help councils deliver the coastal resilience our communities need.

Head to the link in our bio for the latest SCCG media release.

Image courtesy of

13/08/2025

🔬🌊 Here to celebrate National Science Week!

The SCCG’s work in coastal management, climate resilience, adaptation, and waterway health is grounded in scientific inquiry and collaboration. From leading the Outer Sydney Harbour Coastal Management Program to tackling microplastic pollution through innovative partnerships, we’re committed to evidence-based action that protects and enhances our iconic coastal environments.

Let’s champion science for a sustainable coastal future! 🌿

24/06/2025

🦈 It’s time to end shark nets.

On behalf of the Sydney Coastal Councils Group, we’re calling on organisations to join the growing push to stop the use of outdated and harmful shark nets in our region.

In 2024, the NSW Government asked our member Councils whether their communities wanted shark nets and the answer across our four coastal members where shark nets are deployed was a resounding no. Shark nets are ineffective and responsible for the unnecessary deaths of protected marine species.

With the next deployment due this September, now is the time to act.
We urge you to write to Ministers Tara Moriarty and Penny Sharpe to:
✔️ Prohibit shark net redeployment in 2025 and beyond
✔️ Invest in modern, non-lethal shark mitigation

📄 Learn more and read our letter to the Ministers via the link in our bio.

Image: 9News

05/06/2025

The SCCG warmly welcomes the NSW Government’s recent decision to continue funding the Beachwatch Program, a pivotal initiative that monitors water quality across our state’s beloved beaches and swim sites.

The SCCG has been at the forefront of advocating for the Beachwatch program to remain a fully funded state responsibility.

This advocacy was in response to proposed changes that would have shifted the financial burden of water quality monitoring onto local councils – a move that many councils, already facing budget constraints, opposed.

Head to the link in our bio to read the full SCCG news post.

Beach image copyright: Sutherland Shire Council - Elouera Beach

26/05/2025

The SCCG recently had the privilege of joining one of Australia’s leading coastal scientists, Professor Bruce Thom, on a guided coastal walk of Bondi’s coastline.

Thanks to Bruce, we learnt about Bondi’s coastal geology, coastal processes and interesting history. We were lucky to have such a sunny morning to explore as well!

Thank you and Bruce for an insightful morning 🏖️☀️

12/05/2025

The campaign for March 2025 may be over, but protecting our waterways is ongoing. With more rain expected, developers and builders should check and maintain erosion and sediment controls on their sites to prevent material loss, avoid fines and protect local waterways from pollution. 🌧️🚧🌊

For more details, contact your local council or visit sydneycoastalcouncils.com.au/projects/get-the-site-right/

12/05/2025