Revealed: Community group warns parents not to let their kids swim at dangerous Bum’s Bay

Families have been warned not to allow their children use a popular Gold Coast swimming spot after council confirmed testing has shown that water quality is “very poor”.

FAMILIES should not allow their children to swim at the Marine Stadium at The Spit due to the appalling low water quality, warns a community group.

Save Our Broadwater posted the warning on their Facebook page after the Bulletin highlighted a planned crackdown on sewerage from anchored boats at “Bums Bay”.

The post has included an email from area councillor Darren Taylor which, for the first time, confirms the poor water quality after the city conducted checks across 25 locations.

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SOB in its post said it had been trying to get the results and thanked Cr Taylor for providing readings but his email raised major concerns.

“We think it is disgraceful that people are swimming in this area and there are no signs to alert people to this dangerous situation. Every day there are families there and children in the water,” SOB said.

Cr Taylor said council conducted recreational water quality monitoring at its designated swimming enclosures and a number of other popular locations given its legal obligations under the Public Health Act.

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“In addition to the designated swimming enclosures, sampling is undertaken at sixteen other locations across the City, including Marine Stadium,” he said.

“City officers reported Marine Stadium received a suitability grade of ‘Very Poor’ due to a microbial assessment category score D — range is from A-D — and a high risk sanitary inspection category primarily due to the likelihood of sewage discharge from the boats in proximity to the area.”

The test results in 2018 sparked a management program which led to further investigations, Cr Taylor wrote.

“I am aware Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) is investigating culvert installation at the northern end of Marine Stadium which may assist with water flow and help improve water quality,” he added.

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“In regard to liveaboards at Marine Stadium, I understand GCWA will be liaising with all State agencies to address the current situation.”

Cr Taylor told the Bulletin the GCWA was looking at “two or three different options” which included a pipe in the north-western corner which could increase water flow into the Marine Stadium from the Broadwater.

He has requested more updated testing results and if the water quality had deteriorated council would consider signage.

The Marine Stadium at The Spit.

SOB president Alan Rickard, a former city councillor, told the Bulletin: “We congratulate Darren Taylor for getting that information for us. Fancy (the council administration) having that information for three years and not acting on it.”

SOB is encouraging residents and visitors to respond to a GCWA survey asking about the future for Marine Stadium and whether boats should be banned from mooring there.

“It is a good survey and we encourage you to do it. We fought hard to keep this part of the world public open space, now is the time to let the government know what you want next,” SOB said.

A Gold Coast Waterways Authority spokesperson said: “Funding has been provided this financial year to investigate the hydrodynamics and tidal exchange within Marine Stadium. “The aim of the investigation is to consider different intervention options and make a recommendation on which option will provide the greatest benefit without impacting on the environmental values, safety, and existing uses.

“Further funding has been allocated in the 2023/24 financial year for the construction of an intervention option, if required.”

PREVIOUSLY: GETTING THE BUMS OUT OF BUM’S BAY

AHOY there. A stink is surfacing at The Spit. Finally, a decision must be made about the old houseboats permanently moored in what locals refer to as Bum’s Bay.

The Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) has launched a broad community survey to seek feedback on the future uses of the Marine Stadium at the northern end off Doug Jennings Park.

The Marine Stadium at The Spit.

Your columnist has been told that a recent meeting stakeholders were updated on water testing around what is arguably the city’s best and safest location for small kids to learn to swim.

The results confirm what we all suspect. Council sources suggest that while the levels do not require the city to put up health warning signs, the water quality is not impressive.

The GCWA survey leaves it in the hands of you and me.

Questions asked about the Marine Stadium include “should it be retained as an important anchoring destination” or could boats staying for the longer than the required seven days be “better managed”. Solutions include a booking system where fees can be introduced.

Another question asked was whether boaties should be provided with toilets, water showers and pump-out facilities. Should we the ratepayer pay — or should the boaties?

GCWA chief executive Nerissa Bartlett told your columnist: “The survey is open until the end of the month and is open to anyone. GCWA are engaging with all stakeholders, including boaties and frequent users of the area.

“So far, one community workshop has been held to help develop the vision and understand the issues and opportunities for the area. Additionally, a ‘Young Planners’ workshop was held in conjunction with Griffith University to give young professionals and future leaders the opportunity to ask questions and contribute ideas.”

GCWA can remove longer staying vessels at a cost about $1000. Police can issue an on-the-spot fine of $275.

But it seems many water craft owners are salty old crafty types. They have anchored in such a way which prevents others accessing the Marine Stadium.

They do not have holding tanks on their ageing vessels. They know they can sidestep policing because so many agencies are involved.

What becomes clear, as the water continues to get a shade greener, is council and not any other agency holds responsibility for testing.

More funding will be available this financial year to determine an infrastructure solution.

Talking to stakeholders, authorities must flush out the poor water and the bums polluting it.

The other key theme surfacing is many mums and dads along with their kids and surfers are less than impressed by plans for a fancy $4 million jetty being built to accommodate the HOTA ferry service. All that arrives there now is a tinnie selling cold drinks and ice-creams.

Back in 2014, the consortium ASF had hoped to build the cruise ship terminal off Doug Jennings Park and sought to develop a yachting area, condominiums and retail precinct along Bum’s Bay. Community campaigning set sail to those plans.

The Spit Master Plan consultation showed a swimming closure, what would be a great addition.

We have the chance now for — well, let’s call it a second flush. Let’s clean up this place and retain it as a fantastic family destination.

Follow @PaulWestonGC