(Photo Courtesy of Bluey's Photography, Caloundra.) Old Caloundra Bar adjacent to Happy Valley, 11/07/23.

In January 2022, a breakthrough occurred in Northern Bribie Island, leading to changes in the water dynamics of the far northern section of Pumicestone Passage (FNSPP). As a result, this relatively pristine waterway no longer flushes out to the sea as it did in the past when the bar was adjacent to Happy Valley.

The altered flow pattern has raised concerns about potential pollution and safety issues for water activities in the FNSPP(affected area). Additionally, there could be adverse effects on the local environment, residents' way of life, and the appeal of this summer water haven as a tourist destination. This in turn will drastically affect the businesses along Bulcock Street. 

TAPP Inc., a community organisation formed a water quality sub-committee in June this year led by a member and qualified medical doctor (MB BS, PhD). 

The sub-committee was formed following the observation of possible foul water at Happy Valley and Bulcock Beach areas near stormwater outlets following the closure of the Caloundra bar.

TAPP Inc. is guided by the NHMRC (National Health and Medical Research) publication, Guidelines for Managing Risks in Recreational Water (2008), as our template, which also gives local authorities a clear guide on how to manage health risks in coastal environments.

The water quality sub-committee has undertaken water testing, measuring physical and chemical parameters, utilising commercially available equipment and microscopic analysis using a research quality microscope (Olympus BX53) and Scanning Electron Microscope (JEOL JSM-6010) capable of detecting harmful microbes, amoebae, diatoms, dinoflagellates and cyanobacteria. The Council has been notified of our testing reports. Testing is continuing and ongoing. Results of ongoing testing are available through the TAPP Inc organisation.

Water samples were gathered from various locations in Pumicestone Passage including Bulcock Beach, Leach Park boat ramp, Military Jetty Bells Creek and various stormwater outlets over the last three months. The most concerning discovery has been the identification of a freshwater amoeba in the Minchinton Street stormwater which may be the dangerous "brain-eating amoeba", Naegleria fowleri, which can cause fatal amoebic meningoencephalitis in people who swim in infected water. The risk of infection is greatest in children who splash or swim in the stormwater drainage pond.TAPP Inc. is obviously extremely concerned with this discovery which has been passed to the Council and has arranged for an urgent petition to be distributed to residents and visitors to the Bulcock Beach swimming areas.

 We acknowledge the challenges faced by our political representatives (State and Council) in addressing such complex issues. Instead of placing blame, we respectfully request their attention and action. The well-being of our community and the environment depends on responsible leadership and proactive measures.

We believe that with leadership and appropriate action, we can safeguard the FNSPP for future generations. Together, let's work towards a sustainable solution before it becomes too late, as the health and vitality of the environment depend on the actions we take today.

Save Our Passage!

In the spirit of transparency, I would like to say that I am a member of TAPP (Take Action for Pumicestone Passage).

TAPP supports the issues discussed. If you would like further information, please call 0412111302.