Bacteria forces swimming bans
GOLD Coast City Council was forced to close several swimming enclosures on Friday for a second time this year because of a bacteria outbreak.
Councillor Bob La Castra said high levels of enterococci were recorded at Lake Hugh Muntz, Tallebudgera Creek, Currumbin Rock Pools, Currumbin Creek near Duringban Street and Currumbin Creek at Palm Beach Parklands.
Andy Ware, of Pottsville, drops into Currumbin Creek with son Finn, three, whenever they pass through, but on Friday the family faced temporary fencing and warning signs.
“Finn was pretty disappointed, he loves going there,” Mr Ware said.
“It's (Palm Beach Parklands) got a great play area and usually a good place to swim.”
Several swimming enclosures were closed in March after the January floods.
“If sampling shows that water quality in a recreational area has been compromised we will always close it to the public until levels have returned to acceptable levels,” Cr La Castra said.
“Results have left us with no option but to close these five areas to swimmers until levels are returned to an acceptable range.”
However all was not lost for young Finn, who went down to a nearby beach for a swim instead.
