The iconic St Kilda beach, long cherished by locals and tourists, is facing a growing pollution problem that may threaten its future as a top Melbourne destination.
More than a billion litres of stormwater flow into Port Phillip Bay each year, carrying litter and pollutants from streets, drains, and high-traffic areas directly into the water.
With retail strips, major roads, and stormwater outlets nearby, St Kilda is especially vulnerable.
Neil Blake, St Kilda’s Bay keeper, has been monitoring pollution in the area for years.
“High-traffic retail areas often generate the most types of litter, bringing in cigarette butts, takeaway food packaging and convenience items,” he said.
To limit windblown rubbish, bins were removed from St Kilda Pier; however, this strategy has not significantly improved the situation on its own.
“There needs to be a general campaign, and I think the no bins strategy is a part of that,” Blake said, “ordinary, everyday people have to take responsibility for their trash as well.”
A 2022 beach report found more than 2,400 pieces of litter for every 100 metres of beach at St Kilda, with cigarette butts constituting about 65 per cent of the total rubbish collected.
Despite the pollution, the beach remains a popular spot, particularly during the warmer months.
“I’ve been walking up and down the pier many times, and it’s always been very busy,” Port Phillip Council member, Serge Thomman, explained, “we just had summer, and it’s been excellent – a lot of people have come.”
While pollution remains alarming, efforts to restore the beach’s health are underway.
Local clean-up crews, improved stormwater management systems, and increasing advocacy are beginning to push back against the tide of waste.
For now, tourists and locals are still enjoying St Kilda’s sand and sea.
However, with its future as a thriving destination in the balance, the community and government may need to act quickly to ensure the beach’s lasting appeal.
Featured Image: Liz Tseregounis
