Update after Coogee Beach closed due to black ‘tar balls’
Written by admin on October 16, 2024
The mayor of Randwick Council has revealed fresh details about the mysterious black balls that began washing up on Sydney’s popular Coogee Beach on Tuesday, saying early indications point to an oil spill out at sea.
Speaking with NewsWire on Thursday morning, Randwick Council Mayor Dylan Parker said the council was presently analysing the material of the tar-like black balls and should have some clear idea of their make-up within the next two days.
“We’re trying to get an answer as soon as possible,” he said.
“Hopefully we’ll have a clearer indication for the public within a day or the next two days.”
Hundreds of the black, ball-shaped debris was found along the length of the beach on Tuesday and Wednesday morning.
Mr Parker said council lifeguards had spotted the balls washing by Wedding Cake Island, just off the coastline.
“Council lifeguards on jet skis have gone out and we have identified some of these balls washing up on Wedding Cake island,” he said.
“There looks to be an oil spill or slick but it’s still under investigation.
“Initial reports seem to suggests some sort of oil pollution or contamination.”
The beach was closed on Tuesday and would remain closed until further notice to preserve community safety, Mr Parker said.
“They do resemble tar balls,” he said.
“If it is potentially oil, it’s not safe to touch or consume. It can be potentially carcinogenic.”
Randwick Council is liaising with the NSW Environment Protection Agency, Beach Watch NSW and other relevant bodies on when it might be safe to open the beach again.
“This has never happened before,” he said.
Randwick Council is liaising with the NSW Environment Protection Agency, Beach Watch NSW and other relevant bodies on when it might be safe to open the beach again.
“This has never happened before,” he said.
Randwick Council is liaising with the NSW Environment Protection Agency, Beach Watch NSW and other relevant bodies on when it might be safe to open the beach again.
“This has never happened before,” he said.
“At this stage it is unknown what the material is, however, they may be ‘tar balls’ which are formed when oil comes in to contact with debris and water, typically the result of oil spills or seepage,” the council said.
A further update from the council is expected today.
Coogee is one of Sydney’s star beaches and a tourist hotspot.
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