Alarmingly, tests have revealed that ball-shaped debris found on Queenscliff Beach and eight other Northern Beaches in Sydney contain faecal matter and E. coli bacteria.
The contaminated debris, which also contains saturated fatty acids and hydrocarbons (oil), forced the temporary closure of Manly, Dee Why, Long Reef, Queenscliff, Freshwater, North and South Curl Curl, North Steyne, and North Narrabeen beaches last week.
This disturbing discovery follows a similar incident in October 2024 when debris balls found on Sydney beaches contained harmful substances, including PFAS chemicals, steroidal compounds, medications, pesticides, and veterinary drugs.
Authorities Investigate Source of Contamination
The Northern Beaches Council and the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) are working to identify the source of the faecal contamination. The EPA is conducting further debris analysis and has expanded its investigation to examine all potential sources. Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins hoped the EPA’s investigation would pinpoint the source and prevent similar contamination incidents at other beaches.
Community Urged to Stay Vigilant
The council conducts regular beach inspections and encourages the community to report any debris sightings. Residents are strongly advised to avoid contact with the contaminated material. Pollution can be reported to lifeguards, the NSW EPA Environment Line (131 555), or the Northern Beaches Council Customer Service team (1300 434 434).
Cleanup Efforts Continue
While seven of the nine affected beaches have reopened after a clean-up effort, a small number of marble-sized balls mixed with pumice have been found on other harbour beaches, including Little Manly and West Esplanade. The council is continuing to monitor and clean up these areas as needed.
Published Date 28-Jan-2025