Hundreds of mysterious grey, marble-sized balls have washed ashore at Dee Why and eight other sites in the Northern Beaches, prompting immediate closures for public safety.
In coordination with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Council has launched an investigation to identify the nature and origin of the debris.
Impact on the Community
The affected beaches include Dee Why, Manly, Long Reef, Queenscliff, Freshwater, North and South Curl Curl, North Steyne, and North Narrabeen. Council representatives have urged beachgoers to avoid these areas until further notice, advising the public not to touch the debris while clean-up efforts are underway.
Officials and EPA experts are working to collect and test the balls, described as grey or white, with most the size of marbles and a few larger. Results from sample testing would determine the next steps.
Residents who notice similar debris on other beaches are encouraged to contact the council hotline at 1300 434 434.
@emilyinoz So no sharks todayโฆ yet (still bluebottles) but apparently most northern beaches are closed due to water pollution ๐ซ
โฌ Stereo Love – ๐ณ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ง๐ท
A Pattern of Coastal Pollution
This latest incident mirrors similar events along the Sydney coastline in recent months. In October 2024, thousands of black, tar-like balls were found along beaches in the cityโs eastern suburbs, including Coogee and Bondi. Tests revealed that those earlier balls contained a mixture of human-generated waste, including petroleum hydrocarbons, fatty acids, and traces of organic materials.
While the exact source of the current debris remains unclear, investigators are exploring whether it could be linked to industrial or wastewater pollution, as seen in past occurrences.
Environmental and Public Health Concerns
Community members have raised concerns about the potential environmental impact and health risks posed by the debris. Previous findings have linked similar materials to pollutants like motor oil and wastewater discharge, which can harm marine ecosystems and potentially expose humans to hazardous substances.
Beaches will remain closed until authorities complete testing and confirm that conditions are safe for public access. Clean-up crews have been deployed to affected areas, and additional inspections of nearby beaches are ongoing.
Published 14-January-2025
