Sydney’s Coogee Beach is closed until further notice after Randwick Council Lifeguards this afternoon, Tuesday 15 October, discovered mysterious, black, ball-shaped debris washed along the length of the beach.

Randwick City Council environmental officers have collected samples for testing and reported the incident to the EPA and Beachwatch NSW.

Council is investigating the origin and composition of the material, which has the appearance of dark spheres.

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.

Council is currently arranging for the material to be safely removed from Coogee Beach and is inspecting other nearby beaches. At this stage, only Coogee Beach is known to be affected.

Beach goers are advised to avoid Coogee Beach until further notice and not touch the material, while the clean-up and investigations continue.

Media enquiries Matthew Phillips – 0408 541 717 or matt.phillips@randwick.nsw.gov.au