Coogee Beach closed due to sewage leak

ONE of Sydney’s busiest beaches was closed after a “substantial” leak of raw sewage — close to where hundreds enjoyed mild autumn temperatures.

ONE of Sydney’s busiest beaches was closed Wednesday after a “substantial” leak of raw sewage — close to where hundreds of people enjoyed mild autumn temperatures.

Coogee beach — which was bustling with tourists and swimmers as temperatures hit the mid-20s today — was shut during the afternoon after raw sewage spewed from a stormwater drain into the sea.

The accident was caused after tree roots blocked a pipe in nearby Dudley St.

Coogee Beach closed off today although some people, including sisters Lili and Ali Lee had already travelled to the beach without knowing they couldn’t swim. Picture: Chris Pavlich

Authorities were alerted during the morning and the flow of vile waste liquid was stopped at 11.30am. The beach was progressively closed during the afternoon.

Local officials inspected the stormwater pipe at the southern end of the beach and described the flow of sewage as “substantial”, leading to a pollution incident being declared.

“Sewage indicators” were found where the pipe discharged, including “odour, colour and ammonia”. It was found spewing onto rocks and then into the sea.

Sydney Water was asked to undertake “clean-up” actions and water monitoring.

Bright yellow warning signs went up along the beach announcing the closure and lifeguards publicly announced the leak.

“Beachgoers were advised not to swim as a precautionary measure,” a Randwick Council spokesman said.

Raw sewage leaked from a stormwater drain into Coogee Beach today. Picture: Gregg Porteous

Ross Jones Memorial Pool was also shut and drained. But it didn’t stop some people still going for a dip.

Coogee mum, Tammy Cronin, planned a fun afternoon with her son Jonah, during her only day off with him during the school holidays.

When they arrived they saw the “beach closed” sign.

“I just let him go in anyway and thought it would be fine until a woman came up and asked if I knew why the beach was closed,” Ms Cronin said.

“He was only in the water about five to 10 minutes but I’m a bit concerned — you just never know with kids. We’re a bit disappointed.”

People weren’t allowed in the water at Coogee Beach today. Picture: Chris Pavlich

A Sydney Water spokesman said its crews “responded quickly, unblocking the pipe, barricading the area and notifying authorities as a precaution”.

“All samples taken across the beach and in the rock pool came back negative for pollution,” the spokesman added.

“Health of beachgoers and the environment are vitally important to Sydney Water and every effort is always taken to ensure they are protected.

“Our crews continue to monitor and undertake appropriate clean-up to ensure adequate protections are in place.”

The leak comes just weeks after it emerged that Sydney Water plans to build 12 outflow pipes around Sydney Harbour, raising concerns about pollution.

Cartoonist Warren Brown’s view.