Geelong council says waterfront sewerage system failure was caused by the incorrect disposal of one common item

Images show sewage flowing from the Eastern Beach concourse while people played and swum over the New Year holiday period, as council reveals what caused the blockage.

Visitors to Geelong’s waterfront were forced to battle more than strong winds over the New Year holiday period. Source: Evelyn Newman/ Facebook

Visitors to Geelong’s waterfront over the New Year holiday period were confronted with unwanted sights and smells after the toilets at Eastern Beach and Cunningham Pier overflowed.

Images posted to Facebook show sewage flowing from the Eastern Beach concourse while people played and swum nearby.

And there’s more. Source: Facebook.

Geelong council said the blockages were caused by the incorrect disposal of wet wipes, which don’t break down in the sewerage system.

Executive director of city infrastructure David Greaves said the system failed after a significant number of wipes were flushed down toilets at Eastern Beach over the New Year’s Eve long weekend.

Council crews were forced to clear a metre-long blockage from the system.

“Wipes, even the ones labelled as flushable, and items like nappies, cotton buds and sanitary items should always be disposed of in the bin,” Mr Greaves said.

“Unfortunately, these products are made from materials that don’t disintegrate when exposed to water.

“By using the bins provided for items that can’t be flushed, there is less chance of blockages and our facilities are cleaner and safer.”

Up to 10,000 people a day descend on Eastern Beach during the peak summer period.

City Hall has put on additional resources to ensure the area is well maintained and safe.

This includes extra portable toilets, additional cleaners, more contracted waste collections and increased community safety and regulation patrols.

The public can report a blockage or other waste issues by calling council’s customer service line on 5272 5272 or via its website.

Originally published as Geelong council says waterfront sewerage system failure was caused by the incorrect disposal of one common item