Port Macquarie, along with the entire Eastern seaboard, has experienced unprecedented weather conditions of late.
With over 300mm of rainfall combined with 8m swells generated from ex-tropical cyclone Oswald, the waters off the Mid-North Coast have turned an eerie dark brown.
The huge seas have created pockets of surf foam along our beaches and left debris ranging from bottles, hazardous waste and entire trees littered along the coastline.
Fire and Rescue NSW Inspector Tony Lenthall stressed that, with so much water flowing down the Hastings River, it is common that hazardous materials may be found washed up on our beaches.
“Port Macquarie crews have already responded to a number of calls from the public reporting suspect containers that had washed up onto Oxley, Rocky and Nobbies Beaches,” said Inspector Lenthall.
“We urge the public to call 000 with the exact location and description of any further containers that may find their way to our shores,” he added.
Principal of Green Meadows Medical, Dr Robert Clarke, said that, whilst it is fine to look at the foam and unique colour of the water, it would be better to stay out until conditions improve.
