Debris balls found on Coast beaches

Central Coast Council is investigating the nature of debris balls which were found on a number of the region’s beaches on Friday, August 22.

The debris balls are currently being analysed with results being expected back next week as Council crews continue to monitor beaches over the weekend.

Council has advised the public not to pick up the balls and to keep dogs off beaches in case they ingest the balls.

The balls will be disposed of at a licensed waste management facility.

The debris balls were located at the following beaches as at August 22: The Entrance Beach; Grant McBride Baths, The Entrance; Blue Bay Beach; Toowoon Bay Beach; North Shelly Beach; Shelly Beach; and Blue Lagoon Beach.

Residents are advised to; avoid these beaches until further notice; not to touch the balls; and to report sightings to Council on 4306 7900.

Grant McBride Baths is temporarily closed until further notice.

Samples have been collected to analyse the composition and origin of the material.

This has been reported to the NSW EPA, and further inspections and safe clean-up are underway.

The debris balls are grey in colour and vary in size (approx. 10–40mm), and signage has been erected.

At this stage it is unknown what the material is, or if the debris balls are related to balls that washed up on Sydney beaches between October 2024 and January 2025.

Debris balls washed ashore could be from a variety of sources or locations such as stormwater, sewerage networks, ships from local or international locations. 

Council is taking a precautionary approach in managing a potential risk posed by the items.