Sydney's Coogee Beach closed after 'mysterious black ball-shaped debris' appears
The origins of “mysterious black ball-shaped debris” washed up along Sydney's Coogee Beach are being investigated after the unknown material closed the popular eastern suburbs beach.
Rescuers discovered the debris yesterday afternoon. Randwick council said they may be “tar balls” that form when oil comes into contact with debris and water, usually as a result of oil spills or leaks.
However, they won't be able to confirm what they are until testing is complete. The incident has been reported to the Environmental Protection Authority and Beachwatch NSW.
Randwick Council posted on social media last night:
Coogee Seaside is closed until further notice after council lifeguards discovered mysterious black ball-shaped debris washed up along the beach this afternoon.
The Council is investigating the origin and composition of the material, which appears as dark spheres.
At this time it is unknown what the material is; However, they can be “tar balls” that form when oil comes into contact with debris and water, usually as a result of oil spills or leaks.
The Council is currently organizing the safe removal of material from Coogee Seaside and is inspecting other nearby beaches. At this time, only Coogee Seaside is known to be affected.
Beachgoers are advised to avoid Coogee Seaside until further notice and not touch the material, while clean-up and investigations continue.
Key events
Daniel Hurst
Wong targets Dutton for not supporting Middle East ceasefire
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Penny WongHe has said that the suffering throughout the Middle East “must end” and also took aim at the opposition leader, Peter Duttonfor not being able to “support a ceasefire.”
In a speech last night at the University of Tasmania unveiling Australia's new humanitarian policy, Wong repeated the government's call for a ceasefire in Gaza.
He also reaffirmed “our call for a diplomatic solution, a reduction in tensions and a ceasefire in Lebanon” so that civilians on both sides of the Lebanon-Israel border can return to their homes.
Honing in on an internal political message, Wong said Dutton was wrong to accuse the prime minister, Antonio Albaneseto disagree with Australia's allies for supporting a ceasefire in Lebanon. She said:
Now Dutton has realized that he is the one at odds with the international community, but he still can't bring himself to support a ceasefire.
I do not recall a single time over the past year when Mr Dutton has called for the protection of civilians or respect for international law.
He never utters a word of concern for the innocent Palestinians and Lebanese civilians.
Wong also accused the Greens of being “just as absolutist” in their positions on the conflict.
Last Tuesday, Dutton told parliament that the Coalition would not support the government's motion commemorating the first anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks, in part because it included calls for a reduction in tensions and a ceasefire in Gaza. and Lebanon.
Dutton told parliament that “none of us support the loss of civilian life” but blamed Hamas for “using people as human shields.”
Penny Wong outlines the government's new humanitarian policy
Penny Wong He has also published the government's new humanitarian policy, accompanied by an announcement of $9 million in humanitarian aid to respond to the high levels of food insecurity in Yemen.
The Foreign Minister highlighted the conflicts in Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar and the Middle East and the increasing number of people in need of humanitarian aid.
He said the policy outlined “the role Australia will play at a time when need is outstripping the world's ability to respond and Disregard for international humanitarian law is increasing”. Wong said:
First, we will build readiness and preparedness, anticipating crises before they occur and working with our partners to reduce their impact.
As part of this priority, Announcement that Australia will provide $5 million to the new Asia-Pacific Regional Humanitarian Fund to prepare for the next emergency..Second, we will respond to crises and disasters, providing support that meets the needs of disaster-affected populations and protects the most vulnerable, both immediately and in the long term…
And third, we will strengthen the international humanitarian system, working to take practical and feasible measures to strengthen adherence to international humanitarian law…
We act globally, but our focus remains our region. We offer genuine partnerships, based on respect, listening and mutual learning.
Sydney's Coogee Beach closed after 'mysterious black ball-shaped debris' appears
natasha may
The origins of “mysterious black ball-shaped debris” washed up along Sydney's Coogee Beach are being investigated after the unknown material closed the popular eastern suburbs beach.
Rescuers discovered the debris yesterday afternoon. Randwick council said they may be “tar balls” that form when oil comes into contact with debris and water, usually as a result of oil spills or leaks.
However, they won't be able to confirm what they are until testing is complete. The incident has been reported to the Environmental Protection Authority and Beachwatch NSW.
Randwick Council posted on social media last night:
Coogee Seaside is closed until further notice after council lifeguards discovered mysterious black ball-shaped debris washed up along the beach this afternoon.
The Council is investigating the origin and composition of the material, which appears as dark spheres.
At this time it is unknown what the material is; However, they can be “tar balls” that form when oil comes into contact with debris and water, usually as a result of oil spills or leaks.
The Council is currently organizing the safe removal of material from Coogee Seaside and is inspecting other nearby beaches. At this time, only Coogee Seaside is known to be affected.
Beachgoers are advised to avoid Coogee Seaside until further notice and not touch the material, while clean-up and investigations continue.
Welcome
Good morning and welcome to our live news weblog. Am Martin Farrer with some of our best overnight stories before Emily Wind joins you.
Our top story this morning is a warning from universities to students not to fall for the “manipulative” recruiting tactics of the Shincheonji Church, a Korean religious sect that its former members describe as a cult and that is increasingly active on Australian campuses. Several universities have recently warned students to beware of “secretive” and “manipulative” recruiting tactics used by church members on campus.
Antonio Albanese and the treasurer, Jim Chalmerswill today announce plans to ban unfair trading practices under Australian Consumer Law, the latest consumer-focused competition and pricing changes proposed by the government and billed as cost-of-living relief. “Dynamic pricing” of concert tickets to be banned as federal government cracks down on “dubious” business practices and tackles hidden fees and subscription “cheats” for online purchases, gym memberships and tickets of airplane.
Penny Wong has said that the suffering throughout the Middle East “must end” and also took aim at opposition leader, Peter Duttonfor not being able to “support a ceasefire.” Speaking last night in Tasmania, the Foreign Minister also reaffirmed “our call for a diplomatic solution, a reduction in tensions and a ceasefire in Lebanon” so that civilians on both sides of the Lebanon-Israel border can return to their homes. It comes as advocates welcomed the government's new temporary humanitarian visa route for Palestinians fleeing the conflict in Gaza, but warned the option to stay for three years is not good enough for those without a home. to return to. More coming soon.
People are being urged to avoid an eastern Sydney beach after it was left littered with mysterious ball-shaped debris. Randwick Council said lifeguards at Coogee Beach found unexplained globules on Tuesday afternoon and announced the beach would be closed until further notice.