Warning for dangerous surf in Byron Shire

Published on 07 July 2019

Council is reminding the community to put safety first in coming days with hazardous surf making conditions on beaches and waterways in the Byron Shire dangerous and unpredictable.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Hazardous Surf warning for the Byron Coast and staff are monitoring the situation across the weekend.

Council staff are keeping a watch on beaches that are susceptible to erosion including:

There is significant erosion at Clarkes Beach. The impact of the large swell will continue to be felt along coastal areas of the Byron Shire for several days.

Phil Holloway, Director Infrastructure Services, said “There has already been erosion of dune areas at Clarkes Beach”

“We are asking people to stay away from eroded dunes, they can become unstable and dangerous and off rock walls and beaches, and to watch for big surges of water or large sets of waves.

Steve Edmonds, CEO of Reflections Holiday Parks separately stated that:-

“Reflections understand that the current erosion in front of its holiday park at Clarkes Beach is the worst it has been in 30 years.”

“Reflections is working hard to ensure the recovery of Clarkes Beach and securing the area to ensure safety for beach goers and park visitors.”

“Reflections is seeking advice from Coastal Engineers as to the short and long-term measures to put in place to mitigate the effects to the Clarkes Beach park and its assets.”

“Safety is paramount at this time.”

For information:

Emergency broadcaster – ABC North Coast 94.4FM/720AM, https://www.abc.net.au/northcoast/

SES – https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/regions/richmond-tweed/, ph:  132 500

Bureau of Meteorology – http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/

Byron Shire Council Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/byronshire.council/

Byron Shire Council ph:  6626 7000 (office hours)  6622 7022 (after hours)