Wollongong City Council is urging community members to stay safe in the wake of huge swells that have hammered our coastline in recent days.
A number of beaches were closed as of Thursday (3 April) morning, while the Continental and Thirroul saltwater pools are also currently closed due to the extreme weather's impacts on water quality. Ocean rock pools are also being monitored and will be inspected once safe to do so.
The extreme conditions have resulted in water flow and some dumped materials on cycleways and along creek lines, including Towradgi Creek and Bellambi Lagoon. These, and other affected locations, will continue to be monitored as swells subside.
Council staff continue to monitor coastal flooding and erosion resulting from the extreme weather event along our beaches and foreshore areas. The car parks at Austinmer Beach, along the Bulli foreshore and Port Kembla Beach have been covered in sand and will be scraped clean over the next few days. A number of damaged beach access paths have been closed as a safety measure.
As the large swells recede, it's anticipated some beach locations will also have scarping and erosion, with the community warned not to dig into eroded sand areas or dunes as these will be unstable and susceptible to collapse.
With coastal flooding expected to persist until the extreme sea levels lower, monitoring of water levels and coastal erosion will continue, with response actions being carried out where safe to do so.
Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown urged residents to take all precautions to stay safe as swells gradually subside.
"Unfortunately, Wollongong has been no stranger to extreme weather events in recent times and our staff are working hard to keep our community safe," Cr Brown said.
"I encourage everyone to take note of signage, be it beach and pool closures, or notification of works being carried out at different locations to ensure our favourite swimming and leisure spots can be safely enjoyed.
'As swells subside and we're able to return to beaches and pools, remember to only swim at patrolled locations and between the red and yellow flags."
Pool closures and opening hours are regularly updated on Council's website .
