• On January 14, nine beaches on Sydney’s northern coastline were closed until further notice after small white and grey marble-sized balls washed ashore.  
• The affected beaches include Dee Why, Freshwater, Long Reef, Manly, North Curl Curl, North Narrabeen, North Steyne, Queenscliff, and South Curl Curl beaches. 
• Authorities have advised swimmers and surfers not to touch the debris balls and to avoid the northern coastline in Sydney.  
• Sydney Water stated that there was no impact on the operations of its Warriewood and North Head Water Resource Recovery plants. 
• In October 2024, eight beaches, including Bondi, were closed for several days due to a large-scale cleaning operation following black deposits on the coast. The cause of these deposits was unconfirmed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) while the contents of the deposits were tested to be a combination of sewage and diesel. 

Those operating or residing in Sydney on January 14 and over the coming days are advised to allot for disruptions to travel to the aforementioned beaches given their closure and cleanup activities, as well as remain cognizant of authorities’ updates.