Sewage spill forces Coffs Creek fishing closure

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A spill of raw sewage has forced the closure of Coffs Creek to shellfish collection for the next two months.

The creek is also closed to all forms of fishing upstream of the Promenade Shopping Centre for the same period.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI), Deputy Director-General, Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr Richard Sheldrake, said the ban was introduced due to concerns for public health.

“We have banned all fishing activities upstream of the Promenade Shopping Centre and extended this for the collection of shellfish to the mouth of Coffs Creek, due to concerns that consumption of fish may pose a food safety risk,” said Dr Sheldrake.

“Contaminants may remain in shellfish after the spill has cleared the waterway. The two month closure allows sufficient time for the spill to disperse and any contaminants that may have been present in the shellfish to return to background levels.”

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