Kempsey Shire Council has warned people to stay away from eroded sand banks, created by the recent combination of king tides and storm activity.
 
Kempsey Shire Council’s Director Shire Services, Bruce Morris said there had already been an incident at Crescent Head where a child was almost buried by the sudden collapse of an unstable bank along the edge of the sand dunes.

“We need people to be aware of how unstable the banks generated along the edge of the sand dunes are at the moment,” said Mr Morris.

“People should keep well away from any eroded areas as they can collapse quickly and unexpectedly.”

“The weight of the sand during such a collapse is a real hazard and can lead to death if a person is caught underneath it.”

“Nearly every beach along Kempsey Shire’s 80 kilometre coastline has been affected.”

“Many beach access roads such as Richardsons Crossing and Back Beach at Crescent are now inaccessible, even to 4WD vehicles, due to washouts and drop offs with sand banks at the entry point to the beach.”

“Drivers also need to exercise extreme caution when trying to access beach areas as conditions have changed and may be treacherous if unchecked,” concluded Mr Morris.

Council would like to stress that normal beach access for emergency services is not available and that this is likely to restrict any response to assist members of the community.

Members of the community and vehicle owners also need to be aware that large portions of the beach have been washed away during these storm events and that, in the event of high tides, people and vehicles may become isolated with limited or no means of escape from the threat of inundation from rising sea waters.