Randwick City Council is working with Gamay Rangers and NSW Department of Primary Industries to manage a whale carcass that has washed up on the rocks between Coogee and Maroubra beaches.
At this stage, the Council says the carcass is not being removed and discussions are ongoing with the Gamay Rangers about a culturally and environmentally sensitive approach to take.
The whale is located some distance from the swimming beaches at Coogee and Maroubra, which have been closed this morning as a precaution.
The Council says the carcass is located in a difficult-to-access location surrounded by cliffs and rock ledges. Council is considering closing the surrounding area and rock shelf walkway to manage crowds and to protect public safety.
Mayor, Clare Willington said the safety of beachgoers remained the priority.
“We’re working with the Gamay Rangers and NSW Department of Primary Industries on how to manage this incident safely and be culturally respectful. The whale is an important totem animal to the local Bidjigal people,” said Mayor Willington.
“This is a natural occurrence and in time nature will deal with the carcass. Our focus is to manage and limit any impact to swimmers and surfers at nearby beaches.”
