Health warning sign on Coila Lake in Monash Avenue, Tuross Head

Tuross Head experienced a heavy downpour of rain on 28 September 2022 resulting in stormwater inundation of Council’s sewer system. As a result, there was a brief overflow from Council’s sewage pump-station into a drain that flows into Coila Lake. Council have advised the NSW EPA of the overflow.

A Council Environmental Health Officer has advised "There is the potential for pathogens to be in the water that could cause illness in humans and animals, therefore the sign was posted. There was no environmental impact expected on the fauna and flora in the area.

"Samples have been taken and the signs will be removed when satisfactory results are received. Council recommends that swimming in waterways be avoided for several days following rain due to debris and other material being washed into them". The response to the signage by a member of the group looking at the current development proposal for this area was "Given the huge volume of rain we are currently experiencing and the likelihood of further overflows from the sewerage pump at Coila, I think this illustrates why further development should not be sustained at Tuross as this could well lead to a greater number of overflows in the future which will impact not only humans, domestic pets but also wildlife even though council has indicated there should be no impact on wildlife due to the current overflow".