With a dead juvenile whale washed ashore near Crabbes Creek Beach south of Wooyung Road, Tweed Council say they are preparing to tow it back out to sea on tomorrow morning’s high tide.
They say, ‘The decision to tow the carcass was made in line with Council’s draft policy: “Management and Disposal of Deceased Large Marine Animals”, which outlines that towing must be considered as the first option.’
‘We also referred to the decision matrix in the draft policy which weighs environmental impact, cultural factors, public health and safety, cost, logistical feasibility, legal and compliance considerations, and the time required.
‘We are preparing to carry the towing out on the high tide tomorrow morning, which is the only safe window for the work.
‘It’s a difficult operation and there is a chance it won’t be successful. If that happens, we’ll reassess and move to the next option under the matrix.
‘We have been advised by Surf Lifesaving that beaches from back beach Cabarita down to the Tweed-Byron border will be closed until further notice,’ Tweed Council say.
Previous statement
Previously, Tweed Council said, ‘A deceased juvenile humpback whale has washed ashore just south of Wooyung Beach’.
‘Council teams, in consultation with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council (TBLALC), are on site assessing the situation.
‘The carcass is being treated as a biohazard.
‘We ask the community to please stay clear of the area for health and safety reasons while we complete our assessment.
‘We will provide a further update once a disposal decision has been made using our documented decision matrix, which considers site conditions, cultural advice, environmental guidelines, public amenity, and safety.
‘Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this time’.
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