Divers and boats join official clean-up of container debris on Mid North Coast

Plastic bags, bottled drinks and jars of emu oil are among the debris © ABC News

Debris from Liberian ship YM Efficiency washed up north of Newcastle. The ship lost part of its cargo during stormy weather last week © ABC News: Nancy

Up to 100 contracted workers and specialist machinery have joined the clean-up effort along the coastline of the Mid North Coast today.

Roads and Maritime Services Executive Director Maritime Angus Mitchell, who is also the Sate Marine Pollution Controller, today joined the crews at Broughton Island, Fingal Head, Seal Rocks, Treachery, Hawks Nest, Shark Island, Jimmys Beach and Birubi Beach.

"Continuing bad weather is hampering efforts, but tomorrow the forecast is for the weather and visibility to improve slightly, so divers will be deployed to join the efforts to assess rubbish that may be sitting on the seabed in the vicinity of Jimmys and Hawks Nest," Mr Mitchell said.

"Boats and specialised beach cleaning equipment from MidCoast Council, are also being used to remove debris from the water close to shore in the Port Stephens area.

"A mini dozer known as a Pozzi Track is also assisting the clean-up effort on Jimmys Beach and will be redeployed as required."

Mr Mitchell said whilst we fully understand the communities desire to pitch in and assist, members of the public were not encouraged to join the clean-up effort, partly for their own safety and partly as materials in the ocean are subject to Australian Customs and Quarantine regulations.

"The waste is being disposed of by the contractor in accordance with Australian Quarantine and Customs regulations," Mr Mitchell said.

"We want to reassure the community that we have no intention of scaling down this clean-up effort until we are satisfied that our waters and coastline are back to their pristine condition."

Roads and Maritime is leading the effort in close consultation with other government authorities in order to determine the area to prioritise the clean-up, including National and Marine Parks, EPA, local councils, DPI Fisheries and the Australian Marine Safety Authority.