Sydney’s unusual sewerage system to blame for faecal and fat balls on beaches, experts claim

Workers in protective clothing clean up debris balls that washed up on Sydney’s Coogee beach in October. Photograph: Dan Himbrechts/AAP

It’s the height of summer in Sydney, a time when tourists and locals are usually flocking to the city’s famous beaches.

But nine beaches were shut to the public this week – including well-known Manly – after more ball-shaped debris washed ashore.