“A sewer pipe burst was identified at Bay Street in Dunbogan on Wednesday, December 6 resulting in leakage into the Camden Haven River,” said Port Macquarie-Hastings Council acting director Andrew Doig.

“Upon identifying the leak, it was quickly isolated and an interim solution immediately put in place to prevent further leakage and to allow the sewer system to continue to operate.”

The NSW Food Authority has closed the river for oyster harvest for the mandatory 21 day period and has provided this advice to relevant oyster growers.

“Council apologises for the impact that this unexpected incident will have on the local oyster industry at this busy time of year,” Mr Doig said. 

“We will continue to liaise with all stakeholders to ensure they are well informed.”

Camden Haven Shellfish Program coordinator Brett Harper said the news is devastating.

It is particularly dire as recently farmers on the Mid North Coast reported a boost in demand due to Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome (POMS) impacting oyster supply in Tasmania. 

“This is the third spill in eight years over Christmas,” Mr Harper said. 

“It’s just unacceptable.” 

The summer is often the busiest time of year for farmers and Mr Harper said as much as half the yearly income has the potential to be made during this period. 

Samples of the river water have been taken from the area to test for contamination. 

Mr Harper said there is a possibility Gogleys Lagoon will open for farming prior to Christmas but Hanleys Point and Stingray Creek will remain closed for the full 21 days. 

“Data collected over the past 18 years by the shellfish program has shown Gogleys Lagoon often isn’t impacted by sewerage spills in the river,” he said. 

Works have been scheduled to replace the failed section of pipe and are expected to be completed over the next two weeks.

Mr Doig said the Environment Protection Authority, NSW Health and the NSW Food Authority have been informed of the incident.