Thirlmere, NSW: Man charged after ‘mystery explosions' rocked town for months
The noises, centred around Thirlmere, prompted much public discussion over what the noises could be.
Wollondilly Shire Mayor Matt Gould took to social media last week in response to community concerns.
'Over the last couple of months there have been a series of unknown explosion type noises at night that have been heard in Thirlmere and surrounding areas,' he said on July 29.
'This has understandably led to a fair few concerns and questions from residents so I wanted to try and give a quick update on the current state of play as far as these explosions and what we know.
'Unfortunately the short answer is we still don't have any idea what these explosions/noises actually are, although we think we've ruled out what some of what it isn't.'
Mr Gould said council inquiries had ruled out activity on the rail lines or nearby coal mine and urged residents to report incidence of the 'bangs' to police.
'We're also not aware of any other kind of industrial or agricultural activity in the areas reporting these explosions that should be making these noises, certainly not at night and with the frequency they now seem to be happening,' he said.
'The scale of the area that seems to be hearing them is also far to big for fireworks or the like as well.'
On Saturday, NSW Police said officers had been called to Estonian Rd in Thirlmere following reports of a 'large explosion'.
The following day, investigators raided a Estonian Rd property where a 40-year-old man was arrested.
He was later charged with one count of possess, supply or make explosive for unlawful purpose.
'A man has been charged following an investigation into reports of numerous alleged explosions being heard in the Thirlmere area,' a police spokesman said.
'Officers attached to Camden Police Area Command were made aware of reports from Wollondilly Council that explosions have been heard in the Thirlmere area over the past few months.'
According to police a number of items were seized from the home, including gel blasters, stun devices, knives and a blow dart gun.
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