The car parking area at Goonellabah Shopping Centre has been closed to the public today after a car accident in the car park this morning.

Richmond Police District Superintendent Scott Tanner said that at 9am this morning, a motorist tried to park in a space near Coles in the shopping centre car park and accidentally lunged into a gutter.

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"The driver collided with a pole and as a result the engine was damaged, causing a large oil spill in the car park," he said.

"It was in part due to the persistent rain that oil went onto the surrounding surface area.

"Fire and rescue NSW and Lismore City Council were called and Council closed the car park due to safety concerns."