Former Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham has said residents near Coffs Harbour living west of the Pacific Highway are being advised to evacuate the area.

Mr Buckingham said he had evacuated his home and had headed to Urunga Golf Course.

He said he will be living in his tent at the golf course until it's safe to return home.

‘It’s absolutely populated by thousands and thousands of houses,” he said. “No-one can believe it’s happening”.

“I have never heard of an Australian city being evacuated before. Even the Big Banana is at risk."