Locals furious over 'ridiculous' plan for Bondi Beach
All surfers could be banned from using North Bondi beach.
Waverley Council is considering moving anyone using a board with a fin to the south end of Bondi Beach.
Residents are being surveyed on the proposal, which council said came about following concerns over safety at the beach’s north end.
A Waverley Council spokeswoman told Yahoo7 council reviews beach operations annually “to ensure the safety and amenity of all beach users”.
But the northern end is said to be more “swimmer-friendly” while the southern end is used by experienced surfers. Younger surfers and beginners, normally use the north end to learn on soft boards.
Council said one of the “disadvantages” of the proposal is an increase of injuries due to surfer congestion, and all training would have to be done at the beach’s south end.
However, it said an advantage would be a decrease in injuries between surfers and swimmers.
Bondi Boardriders presidents Ian Wallace told Fairfax the north end is where kids are taught and hone their skills before eventually moving to the south end of the beach.
Local resident Simon Murray told Yahoo7 the idea is “ridiculous”.
“The surf zones are crowded enough as it is during summer, so to push everyone from the north end down South is just going to cause havoc and potentially more injuries, and aggravation, between surfers,” he said.
“The north end is a good learning area as well and beginners will find it tougher if moved away from there.”
Local surfer Sannen Braun said while he doesn’t use the north end of the beach he feels the proposal is “short-sighted” and “sentiment” from the community is “largely against it”.
“With North Bondi being the most sheltered space, it offers the safest space for children and beginners to surf,” he said.
“I’ve seen some incredibly dangerous surf on the south end at the same time as mild surf on the north.”
Mr Braun added he doesn’t see why the proposal was raised in the first place as he’s never experienced any “major incidents” on the beach’s north end between surfers and swimmers.
Resident Samantha Burr was also concerned about conditions in the south.
“Well, the big wave surf, if we get any is, at south Bondi Beach so where will the learners, learn?” she said.
“The north end is more calm. Swim between the flags and boards stay out of flags is the way to go.”
A council spokesperson said council “will not form a position” until it reviews the survey’s results.
