Huge changes coming to iconic Christmas bash
Waverley Council, which takes in the iconic beach and Bronte Park along with Bondi Beach, is expected to vote on Tuesday night for a sweep of new enforcement measures to reduce the scale of rowdiness and rubbish that has marked the beloved celebration in recent years.
Thousands of tourists from around the world descend on the beach to soak up the day, often donning red bathing suits.
But tensions between residents and visitors boiled over in 2023, when the park the park was left littered with rubbish and broken glass.
'It's basically people sh***ing on our doorstep,' Waverley Bondi Ward Councillor Leon Goltsman told NewsWire on Boxing Day that year. Beachgoers enjoy Christmas Day at Bronte Beach in 2024: NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone Credit: News Corp Australia
'The fact there is still broken glass there, people are cutting their feet, the fact people are still having illegal parties … the fact if anyone gets injured or hurt, we can't even get an ambulance to them because it is all blocked, it's unacceptable.'
But from Tuesday night, the council will likely entrench new rules to control the party, including a prohibition on all glass bottles and additional crowd management officers.
'Enhancements following community consultation are recommended, with additional focus on police presence to address anti-social behaviour and preserve public safety, including the implementation of alcohol bans or other alcohol checkpoints, depending on what is most practical given the unfenced location,' the council's June 17 agenda document states.
'Further enhancements include a comprehensive communications campaign to deter attendance and promote positive behaviour. Bronte Park in the aftermath of the Christmas Day bash in 2024. NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone Credit: News Corp Australia
'Further, in this option, council officers will collaborate with various stakeholders including ride share operators, emergency services, traffic management and waste and cleansing services to improve outcomes across those areas.'
The 'option three' model was one of five considered by the council to reorganise the Christmas Day event.
Other options included putting on a fenced, ticketed event or leaving the park as an open slather with no enforcement mechanisms in place.
Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh, speaking with NewsWire ahead of the vote, said he backed option three and said it was 'highly likely' other councillors would too.
'It's basically an evolving strategy, over two years, to make sure we get the balance right between community expectations and people having fun,' he said. Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh argues option three will still allow visitors to enjoy themselves on Christmas Day. NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone Credit: News Corp Australia
Alcohol is already prohibited on the beach and in the park, Mayor Nemesh noted, but the vast numbers of attendees meant liquor usually slipped through.
The councillors hope a strict ban on glass coupled with a larger police presence will suppress alcohol consumption.
'We want everyone to have fun,' he said.
'Bronte is an absolutely spectacular part of the world. We want to ensure by implementing option three, all people can enjoy the public open spaces, but do so responsibly and respectfully.'
'Option three is sensible and reasonable and a measured approach to dealing with this ongoing issue we have each year at Christmas in Bronte.'
The council expects to spend a minimum of $220,000 on the new measures.
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