A Sydney cafe owner has ignited a heated debate by urging the council not to ban the annual Bronte Beach Christmas party, despite the trail of trash left behind by 15,000 revellers.
A Festival-Like Atmosphere?
Dave Martin, owner of the Courtyard cafe in Coogee, thinks the council should “embrace it and do it properly” instead of trying to suppress the event. He suggests treating it like a festival, with more cleaners, temporary fencing, DJs, security staff, and port-a-loos.
The Economic Benefits
Martin argues that the event is a major draw card for international tourists, injecting much-needed money into the local economy. “People come from all over the world to have this day at the beach, it’s a big thing for them,” he said.
The Local Backlash
However, not everyone is a fan of the party. Some locals are calling for a ban, citing the “lack of respect” shown by revellers who left the beach looking like a trash dump. Others are fed up with the crowds and the mess, saying it’s “not OK” to leave the beach in such a state.
The Council’s Response
Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh has vowed to make changes after the “insane” Christmas Day party. Despite instituting a “Summer Safe” program, the council was left to deal with massive amounts of rubbish left behind. Nemesh promised to work towards ensuring that visitors treat the beaches and parks with respect.
The Clean-Up Effort
More than 250 additional garbage bins were placed at Bronte Beach, but they appeared to have little effect. Council staff worked through the night to clean up the mess, with a garbage truck operating throughout the day.
What Do You Think?
Should the council embrace the annual Bronte Beach Christmas party and make it a festival-like event, or should they ban it to avoid the chaos and mess? Let us know in the comments!