A Coogee cafe owner has spoken up after backlash over the Christmas Day beach crowds, saying better planning and facilities are needed instead of knee-jerk bans.
Christmas Day saw thousands of beachgoers, including backpackers and tourists, flocking to nearby Bronte Beach. The aftermath? Rubbish scattered across the sand and parklands despite extra bins and clean-up crews being brought in. Locals weren’t too happy about it, and there’s now talk of tighter restrictions to prevent a repeat next year.
A Push for Smarter Solutions
Dave Martin, who runs Coogee Courtyard Cafe, reckons bans aren’t the answer. Instead, he’s calling for better event planning to handle the crowds properly.
Mr Martin believes stopping people from celebrating Christmas at the beach isn’t the solution. Instead, he suggests better management with more bins, increased security, and temporary restrooms to handle the large crowds effectively.
Mr Martin suggests that approaching the event as a well-organised festival could reduce pressure on local resources while still allowing visitors to have an enjoyable experience.
Impact on Local Businesses
The influx of visitors brought a welcome boost to local businesses, with cafes, restaurants, and shops buzzing throughout the day. But not everyone’s thrilled. Some locals have spoken out about the mess, noise, and overcrowding.
Mr Martin acknowledged the importance of finding a balance between allowing people to enjoy themselves and ensuring the community and public spaces are treated with respect.
Community Suggestions for Improvement
Ideas being tossed around include more security, stricter rules around glass bottles, and better rubbish management. But Mr Martin reckons the key is planning ahead and working with the community rather than against it.
What’s Next for Coogee and Beyond
For now, the conversation continues. Locals, business owners, and authorities will need to come together to figure out a plan that keeps both visitors and residents happy.
Mr Martin emphasised the need for common sense and forward thinking, suggesting that better planning, rather than outright bans, is the key to managing future events effectively.
Published 29-Dec-2024
