The 47-metre rainbow footpath on the steps of the Coogee Beach promenade has been reinstated permanently in a bid to acknowledge diversity and boost tourism as Sydney reopens after months of lockdown
Originally installed in February 2021 to celebrate the Mardi Gras, city officials have decided during a meeting in September that the art installation will not be removed.
Former Mayor Danny Said confirmed the decision to uphold Council’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. He also said that removing the rainbow footpath would take time and money as it will entail grinding, blasting, and sandbagging the site.
Since the installation, visitors to Coogee Beach have had their chance posing on the rainbow footpath for a quick snap and post on social media, whilst kids play on the coloured steps or learn the colours. Business owners around the beach said that the attractive path is a significant visual draw for more visitors.
“The rainbow follows the existing arch shape of the beach promenade and has become a much-loved and much-photographed addition to the beach receiving national media coverage,” per Council.
Whilst some residents lauded the decision, others questioned the lack of consultation with the public and called the decision a “political statement.” Councillor Philipa Veitch, however, said that public consultation could create division as inputs may veer off from the painted footpath to LGBTIQ issues. Ms Veitch said that councillors had to step up in this case.
The cost to install the rainbow footpath was around $19,000.
It was a “delicate and difficult operation” but fortunately, groups of rescuers in Sydney were able to help free a humpback whale caught in netting one recent Sunday afternoon off the coast of Coogee Beach.
Onlookers from the beach were able to film the distressed mammal as it tried to free itself, dragging two floating buoys on the water. The witnesses said that the whale’s movements were erratic thus it was apparent there was something wrong.
Marine Area Command received an alert and sent out a sea crew to help the animal, which had been circling Coogee Beach. A spokesperson said that the officers were able to get close enough to the massive mammal and cut the ropes off the buoys.
The groups have been coordinating with each other due to the dangerous nature of the rescue. According to a spokesperson from the ORCCA, the effort required a specialist since it involves a distressed humpback. The rescuers were also racing against time as the incident occurred at about 4:00 p.m. With sundown looming, they had to act fast and assess the mammal’s situation before they lose sunlight.
Meanwhile, humpback whales usually swim in Sydney’s eastern coastline to head north during the migration season of May to November. Thus, Coogee Beach is a hotspot for whale watching during these months and people could easily spot humpbacks as they are the most playful whales. However, on some occasions, killer whales, pilot whales and minke whales pass along the waters as well.
Finding a parking space at Coogee Beach will now be a breeze as the Randwick City Council rolls out the trial of a new parking system with smart technology.
Launched at Coogee Beach and the Coogee Oval car parks on Friday, 4 Sept 2020, the new smart technology parking system has cameras and in-ground sensors that will track parking availability. Drivers, on the other hand, may find available parking spaces via the LED smart signs outside of the car parks.
Alternatively, drivers may also download the PayStay app to track available car spaces. Meters from PayStay have been installed where parking spots are convenient in the Coogee Beach area.
“There will be no change to the number of metered parking spaces, how long people can park in spaces and certainly no new metered parking,” Randwick Mayor Danny Said explained. “This new system is all about decreasing the amount of congestion on popular roads as people spend time looking for parking spaces.”
Mr Said also added that smart parking may “save time, frustration and fuel,” as well as increase public safety since drivers will not be distracted while looking for parking spaces.
“We’re keen to see how well this new system works over the next few months and, if successful, we plan to roll the technology out to even more areas within Randwick City.”
The Council plans to roll the scheme next in Kensington and Kingsford if the trial goes well in Coogee.
