Randwick Council Archives

Police Issue Fines Over E-Bike Rules in Coogee

Police have issued fines in Coogee as part of a crackdown on riders using footpaths, with new signs along the beachfront leaving some residents confused.

Crackdown at Coogee Beach

Police carried out enforcement operations along the Coogee promenade, targeting people riding bikes, e-bikes and scooters on footpaths. Officers issued fines under New South Wales road rules, which prohibit riders aged 16 and over from using footpaths. On-the-spot penalties of $114 can be applied.

Signage Raises Questions

Randwick Council recently installed purple corflute signs on Arden Street near Coogee Beach as part of an ongoing campaign with police. The “walk your ride” posters, showing figures holding a skateboard, bike and scooter, were designed to encourage people to dismount on footpaths. Some locals said the messaging was unclear, while others found the signs straightforward.

Coogee e-bike crackdown — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Wider Safety Concerns

The campaign followed complaints from residents about near misses and collisions involving bikes and pedestrians on busy walkways. Police and council rangers also carried out a joint operation on 29 and 30 August across Coogee, Maroubra, Kensington and Randwick. Authorities said the aim was to reduce conflict between delivery riders, cyclists and pedestrians in crowded areas.

Rules for E-Bike Riders

Under NSW law, riders must wear approved helmets, keep speeds below 25 km/h, and use pedal assistance rather than motor-only propulsion. Illegal modifications, petrol-powered bikes or exceeding power limits can result in fines over $800. Revenue NSW has reported 408 infringement notices statewide so far in 2025.

Community Reaction in Coogee

Reactions from the community have been divided. Some residents supported the crackdown, saying bikes on footpaths posed risks, particularly to elderly pedestrians. Others described the enforcement as heavy-handed and called for clearer signage and improved cycling infrastructure. Social media comments ranged from support for police to criticism of revenue raising.

Looking Ahead

Randwick Council has stated that more “walk your ride” signs will appear across eastern suburbs town centres. Police have indicated that visible patrols and enforcement will continue in Coogee to address safety concerns around shared spaces.

Published 28-Sep-2025

Coogee Café Hit with Costly Order to Replace Windows

A small café in Coogee has been forced to pay more than $23,000 to replace its windows and secure approval after a compliance complaint disrupted business only weeks after opening.

Community café faces costly compliance setback

Lox in a Box, a Jewish-style café in Coogee, was ordered to replace its canteen-style glass windows after they were deemed a safety risk and said to encroach into public space. The order came following a compliance complaint, and the business had to shut its doors temporarily while the changes were made.

The owner, Candy Berger, had invested heavily in bringing the café to the community, spending more than $400,000 on renovations before opening. The unexpected ruling created financial and operational strain at a time when the café was still trying to establish itself in the neighbourhood.

Thousands spent to meet demands

The window replacement alone cost around $8,000. On top of this, the café was required to pay a further $15,000 to secure certification and lodge a development application for approval. Altogether, the total bill for compliance reached approximately $23,000.

The financial setback forced the business to close temporarily, disrupting customer access and reducing income during what should have been a crucial growth period.

Frustration over red tape

Berger voiced frustration at the decision, pointing out that older and potentially riskier fixtures in neighbouring businesses remained untouched. She argued the rules were being applied inconsistently and placed an unfair burden on new operators.

The café’s experience reflects a broader concern among Sydney small business owners who feel weighed down by compliance costs. The situation highlights how regulatory processes can hinder small operators from contributing to their local community.

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Local business concerns across Sydney

Business NSW has reported growing frustration with planning and regulatory systems across the state. In its latest survey, 72 per cent of businesses in New South Wales rated regulatory requirements as “demanding,” a sharp increase from 53 per cent in August 2023.

The report also found that small businesses typically spend two to ten hours a month on compliance. Medium-sized businesses spend 11 to 20 hours monthly, while larger operators can dedicate more than 40 hours a month to meeting regulatory demands. Business NSW has called for reforms to reduce development application fees and streamline approval processes to ease the pressure on local operators.

Published 18-Sept-2025

Coogee Beach to Get $7 Million Stormwater Fix to Clean Up Polluted Waters

Coogee Beach is set to receive a $7-million upgrade to stop polluted stormwater from flowing directly across the sand after heavy rain.

Why Coogee Beach Needs This Upgrade

The $7 million project, funded through the NSW Government’s 2025–26 budget, will be delivered with Randwick City Council and Sydney Water. It involves building a new underground pump station and pressure mains to divert stormwater further offshore.

Coogee Beach has long faced water pollution issues after rain, with stormwater carrying debris and waste directly onto the sand. This has led to repeated “poor” water quality ratings and safety warnings from Beachwatch.

Locals have often avoided the beach after storms, despite its popularity. The upgrade is expected to improve stormwater management and make the beach safer for public use.

What the Project Involves

The core of the project is a new pump station that will intercept stormwater before it reaches the beach. This water will then be moved through new pressure pipes and into a previously unused Sydney Water tunnel, which leads to a discharge point further offshore. This offshore location will help break down and dilute contaminants away from swimmers and shoreline users.

The NSW Government is contributing $3 million, with the remaining funds coming from Randwick City Council and Sydney Water. Construction is expected to begin later in 2025, following planning approvals.

Community and Council Response

Local officials say the project directly addresses community concerns about beach pollution and closures. Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker said improving Coogee Beach’s water quality has been a key council priority. Minister for Water Rose Jackson stated that residents are fed up with stormwater pollution and this upgrade is a major step forward.

She said the goal is to keep the beach clean and safe, even after heavy rain. Sydney Water’s acting CEO Paul Plowman said the works will improve the swimming experience by keeping runoff out of the surf.

What It Means for Locals and Visitors

The upgrade is expected to improve conditions at Coogee Beach, especially during Sydney’s wetter months. Cleaner water will mean safer swimming, fewer closures, and a better experience for locals and visitors.

Many hope the beach’s reputation will finally match its water quality. While experts note it won’t stop all pollution during major storms, it’s a major step in managing coastal runoff. The project follows years of community calls to address the issue, with work now underway.

Published 03-July-2025

Noise Dispute Emerges Over $111m Coogee Bay Hotel Redevelopment

Photo Credit: Google Maps Street View

A $111-million redevelopment of the Coogee Bay Hotel has come under scrutiny after project planners sought to remove a key noise control condition, prompting concerns about potential noise impacts from local officials and residents.

Background to the Redevelopment

The Coogee Bay Hotel’s redevelopment plans were approved in 2024 by the Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel following a lengthy planning and community engagement process.

Originally lodged in 2021, the plans faced strong local resistance due to concerns about height, bulk, and the impact on the area’s character. Amendments reduced the proposed height to 21.35 metres and removed a supermarket component.

The panel granted deferred commencement consent, requiring resolution of a noise management plan with Randwick City Council before the approval becomes operational.

Scope of the Development

The redevelopment covers an 8,500-square-metre site and includes the demolition of several structures. Key elements include a five to six-storey residential block with 58 apartments, 11 retail tenancies, basement parking for 158 vehicles, and a new hotel wing bringing total accommodation to 31 rooms.

Refurbishments to heritage features of the existing hotel and landscaping works are also planned.

Noise Control Dispute

Despite initially agreeing to submit a noise masterplan and provide noise modelling data, planners representing the Coogee Bay Hotel are now seeking the removal of the said requirement.

The move has drawn criticism from members of the Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel and Randwick Council, who view the condition as essential to protecting residential amenity.

Panel Response and Legal Action

Planning chair Carl Scully criticised the handling of the issue, highlighting delays and refusal to provide noise modelling data. He expressed concern that the push to remove the condition raised suspicion about potential noise impacts.

The hotel has launched legal action against Randwick Council in the NSW Land and Environment Court to remove the condition. A hearing is expected in July, although the panel will have final say on any proposed settlement.

Coogee development — *Photo Credit: Randwick City Council*

Community Sentiment

Residents have raised concerns about increased noise, particularly from proposed outdoor areas near homes. Some believe current noise levels are already disruptive. While developers claim the change will not create negative impacts, locals maintain the noise condition is necessary to protect the neighbourhood.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The Coogee Bay Hotel redevelopment cannot proceed until the noise condition is resolved. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between large-scale development and community expectations in Coogee.

Published 13-Apr-2025

Council Scraps Popular Coogee Sparkles NYE Fireworks Amidst COVID-19

The annual Coogee Sparkles New Year’s Eve Fireworks will not go as planned as Randwick Council canceled the event amidst health and safety concerns due to COVID-19. The Coogee Carols has been scrapped as well following a difficult decision to forego the traditional activities for the sake of the wellbeing of the community.

In a meeting on 27 Oct 2020, the Council resolved to have different Christmas activities spread out at beaches and town centres on different dates. The plan is to prevent events that will attract thousands of people to one site.

“We’re very disappointed to have to make this decision, but I hope people will understand the reason for it. Our enhanced program of Christmas activations will bring a bit of a joy and fun in what’s been a tough year and encourage people to stay local and shop local this festive season,” the mayor said in a statement.

Photo Credit: Randwick City Council/Facebook

Replacing the Coogee Sparkles, Coogee Carols, Seniors Christmas Concerts and Kingsford Noodle Market are the following:

A Christmas lights trail showcasing the best lights and decorated homes;
Christmas elves encouraging shopping locally in our town centres;
A Christmas card competition for local children;
Buskers and carol singers;
Christmas chalk artwork;
Public Christmas decorations such as Christmas trees, window displays, lighting in trees, street banners, giant ice creams and candy canes, photo set ups and decorative tree wrappings.

“Councillors unanimously resolved not to proceed with the iconic events this year as we cannot guarantee large crowds could gather safely given the ongoing threat of COVID-19 and Health Order restrictions,” the Council posted on Facebook.