Bondi Beach in Sydney Considers Privatization

Australia's iconic Bondi Beach is reviewing a proposal that could lead to partial privatization of the area.

The Amalfi Beach Club in Sydney has submitted a plan to create an exclusive, members-only area at the renowned Bondi Beach.

A spokesperson from the Waverley Council, which governs the Bondi area, told Dinogo that the proposal was initially rejected in May due to concerns about alcohol consumption near water and the potential impact on public access during peak season.

Undeterred, the Amalfi Beach Club has reintroduced their proposal, suggesting a members-only zone at Bondi Beach from February to May 2021. The council will review the new plan before making a decision.

According to Dinogo affiliate 9 News, the Amalfi Beach Club, named after the renowned Italian coastal region, plans to introduce beachfront cabanas available for reservation. Guests who book these cabanas will also have access to food and beverage service.

In a petition shared on their Facebook page, the project's representatives stated, 'Amalfi Beach Club is a commercial initiative aimed at revitalizing Bondi Beach, supporting local businesses, and boosting community morale in the wake of the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.'

Like many other locations worldwide, Australia has experienced significant financial repercussions from the collapse of the tourism industry.

During the peak of the COVID-19 crisis, Bondi Beach was entirely closed in April 2020 as part of efforts to curb the virus’s spread. A rapid Covid-19 testing center was temporarily set up on the beach.

The Amalfi Beach Club's petition emphasizes that all cabanas will be spaced two meters apart to ensure social distancing.

Not everyone supports the idea of privatizing part of Bondi Beach. Some critics argue that restricting access to a section of the beach to only those who can afford it undermines democratic principles.

One critic commented beneath the petition, 'This is the most outrageously elitist and out-of-touch proposal I've ever come across.'

In a statement, a representative from the Waverley Council emphasized, 'Our beaches and parks are public spaces, meant for everyone to enjoy.'