Bondi’s Amalfi Beach Club manager receives death threats over controversial bar

An ugly stoush over a plan to fence off part of Bondi Beach for a bar and restaurant has turned toxic with NSW Police now investigating death threats.

An emotional battle over a plan to fence off part of Bondi Beach for a bar and restaurant has turned toxic amid death threats, legal letters and a government Minister refusing to be “silenced”.

Amalfi Beach Club project manager Janek Gazecki says NSW Police are investigating numerous personal death threats made against him on Instagram and Facebook.

The threats were made in ­November last year and say Mr Gazecki should “sleep with one eye open” and “make sure you have plenty of life insurance”.

Screenshots of death threats received by Amalfi Beach Club Bondi project manager Janek Gazecki.

The threats also said Mr Gazecki should be banned from Bondi Beach and that he is “un-Australian”.

“It is an emotional situation and we’ve been through hell,” Mr Gazecki said.

“My wife has been in tears at times because of this.”

Mr Gazecki released screenshots of the online threats to The Sunday Telegraph.

Planning Minister Rob Stokes has said he will not be silenced in his opposition to the plan after receiving a legal letter from Mr Gazecki.

Janek Gazecki at Bondi Beach where he plans to fence off part of the beach for a restaurant and bar. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Joel Carrett

The design for the proposed Amalfi Beach Club. Picture: Supplied

“My opposition to this proposal has nothing to do with the proponent, but everything to do with ensuring our beaches remain free and open to all,” Mr Stokes said.

“I’ve received threats of legal action for speaking out against this. I will not be silenced on this matter.”

Mr Gazecki confirmed his lawyers had sent the letter, after Mr Gazecki was concerned by previous comments made by Mr Stokes that the beach club is “elitist and un-Australian”.

There’s no suggestion Mr Stokes had any involvement in the death threats received by Mr Gazecki.

This week Amalfi Beach Club ­released a Facebook video saying off site “construction will start next week”.

Screenshots of death threats received by Amalfi Beach Club Bondi project manager Janek Gazecki.

But Mr Stokes has again poured cold water on the plan, saying: “This proposal isn’t going to happen. It’s privatisation of prime public space.”

“Bondi is Australia’s most iconic beach and the public want free access to it,” Mr Stokes added.

“This proposal would see shipping containers on Bondi Beach throughout the whole of summer.

“It’s privatisation of prime public space and it crosses a line in the sand.”

Amalfi Beach Club is yet to lodge a development application with Waverley Council.

For the 800 sqm temporary beach club to come alive it needs ­approval from Mr Stokes because it is on Crown Land.

Originally published as Bondi’s Amalfi Beach Club manager receives death threats over controversial bar