Plans revealed to close Balls Head Reserve, Waverton for New Year’s Eve after report into major damage caused by revellers

A popular harbourside reserve could be closed as a premium vantage point for the New Year’s Eve fireworks after a damning report reveals destruction to the area from crowds.

Environmental damage caused by hoards of spectators flocking to Sydney’s New Year’s Eve firework show has prompted a north shore council to consider shutting down one of the harbour’s premium viewing spots.

Balls Head Reserve at Waverton could be closed for this year’s New Year’s Eve festivities following a damning report card detailing the amount of destruction left behind by huge crowds at last year’s event.

Newly released images by North Sydney Council have revealed some revellers flouted high-visibility rope fencing and signage to trample into sensitive bushland areas.

The damage included trees and shrubs snapped off or ripped out of the ground in order to remove foliage obstructing views towards the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Tracks were also trampled through bushland areas and young plants were crushed under picnic blankets and shelter tents.

The view from Balls Head Reserve in North Sydney. Picture: Tim Hunter.

A photo of trampled native ground cover.

Trees and plans were damaged during this year’s firework festivities.

The 10ha reserve had hundreds of revellers pack into foreshore areas with the large crowd resulting in some attendees spilling out of formal vantage points into bushland areas.

North Sydney Mayor Zoe Baker said she was disheartened by the damage which also included impacts on Aboriginal heritage site.

“It’s compelling, the environmental damage that was caused, and there’s also safety concerns given there’s a number of steep cliff edges and drop offs in the area,” she said.

A photo of impacted areas.

The proposed closure would apply during New Year’s Eve.

“When you consider how long it takes for bush to regenerate, any damage is concerning and as a council we have a responsibility as the caretaker of the site.

“It's a great location to see the fireworks but at the same time there’s a risk of loving a place to death.”

A report by North Sydney Council has recommended closing the reserve during upcoming New Year’s Eve events with the closure to be enforced through fencing and security guards at a cost of $16,800.

The reserve has more than 190 plant species.

Branches and trees were snapped in order to improve views.

The council report flagged there may be “negative community reaction” and “potential for confrontation with security staff” however the closure would prevent damage to the reserve’s bushland.

An alternative plan to keep the reserve open as a ticketed event is also being considered however a council report warned “extensive communications would be required”.

Councillors will vote on whether to proceed with the closure at a meeting next week.

A photo of tracks caused by the large crowd.

Other damage to the area caused during last year’s event included soil becoming destabilised by foot traffic as well impacts on erosion due to vegetation removal.

The reserve has operated as an unmanaged vantage point with no council supervision, no enforcement of alcohol restrictions, no limit on attendees, nor an emergency evacuation plan.

According to the council, the growing crowd numbers have led to a “cycle of declining vegetative cover” and other damage which has required “rehabilitation resources to be reallocated from other more ecologically significant areas”.

Councillors will vote on the proposed closure next week.

Ms Baker said if the closure goes ahead, other parts of Waverton would still be able to be accessed during New Year’s Eve including Carradah Park, Waverton Park and the Coal Loader.

Balls Head Reserve has more than 190 native plant species with the area maintained by volunteers and council bush regeneration teams.