North shore: COVID-19 crowd caps for popular beaches, ovals over summer

Crowd numbers will be capped at beaches and ovals across Sydney’s north shore over the next four months as police and local councils prepare for an influx of sun-lovers at popular outdoor sites across the region. SEE THE LIMITS:

Numbers will be capped at beaches including Balmoral over summer.

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Caps on the number of people flocking to beaches on the lower north shore are set to come into force over summer as police and council authorities aim to maintain social distancing and limit the spread of COVID-19.

A range of crowd control measures for 10 beaches and outdoor areas are included in a COVID-19 Summer Action Plan by Mosman Council covering popular drawcards including Balmoral Beach, Chinamans Beach, Clifton Gardens Beach and Allan Border Oval.

The plan comes after photos of large numbers flocking to Balmoral earlier this year were met with condemnation across social media and sparked increased patrols by council rangers.

Police look over outdoor gym equipment at Balmoral as part of COVID-19 patrols earlier this year.

Plans by the council show two dedicated COVID-19 safety officers will be deployed until February to patrol outdoor areas, monitor crowd numbers and educate the public on compliance.

In line with NSW public health orders, gatherings of more than 20 people will be banned, physical distancing of 1.5m will be encouraged where possible, and outdoor bookings including wedding ceremonies will be restricted to strict social distancing requirements.

Numbers at Balmoral Beach and Baths will be capped at a maximum of 4000 people – on par with the 4000 limit at Edwards Beach and the 5000 capacity at Rosherville Reserve. Limits of 2000 people will also be enforced at Chinamans Beach and Little Sirius Cove.

A 4000 person limit will be enforced at Balmoral Beach.

The proposed restrictions show crowds numbers will be counted and monitored four times a day while council staff monitor social media posts and share advice on social distancing to relevant online forums.

When outdoor areas reach 75 to 95 per cent capacity, the council’s compliance manager will be contacted as staff prepare carparks for closure.

And in scenarios where crowds exceed 95 per cent capacity, police will be called to assist clearing outdoor areas, carry out crowd management and cordon-off entry points to carparks.

Walking tracks will also be monitored.

The limits are in line with other beachside council regions across Sydney including neighbouring Northern Beaches Council which has set low tide crowd thresholds of 4000 people at Manly, 2000 at Collaroy, and 3000 at Narrabeen over summer.

There are also 2800 person limits at Clovelly, 7400 limits in Coogee and 19,900 person caps at Maroubra under limits set by Randwick Council.

Mosman Council said the measures will be promoted through COVID-19 branded signage in outdoor areas, increased social media posts and patrols, and safety officers talking with the public to discuss social distancing.

Social distancing measures will remain in play for popular restaurants.

Rangers would also speak to groups on beaches and outdoor areas exceeding 20 people, and will contact the council’s compliance manager if the group refuses to move on.

There are no caps on the number of people using local walking tracks but with increased usage expected, the council said it would closely monitor numbers in popular areas including the Bondi to Manly Walk.

Other measures outlined in the plan include staff being put on notice ahead of periods of hot weather and events anticipated to attract large crowds.

There will also be increased cleaning of public toilets and dedicated “escalation points” in scenarios when beaches or other outdoor areas are required to be closed.

A council spokeswoman said the COVID-19 safety officers would be responsible for monitoring and counting estimated gathering sizes.

She said an additional health officer would also continue to patrol food outlets near beaches and open spaces to ensure social distancing is adhered to.

The measures are due to be debated and endorsed at a council meeting on Tuesday.

THE LIMITS

– Balmoral Beach and Baths – 4000 person limit

– Edwards Beach – 4000 person limit

– Chinamans beach – 2000 person limit

– Rosherville Reserve – 5000 person limit

– Little Sirius cove and Sirius Park Reserve – 2000 person limit

– Clifton Gardens Beach Baths and Reserve – 6300 person limit

– Hunter Park – 2000 person limit

– Spit West Reserve – 5300 person limit

– Balmoral Oval – 7000 person limit

– Allan Border Oval – 5000 person limit