More rangers, CCTV to potentially patrol Diamond Bay selfie thrillseekers

Waverley Council is looking at a range of measures targeting tourists risking their lives for selfies on the rocks at Diamond Bay, but one local resident says the situation “is still nuts” and the death-defying trend shows no signs of stopping.

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Waverley Council will crack down on thrillseekers risking their lives for a picturesque selfie at Diamond Bay, passing a motion this week to investigate a range of measures to halt daredevil tourists from plunging to their deaths.

Nearby residents have campaigned for action since tourists began descending on the affluent suburb in droves in April, climbing barricades to hang from the rocks in a bid to score likes on Instagram.

Locals claimed a social media post from the location, which went viral, sparked the craze around Easter and now shows no sign of slowing down.

Residents near the Diamond Bay Reserve say dozens of people are still taking the risk on the rocks at weekends. Picture: Supplied

“It’s still nuts,” neighbour Michael Hyams said.

“There hasn’t been any sign of it slowing down. The only time it does is when it rains.”

The proposal put forward by councillor Will Nemesh on Tuesday seeks that council prepare a report by September on the potential for increased ranger patrols, more CCTV and the addition of a viewing platform to encourage tourists to enjoy the views in a safe way.

Mr Hyams, who originally alerted council to the death-defying trend, believes the issue needs to be sorted out sooner rather than later.

The proposal was carried unanimously, though residents are concerned council’s action will take too long with a report due in September looking at a range of measures. Picture: Supplied

“This is a step in the right direction,” he said.

“But this needed to be sorted out six weeks ago.

“The only concern I have ever had is that people are putting themselves in danger, if (the proposal) increases the number of tourists, great, just put more bins around the area.”

The tourist hotspot was again in the news last month when daredevil highliners walked a tightrope over the gully.

“If for any reason they fell there would be only one result,” councillor Sally Betts said.

The proposal was carried unanimously, though deputy mayor Dominic Wy Kanak said the report should canvass the thoughts of rock fisherman who fish from the same location.