Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull comes out against the “surf ban” at North Bondi

MALCOLM Turnbull has voiced his opposition to the so-called “surf ban”, revealing he does not agree with moves to prevent soft boards at North Bondi.

Vaucluse MP/Environment Minister Gabrielle Upton, North Bondi SLSC president Mark Cotter, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Cr Sally Betts and Cr Leon Goltsmann at the North Bondi SLSC AGM.

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MALCOLM Turnbull has voiced his opposition to the so-called “surf ban”, revealing he does not agree with moves to prevent soft boards at North Bondi.

The Prime Minister, who is a member of the North Bondi surf life saving club, attended the club’s annual general meeting at the weekend where Waverley Mayor John Wakefield spoke about beach safety.

“I was encouraged to hear recent statements from the Mayor of Waverley that the council has no intention to ban the use of soft boards at the north end of Bondi Beach and also that the community consultation has been extended to ensure that everyone has their say,” Mr Turnbull told The Wentworth Courier in the wake of the meeting.

The Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull presented the Australian Champions Blazers, won at Aussies in Perth in March. Photo: Wayne Gagel, Club Photographer, North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club

Cr Wakefield was forced in recent weeks to declare there was no intention to ban soft boards from North Bondi after an outcry over a council survey that floated the concept.

Three levels of government attended the North Bondi SLSC meeting at the weekend, with Mr Turnbull joined by Vaucluse MP Gabrielle Upton and Waverley mayor John Wakefield, as well as former Waverley mayor now Liberal councillor Sally Betts.

The club holds a special place in the heart of the Wentworth MP, as his father Bruce was a member.

Little Malcolm Turnbull and his dad Bruce on the beach at North Bondi.

The Prime Minister, who did Nippers with the club, completed his bronze medallion in 1974.

“We should all be grateful that the time we spend on the beach, whether by ourselves or with family, is often under the watchful and dedicated eye of a surf life saver who has chosen to dedicate their time to water safety,” Mr Turnbull said.

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