Bec Judd, politicians fired up over possible Bayside barbecue ban
Former WAG Bec Judd has fired up over a Bayside plan to ban backyard barbecues, which has also sparked claims it would rob indigenous people of their right to celebrate their culture.
Inner South
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Former WAG Rebecca Judd has fired-up over Bayside Council’s “ridiculous” plan to ban barbecues.
It comes as the slated prohibition on wood and charcoal outdoor cooking looks set to become a key election issue for councillors, with one politician saying he’ll lead a protest against the idea “armed with barbecue tongs”.
Speaking on her KIIS FM radio segment 3pm Pick-up on Tuesday (August 18), Judd said the idea was “un-Australian”.
The fact the proposal was sparked by just three complaints a year had also got her hot under the collar.
“Based on three complaints — that’s all you need these days to challenge a local law,” she said.
“I’m going to get on the website and I’m going to do the survey and I’m going to object because it’s just ridiculous, it’s un-Australian.”
If enacted the ban would make it illegal to use fire pits, chimeneas, wood or charcoal fuelled barbecues, or wood-fired pizza ovens.
Doing so could attract a fine of more than $3300.
Concerns have also been raised about whether traditional Welcome to Country smoking ceremonies would be able to go ahead.
The past few years has seen a marked increase smoking ceremonies being performed at local primary schools and kindergartens in Bayside, with schools keen to promote indigenous culture at major events, including fetes and assemblies.
One Bayside resident, who did not want to be named, said he had “grave concerns” the proposed ban could mean indigenous members of the community would “no longer be able to celebrate their culture”.
“Surely council can’t implement this ban — it is clearly disrespectful to indigenous culture,” he said.
Bayside Mayor Clarke Martin moved quickly to allay concerns, ruling out a prohibition on smoking ceremonies in the municipality.
“Rest assured, we would never consider banning indigenous smoking ceremonies,” he said.
“We recognise the Boon Wurrung people are the traditional inhabitants of the land that now comprises the City of Bayside and respect and appreciate their traditions, values and customs.”
The matter is set for further consultation early next year and the Leader understands the proposal has also sparked ire among councillors with many “utterly embarrassed” this has even entered the arena of public debate.
“The council elections could honestly come down to this one issue — whether or not a councillor is for or against a ban on barbecues,” one source said.
“It’s just ridiculous that this is even being contemplated.”
Brighton state Liberal MP James Newbury said school fundraising could also suffer under the ban, with sausage sizzles and wood-fired pizzas “at every school fete around”.
“Having a barbecue in your backyard is an Aussie right,” he said.
“I’m happy to lead a protest to Bayside Council to stop the ban, armed with barbecue tongs.”
Cr Martin said so far he didn’t see “any appetite for banning solid-fuel barbecues in Bayside”.
“We’re listening to our residents and seeing if there’s community support, as part of a larger consultation on local laws,” he said.
Residents have until September 18 to have their say.
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