Mornington Peninsula nude beach anger: locals want straying Sunnyside nudists to stay in their patch
NAKED beachgoers are straying from an infamous Mt Eliza nudist beach to a nearby family-friendly one, and locals are fed up with the sleaze.
South East
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NAKED beachgoers are straying from an infamous Mt Eliza nudist beach to a nearby family-friendly one, and locals are fed up with the sleaze.
Startled parents and dog-walkers are sick of nudists from the designated “clothing optional” Sunnyside Beach taking up residence on the southern end of neighbouring Moondah Beach.
Not only that, some have been spotted having sex in the bushes.
A Mt Eliza parent, who didn’t give his name, said he’d “need more than two hands” to count how many times he’s seen nudists acting lewdly on Moondah Beach.
“It pains me to see what is happening to this beautiful family-orientated beach,” he said.
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He said he had no issue with those of the “naturalist persuasion”, provided they stayed at Sunnyside.
“I have always enjoyed a walk with my family along Moondah Beach and have encouraged the children’s curiosity searching through the rock pools, however, I no longer will allow it,” he said.
“Not only because of the questions it raises but their exposure to the seedy atmosphere and overt nudity.”
Earlier this month he said he saw six people hiding in the bushes, some committing lewd acts, and a passer-by allegedly filming the scene on his mobile phone.
He said he knew of numerous other parents who had spotted nudity and indecent behaviour in the area.
Mornington Leading Senior Constable Ashley Fletcher said police got about three reports a month of nude bathers outside the designated area or performing sexual acts on the beach.
“It’s been an ongoing issue for 18 years since I’ve been here,” he said.
“If you want to bathe naked, do it in the designated area.”
He said police patrolled the area regularly, day and night, and they had laid charges in the past.
Nudists acting inappropriately can be charged with obscene or indecent exposure, sexual exposure or the more serious offence of sexual activity.
The southern end of Moondah Beach is separated from Sunnyside nudist beach by rocks.
The Frankston Leader last week spotted a number of naked bathers in the wrong area straying off Sunnyside.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Environment Protection manager John Rankine said enforcement was a matter for police and the scope of the council’s involvement was to maintain beach and car park signage and to work with police on community education.
But Sen-Constable Fletcher said signs were not visible enough.
“Council will liaise directly with local police to ensure the matter is given significant attention and priority,” Mr Rankine said.