Survey shows overwhelming support for Melbourne’s only clothing optional beach
The results of a controversial survey on the future of Melbourne’s last nude beach have finally been released. SEE THE RESULTS
South East
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Melbourne’s only nude beach has won overwhelming support from naturists around Australia, but a handful of local residents could still see it closed.
A community survey run by Mornington Peninsula Shire has revealed more than 3000 people want a clothing optional beach at Mt Eliza retained.
However, the council is expected to give greater emphasis to the opinions of 94 locals when it considers the future of Sunnyside North beach at an upcoming meeting.
The survey, held in April, revealed 3865 people wanted to continue to allow nudity at the beach while 420 wanted its clothing option status revoked.
Naturists encouraged fans of the beach to lend their support to the survey via social media.
The council proactively targeted local residents during the survey and of the 94 who responded 80 don’t want naturists nearby and just 14 are in favour of beachgoers stripping off.
At previous meetings the council argued that while the beach was a valuable tourist attraction, the views of ratepayers should be given greater weight than visitors.
The council will consider the survey results and debate the future of the beach on December 6.
“We want to thank everyone who took part in this survey and thank them for their patience while we analysed the results,” Mayor Steve Holland said.
“Council will carefully weigh up the wishes of both nearby residents and the broader community when making a decision on next steps.”
The future of Sunnyside North was raised at a February council meeting after concerns were raised about anti-social behaviour including drug use and sexual activities in the carpark and along the foreshore.
A report tabled at the meeting revealed while the issues weren’t solely associated with the clothing optional section of the beach, it was a difficult area for police to patrol.
There are three clothing optional beaches in Victoria including Sunnyside North, Point Impossible Beach, Torquay and Southside Beach near Point Addis.