Waverley Mayor warns Bronte beachgoers over ‘revolting’ mess

Beachgoers have been warned if they don’t clean up after themselves at eastern Sydney beaches there could be consequences.

After messy Christmas Day celebrations at a popular Sydney beach caused outrage among locals, the mayor has threatened new measures to restrict bad behaviour.

Bronte Beach was left covered in rubbish after hundreds flocked to the location for Christmas Day celebrations, infuriating local residents.

Waverley Council Mayor Paula Masselos told Sky News on Tuesday that a number of preventive measures were being considered, including a larger police presence.

“There are a number of options … which would possibly look at extra police and extra rangers, but all of this actually costs quite a bit of additional money, so we need to think it through very carefully,” she said.

Another measure under consideration is limiting the amount of people allowed to gather in groups at the beach – similar to restrictions in place in the middle of the pandemic.

Waverley Mayor Paula Masselos has warned a larger police presence may be needed to prevent a repeat of the Christmas Day mess. Picture: Supplied

Local and life member of Bronte Surf Lifesaving Club David Stone said it was the “worst [he has] seen in 20 years”.

“The rubbish carnage was so bad that locals and lifeguards voluntarily joined the extra council cleaners to clear it up,” he told NCA NewsWire.

“Personally, I collected bottles, food, clothing – including underwear, broken glass and heaps of drugs paraphernalia and plastic bags.

“Sad that it was all just dropped everywhere.”

Council workers were still cleaning the space until late in the evening on Christmas Day and returned at 5am to finish the job.

Locals took to social media to vent their outrage after a ‘revolting’ mess was left behind after Christmas Day celebrations. Picture: Facebook

The parkside was littered with rubbish and possessions the following morning. Picture: Facebook

Mr Stone said he was concerned the mess would prompt the local Council to introduce a paid ticketed system for major holidays.

“It would be a shame and I would hate to see it fenced and pay for entry at prime times, but people need to take responsibility for their rubbish,” he said.

Incredible scenes shared on social media on Christmas Day showed just how packed the beach was, with very little gaps between groups on the grass and the sand.

People flocked to the beach as the temperature soared to 26C on Sunday.

Beach towels covered the shoreline as people soaked up the sun and picnic-style setups crowded every inch of grass.

Hundreds flocked to Bronte Beach on Christmas Day. Picture: Instagram

Some locals described the scene as ‘appalling’ and ‘shameful’. Picture: Facebook

Outraged by the sight, other locals flooded the comments section of the Facebook post to express their disgust.

“Appalling, such lack of respect, there should be fines enforced,” one wrote.

“Revolting. No respect,” another wrote.

“Awful! I feel for the council workers who have to clean up this disgusting mess,” a third said.

“OMG that’s shameful,” another said.

One resourceful commenter suggested that clothes and shoes abandoned on the beachside should be collected and dropped off at local second-hand stores.

“Take all the clothes and shoes to charity,” they said.

Drug paraphernalia littered the beach. Picture: Facebook

“Shame shame shame on you all who left all your belongings and your rubbish,” another wrote.

Many of the comments shared the same message of disappointment that the natural landscape would be ruined for tourists and locals.

“Disgusting. Bronte is such a beautiful place. Many people come to enjoy this beautiful beach,” one user said.

“Some people don’t have any respect,” a second said.

“Only know how to make a big party, never know how to clean up their mess,” another wrote.