Aussies fume over council's plan to end favourite beach activity: ‘Make life as hard and uncomfortable’
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The Australian beach lifestyle is one of the most cherished aspects of living in this country.
From the iconic surf culture to the simple pleasure of a family picnic by the sea, our beaches are central to the Australian way of life.
However, a recent decision by the Town of Cambridge council in Perth has sparked a wave of controversy among beachgoers and residents alike.
In a move that has left many locals fuming, the council has decided to turn off the hot water at public showers at the popular City Beach.
This decision, made with only a few days' notice, is part of a broader strategy to deter illegal campers from using the amenities.
The council's actions have been met with significant pushback from the community, with many arguing that the measure is a heavy-handed response to a complex issue.
The council's rationale for the decision is rooted in the problems associated with illegal camping, which has reportedly led to increased use of public facilities, putting pressure on council services.
The rise in litter and rubbish has necessitated more frequent waste removal, and rangers have been issuing infringements and monitoring the area with CCTV as part of the crackdown.
Yet, the council's approach has been criticised as a 'backward step' by many, including those who sympathised with the plight of the homeless and budget travellers.
The sentiment online has been one of disappointment and anger, with comments describing the move as 'cruel' and 'nasty.'
‘Make life as hard and uncomfortable as possible for those who have nowhere to sleep,’ one man wrote.
For regular beach users, the lack of hot showers is more than just an inconvenience; it's a blow to their beachgoing experience.
‘I swim year-round in the ocean at City Beach, and the thought of a warm shower after a winter swim is something that I thoroughly look forward to,’ one ocean swimmer wrote.
‘Plenty of locals enjoy a hot shower and no harm being done,’ another said.
Kelton Hincks, Acting CEO at the Town of Cambridge council, has defended the measure, stating that it 'aims to keep City Beach clean and safe for all beachgoers’.
‘This was an administrative decision made to address the issue of illegal camping at City Beach,’ he said.
However, he has not directly addressed the community's concerns about the decision's impact on legitimate users of the beach amenities.
The issue of illegal camping is not unique to City Beach or the Town of Cambridge.
Across Australia, councils are grappling with how to manage this challenge. In Exmouth, Western Australia, a new campground is being constructed at $200,000 to provide a legal camping option and protect the local environment from the damage caused by illegal camping.
Meanwhile, in Queensland, Noosa Shire Council has increased fines for illegal camping and is even threatening to tow vehicles believed to be breaking the rules.
Have you been affected by similar council decisions? Do you have ideas on how to address illegal camping without penalising law-abiding citizens? Join the conversation in the comments below!
From the iconic surf culture to the simple pleasure of a family picnic by the sea, our beaches are central to the Australian way of life.
However, a recent decision by the Town of Cambridge council in Perth has sparked a wave of controversy among beachgoers and residents alike.
In a move that has left many locals fuming, the council has decided to turn off the hot water at public showers at the popular City Beach.
This decision, made with only a few days' notice, is part of a broader strategy to deter illegal campers from using the amenities.
The council has decided to turn off hot water at public showers at City Beach in the Town of Cambridge. Credit: Town of Cambridge website
The council's actions have been met with significant pushback from the community, with many arguing that the measure is a heavy-handed response to a complex issue.
The council's rationale for the decision is rooted in the problems associated with illegal camping, which has reportedly led to increased use of public facilities, putting pressure on council services.
The rise in litter and rubbish has necessitated more frequent waste removal, and rangers have been issuing infringements and monitoring the area with CCTV as part of the crackdown.
Yet, the council's approach has been criticised as a 'backward step' by many, including those who sympathised with the plight of the homeless and budget travellers.
The sentiment online has been one of disappointment and anger, with comments describing the move as 'cruel' and 'nasty.'
‘Make life as hard and uncomfortable as possible for those who have nowhere to sleep,’ one man wrote.
For regular beach users, the lack of hot showers is more than just an inconvenience; it's a blow to their beachgoing experience.
‘I swim year-round in the ocean at City Beach, and the thought of a warm shower after a winter swim is something that I thoroughly look forward to,’ one ocean swimmer wrote.
‘Plenty of locals enjoy a hot shower and no harm being done,’ another said.
Kelton Hincks, Acting CEO at the Town of Cambridge council, has defended the measure, stating that it 'aims to keep City Beach clean and safe for all beachgoers’.
‘This was an administrative decision made to address the issue of illegal camping at City Beach,’ he said.
However, he has not directly addressed the community's concerns about the decision's impact on legitimate users of the beach amenities.
The issue of illegal camping is not unique to City Beach or the Town of Cambridge.
Across Australia, councils are grappling with how to manage this challenge. In Exmouth, Western Australia, a new campground is being constructed at $200,000 to provide a legal camping option and protect the local environment from the damage caused by illegal camping.
Meanwhile, in Queensland, Noosa Shire Council has increased fines for illegal camping and is even threatening to tow vehicles believed to be breaking the rules.
