Council considers reopening Sydney’s Bondi Beach

Four weeks after mass breaches of Coronavirus restrictions led to its closure, Waverley Council is considering reopening Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach.

With access to the beach still blocked by a large cyclone fence, Waverley Council is reported to be weighing up options to reopen the popular stretch of sand, where people continue to gather to exercise on the adjacent promenade and nearby grass.

With some residents calling for the beach, along with others in Sydney’s Eastern suburbs, to be reopened, the Council is also mindful that some are still gaining access to the sand in order to surf.

Commenting on the status of the beach, a Waverley Council spokeswoman told the ABC "Council continues to closely review the situation at our beaches alongside restrictions in place.

"We are however considering the aspirations of residents for access to the water for exercise.

"Council expects to advise the community in the near future as to whether a relaxation of restrictions is possible and, if so, what the likely timeframe for such a relaxation would be."

The spokeswoman said Waverley Council was speaking with NSW Police and Health about the possibility of reopening the beach, adding “it is clear that public gatherings on beaches cannot be permitted.”

Beaches in Sydney's north remain open for exercise, as do several harbour beaches.

Image: Lifeguards enforce the closure of Bondi Beach on 22nd March. Image courtesy of Waverley Council.