Ice on the sands of Bondi

The ice rink returns to Bondi from June 30 to July 17, bigger than before and now on Bondi Beach causing some concern over its impact.

Waverley Council and Echelot director Martin Kratky, organiser of Bondi Bergstation and the Winter Festival,  decided to move the ice rink which last year was on the hill.

Mayor Sally Betts said there had been some damage to the grass last year and it was deemed to have less impact on the sand.

“The rink will be right up next to the promenade in South Bondi. You walk on the promenade and step on to the ice rink,” she said.

“It’s a lovely treat for local kids. It’s an experience none of them get to have and it’s the middle of winter. I don’t think the rink will get in anyone’s way.”

The mayor said the council would make sure the beach was left in pristine condition.

“It’s our beach and we all use it. We won’t do anything to harm it.”

But local Alex Rees said there was a risk of bits of debris being left on the sand as he claims there was after the Olympics.

“They were digging bits up for years. How much money will need to be spent ameliorating the beach after the event? That beach has to be cared for, not just have things plonked on it,” he said.

“The other issue is that the beach is public space and it should not be restricted to those who have the money to enter the rink.”

Labor councillor Ingrid Strewe supported the move to the sand.

“It was ugly in the park and people couldn’t see into it. It will have less impact on the sand and it keeps the park open to the public.”

She also denied there was any debris left after the Olympics.

“The council made sure there was nothing left on the beach,” she said.

“Waverley kids don’t get to see ice and snow. If people don’t want it they should let us know.”

Mr Kratky said the ice rink was 900 square metres, 50 per cent larger this year, and more costly due to new technology from the Netherlands used to set up the ice.

He said the ice would be cleaned after every session and would be covered when not in use so sand can’t blow on it. The company will be paying for all cleaning, during and after the event.

It is recommended booking for weekends and evenings and people are invited to nominate a charity on facebook as two will be chosen to support. Go to facebook.com/bondibergstation.