Public ideas to shape the Bondi sphere

Waverley Council has turned to the community to provide insight into what residents think about Bondi Park, Bondi Beach and the Pavilion.

Held on November 17, the ‘Have Your Say Day’ community consultation encouraged locals to participate in a discussion with councillors about the future of Bondi and what the sites should be used for as part of the Bondi Beach Masterplan.

Local residents can submit their ideas up until November 30, with feedback incorporated into a draft plan of management. This is a ten year strategy Council hopes to form through public consultation and research.

Mayor Sally Betts said the significance of the initiative lay in strengthening engagement with the community and making sure their voice was heard.

“Council has already received some great ideas from the community and once we capture all of the submissions we will be able to look at what outcomes will be practical to achieve,” she said.

Liberal Councillor Joy Clayton said the consultation meant Council could improve parking on Queen Elizabeth Drive, reduce traffic congestion and provide better facilities to the area.

“A shuttle service from Bondi Junction to Bondi will encourage people to use public transport,” Ms Clayton said.

“The other interesting idea was we need more toilets and dressing room facilities down [at Bondi Beach] because of the crowds down there.”

Bondi parking activist, Shay Deguara said one idea Council should consider is the re-introduction of a Rose Bay bus service including Bondi.

“It was actually saving a lot of people time,” he said.

“Instead of getting [regular] public transport, we should restore the Rose Bay ferry bus. They would only take about eight to nine minutes from Rose Bay into Darling Harbour.”

Surf and Life Saving also needed to be regarded as an important part of the plan, particularly how Council looks to interact with its community clubs.

Councillor Dominic Kanak said community consultations are a great way of ensuring public stakeholders discussed a broad spectrum of ideas, and promoting Council accountability.

“It’s a way for local residents to not be shy about whatever ideas they want to present,” he said.

“Hopefully, the process will give Council the best balance of ideas from all stakeholders, from commercial to community to public interest.”

Ms Betts said the balanced use of the Bondi sites meant that Council could plan their recreational events proactively.

“Locals and visitors flock to our beautiful area every year to enjoy our great recreation facilities and wonderful events,” Ms Betts said.

“We need to plan for the future of our area to ensure we protect our natural beauty and heritage, while ensuring we meet the needs of the community.”