Waverley Council Debates Future Of Bondi Bridge At Centre Of Terror Attack
Image: anna.coren/Instagram
The future of a bridge featured prominently in the Bondi shooting has been put on hold after councillors urged against rash decisions.
The heritage-listed bridge was used as a vantage point by the alleged Bondi gunmen during the December 14 terror attack that left 15 dead and dozens injured.
Waverley Council held an extraordinary two-and-a-half hour long meeting on Thursday night to decide the future of the bridge after it sparked public debate earlier this week, with NSW Premier Chris Minns labelling it a “ghoulish reminder” of one of the state’s darkest days.
“My personal view is that it would be better to knock down, but it’s the council’s responsibility and I understand they’re speaking with the victims and their families and I think they should have the final say,” he told media on Wednesday.
Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh acknowledged the range of views held by the community, but emphasised that the decision was not one to be rushed, referencing a 2024 council report that recommended the bridge, along with another over Park Drive, had “reached the end of their useful lives” and would require replacement within several years.
“The replacement of the bridge may form part of a future memorial,” he said.
“[But] any decision made on the future of one or both bridges will be made in an appropriate time and manner following consultation with the NSW government, Jewish community, Waverley community and the families of victims and survivors.
“We’re not making a decision on the future of one, both or either of pedestrian bridges tonight.”
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A motion was unanimously passed for council staff to prepare a report determining the “cost, timetable and approvals process for a replacement and/or restoration of both heritage-listed pedestrian bridges”. Councillors agreed discussion around a permanent memorial should be led by the state government, with the families of the victims, the council, and the Jewish community to be consulted at an as of yet undecided time.
Until then, a sculpture of a large menorah from Jewish artist Joel Adler, which was moved from Dover Heights to Archer Park on January 5, will act as a temporary memorial.
“Much work to be done”, says mayor
Councillors also passed a motion to establish dedicated mural panels along the Bondi beach promenade, which will be displayed for a year.
Tributes to some of the first responders were agreed upon, with nominations to be made to the prime minister’s special honours list to posthumously acknowledge Boris and Sofia Gurman and Reuven Morrison for their “bravery in risking and sacrificing their lives” in an attempt to stop the alleged gunmen. Ahmed al-Ahmed, Gefen Bitton and Leibel Lazaroff will be granted the “keys of the city” in recognition of their actions.
“Council remains totally committed to supporting our community through this unprecedented and unimaginable tragedy, and that includes honouring all those affected – especially the victims,” Nemesh said.
“There is much work to be done and many voices to be rightly heard, and we will keep the community updated each step of the way.”
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