Volleyball on Bondi and Tamarama beaches under review after complaints of risk to beachgoers
Australia’s most famous beaches may restrict volleyball following complaints the sport poses a risk to other beachgoers.
Informal games of beach volleyball are a regular sight at Sydney’s Bondi and Tamarama beaches, which allow three and four nets respectively.
Players bring their own equipment and must comply with a stringent set of rules imposed by Waverley Council, including that soft balls be used and that the activity must not interfere with other beachgoers.
But complaints have prompted the local council to review the practice, as first reported by the Sydney Morning Heraldon Sunday.
The council is currently consulting beachgoers and the Herald reported the feedback could either lead to new restrictions, a reduction in net numbers or the prohibition of volleyball altogether.
The mayor of Waverley Council, Paula Masselos, said it was too early to discuss potential outcomes from the review, including the prospect of any ban.
“It is inappropriate to speculate on the potential outcomes of the consultation when the consultation hasn’t been completed yet and a report is yet to come to council,” Masselos told the Guardian in a statement.
A council spokeswoman said the community complaints related to the “location” of the courts and compliance with the rules.
“Council greatly values the views of our community and as is usual practice at Waverley, we undertake comprehensive community engagement to better understand what our residents think and want,” the spokeswoman said.
“We are now reaching out to our community as we are keen to hear if people think the rules of play for volleyball on Bondi and Tamarama beaches are adequate, if players are complying with the rules and if the number and
location of beach volleyball courts is sufficient or if it needs to change.”
The council will close consultation on 17 May. The feedback will then be considered by council. It may then conduct “further investigation” or review the rules of play.
The current rules allow council staff discretion to limit the number of court spaces available if there’s potential conflict with other beach users.
The games must not be part of an “organised competition”, and there can be no bookings, no permanent fixtures, and no commercial activity.