Bronte Beach backpacker trash leads mayor to vow ‘draconian’ measures could be brought in

‘Draconian measures’ could be brought in to stop a repeat of the disgusting mess left by backpackers on Christmas Day at one of Australia’s most stunning city beaches.

Bronte Beach in Sydney’s affluent eastern suburbs was turned into a rubbish dump Sunday, with empty bottles, underwear and even drug paraphernalia, strewn across nearly every inch of the reserve’s grassed area.

Now Waverley Council Mayor Paula Masselos has vowed there will be no repeat for Australia Day celebrations in January, promising much tougher action on litterbugs.

The grassed area of Sydney’s Bronte Beach was left in a disgusting state by Christmas Day revellers

Boxer shorts, t-shirts, backpacks, chip bags, and carrier bags were also spread throughout the park in an ugly vista that stretched towards the horizon

Boxer shorts, t-shirts, backpacks, chip bags, and carrier bags were also spread throughout the park in an ugly vista that stretched towards the horizon

‘I’ll be talking to our police, rangers, other officers and councils, to look at what we might be able to do to deal with this kind of situation,’ she told the Sydney Morning Herald.

‘It might be we need to put on even more patrols. It might be police. But that doesn’t stop [the problem of] what to do with all the rubbish left. There are a number of options, some more draconian than others.

‘In the first instance we want to ensure people who come enjoy themselves but we aren’t left to clean up a dreadful mess. It’s extremely antisocial, extremely rude and very aggressive.’

These measures however, are unlikely to be ready in time for New Year’s Eve celebrations.

The Mayor added that while the beach is for everybody to enjoy, she said she will not tolerate the ‘cyclone of rubbish’ left by revellers when Australia Day rolls around.

Council cleaners were still trying to clean up after the day’s celebrations at 11pm on Christmas and had to returning at 5am on Boxing Day, with residents also pitching in to help.

Waverley Council Mayor Paula Masselos says she will take 'draconian measures' to stop the beach being trashed again

Waverley Council Mayor Paula Masselos says she will take ‘draconian measures’ to stop the beach being trashed again

Large crowds made there way to Bronte Beach on Christmas Day but left the area an eyesore

Large crowds made there way to Bronte Beach on Christmas Day but left the area an eyesore

‘This level of waste is unprecedented. We did put out extra bins but they were overflowing,’ Ms Masselos said.

Among the rubbish that had be collected were abandoned clothes, shoes, towels and blankets. 

Piles of empty nitrous oxide gas cylinders, colloquially called ‘nangs’, were also spotted among the huge spread of garbage.

The gas canisters – normally used in whipped cream dispensers – can give a quick intense high when inhaled.

Elsewhere beer, water and soft drink bottles were left lying along with ditched food and drink packaging and items of clothing, including expensive sunglasses.

Beer, water and soft drink bottles were left lying along with ditched food and drink packaging and items of clothing, including pairs of high end trainers and sunglasses for cleaners to pick up after Christmas Day

Beer, water and soft drink bottles were left lying along with ditched food and drink packaging and items of clothing, including pairs of high end trainers and sunglasses for cleaners to pick up after Christmas Day

Boxer shorts, t-shirts, backpacks, balls, chip bags, and carrier bags were also spread throughout the park in an ugly vista that stretched towards the horizon.

Social media users were quick to voice their disgust at the litterbugs. 

‘Appalling, such lack of respect, there should be fines enforced,’ one wrote.

‘This is absolutely disgusting and utterly poor form,’ posted another in the Bondi Local Loop Facebook group.

Piles of empty nitrous oxide gas cylinders called 'nangs' were also spotted among the huge spread of garbage (pictured)

Piles of empty nitrous oxide gas cylinders called ‘nangs’ were also spotted among the huge spread of garbage (pictured)

One added: ‘Disgusting…Bronte is such a beautiful place. Many people come to enjoy this beautiful beach.

‘Some people don’t have any respect. Only know how to make a big party never known how to clean up their mess.

‘Shame shame shame on you all who left all your belongings and your rubbish.’

Another raged: ‘That is why locals hate backpackers who disrespect their playground. Shame on all the irresponsible people who left that mess.

‘Council will be forced to charge everyone who hasn’t a council rate to use the beach. Shame.’

But one insisted: ‘I sat down there yesterday it was full of Ozzies not just backpackers… clueless.’

The trash shame comes two years after police riot squad officer broke up an illegal Christmas Day party on the same beach, 3km south of more famous Bondi Beach.

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