Furious locals have slammed Christmas Day revellers as ‘filthy’ after one of Australia’s most iconic beaches was left covered in 20 tonnes of rubbish.
Thousands of people descended on Coogee Beach in Sydney‘s eastern suburbs on Christmas Day, in scenes some likened to a nightclub.
But as the crowds dispersed late on Thursday evening, 20 tonnes of rubbish including cans, food packaging and abandoned cooler bags were left behind.
The disgusting scenes echo those from last year at Bronte Beach, where more than 15,000 people flocked to an unauthorised gathering dubbed ‘Orphan’s Christmas’ or ‘Backpacker Christmas’.
Waverley Council urged beachgoers to avoid Bronte this year amid safety concerns over ongoing construction work.
Bottles of alcohol, blankets, leftover cooler bags, plastic bottles and food packaging were just some of the items left behind at Coogee as council crews began a major clean-up on Friday.
Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker assured locals next year will be different, with the council to consider putting fences around the public park.
‘While we absolutely recognise how important it is for people to have a fun and enjoyable Christmas, we want it to be respectful,’ he told the Daily Telegraph.
Dozens of Aussies flocked to the beach for Christmas festivities on Thursday
Drone footage shows Coogee teeming with visitors as Sydneysiders flocked to the seaside
Thousands of people partied as music blared across speakers set up in makeshift tents
Rubbish is seen on the ground at Coogee Beach as festivities get into full-swing
Police were seen keeping an eye on the celebrations at the iconic Sydney beach
Bottles of alcohol, blankets, leftover cooler bags, plastic bottles and food were left behind
The mayor thanked council workers for their efforts in a statement on Facebook.
‘In total, more than 20 tonnes of rubbish was picked up and sent to the tip in four truck-loads,’ he said.
‘Staff used beach rakes, footpath sweepers, high-pressure hoses and hands-on cleaning to clear rubbish and clean toilets, sand and grassed areas.
‘While many people behaved responsibly, it’s disappointing that some chose to litter heavily and urinate in public spaces.’
Locals were also left unimpressed by the sight, taking to social media to blast revellers for leaving so much rubbish behind.
‘Some people are filthy f***ing pigs. All the rubbish at Coogee Beach yesterday. f***ing disgusting. No excuse for those stinking maggots,’ one man wrote.
‘Sick of those f***ing backpackers trashing beaches on Christmas Day. Bronte was off the list this year so they went to Coogee and trashed it,’ another said. ‘It’s about time councils started charging entry fee to make the pigs pay for the clean-up.’
Others thanked the council workers for the mammoth clean-up efforts.
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Bins were overflowing with rubbish as the sun began to set at Coogee Beach
Council workers returned to Coogee on Friday morning to clean up and look for broken glass
‘Randwick Council has done an incredible job and there are now locals combing the ground for broken glass,’ one woman said. ‘I have no issue but there ought to be some responsibility for the mess… hasn’t been like that for over a decade.’
Another added: ‘We cannot continue to destroy the only planet we have to live on’.
Despite reminders from the Randwick Council that Coogee Beach and the nearby park were alcohol-free zones, drinks were flowing on Christmas Day.
The riot squad made an appearance at the festivities, however, no arrests were made.
Smaller-than-usual crowds were spotted at Bondi and Bronte Beach.
While the iconic beach was busy, the tourist mecca seemed quieter than in previous years as the nation mourns the horrific Bondi attack.
In the wake of the shooting, a flower memorial floral memorial lingered on the footbridge, while police patrolled the promenade.
