The sun-drenched beaches of Wollongong, a coastal haven in New South Wales, are a quintessential part of Australian life, especially for those of us who cherish the simple pleasures of a seaside picnic. However, a new trend has emerged, causing quite a stir among locals and visitors alike, prompting the Wollongong City Council to act.
In a move that underscores the importance of fair play and community spirit, the council has installed signs at popular beachside picnic spots. These signs carry a clear message: the use of cling wrap, or any material for that matter, to enclose and reserve picnic huts is strictly prohibited.
This controversial practice has seen a surge in beachgoers attempting to claim the shaded gazebos for themselves by wrapping them in kitchen cling wrap, a tactic that has sparked debate and frustration. Lord Mayor Tania Brown expressed disappointment that such measures had to be taken to remind people of common courtesy in shared public spaces.
‘Our rangers do patrol these areas and will remove any wrapping they find,’ Brown stated, urging the public to report such behaviour to the council.
The divisive trend of kitchen cling wrap to reserve picnic gazebos is not a recent issue, with locals noting its frequent occurrence on busy days like Australia Day. One resident shared on social media that it’s a regular sight in Wollongong during the holiday, while another recalled witnessing a family in 2022 wrapping a larger double-table stone picnic shed early in the morning to secure it.
Moreover, this issue ties into the broader national debate on reserving public spaces, a topic that even Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has weighed in on. He emphasised the egalitarian nature of Australian beaches, where everyone should have equal access without the need to pay or reserve space.
Have you ever come across situations like this during your beach visits? What are your thoughts on using cling wrap or similar methods to reserve public spaces? We’d love to hear your experiences and ideas—share them in the comments below, and let’s explore ways to keep our beaches enjoyable and accessible for everyone.
Also read: Bunnings’ beach cabana sparks discussion on public beach use
