A major Christmas gathering by backpackers at a popular beach in Australia has sparked outrage among local residents. The festive event at Sydney’s Coogee beach on December 25 led to the area being littered with trash, prompting the local council to initiate a massive cleanup operation.
Numerous party attendees adorned in Santa hats and holding drinks enjoyed the sunny Christmas Day festivities, but many were dismayed by the heaps of garbage left behind. Criticism was directed at individuals who transformed the picturesque beach into an unsightly mess, as reported by the Express.
Randwick Council announced that cleanup efforts had begun following the large backpacker Christmas party. The council expressed gratitude to the lifeguards, rangers, and waste management staff for their hard work in challenging circumstances on Christmas Day.
The mayor took to Facebook to commend the council workers for their tireless work. Over 20 tonnes of rubbish were collected and disposed of in four truckloads. The cleanup involved the use of various tools and techniques such as beach rakes, high-pressure hoses, and manual cleaning to restore the beach and surrounding areas.
While acknowledging that most individuals behaved responsibly, the mayor expressed disappointment over the heavy littering and public urination that occurred. Some defended those responsible for the mess, while others condemned the lack of respect shown to the cherished location.
In response to the cleanup efforts, one Facebook user thanked the workers for their dedication, lamenting the mistreatment of the beautiful beach. However, differing opinions emerged, with some urging leniency towards the partygoers and appreciating the opportunity for people to unwind during the holiday season.
Overall, the incident prompted a mixed reaction among locals, with calls for greater responsibility and respect for the environment from those attending large gatherings.