Waverley Council has deferred a decision regarding the future of two heritage-listed pedestrian bridges at Bondi Beach, including one involved in an incident on December 14. An extraordinary council meeting addressed the bridges' structural issues, memorial plans for the 15 fatalities and multiple hospitalizations, and recognition for individuals who demonstrated bravery. The council emphasized the need for extensive consultation with victims' families, the Jewish community, the state government, and the wider Waverley community before making final determinations.
Footbridge Structural Status and Public Debate
A 2024 engineering report identified both footbridges, including one over the Bondi Beach parking area, as nearing the end of their useful life and requiring replacement due to structural reasons.
The future of the bridge associated with the December 14 incident has generated public debate. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns expressed a personal view that the bridge should be demolished to prevent it from becoming a "ghoulish reminder" or being exploited. In contrast, numerous community members advocated for its retention, describing it as "integral to the Bondi landscape," a "symbol of resilience and unity," and a "place of cohesion." Suggestions included decorating the bridge with mosaic tiles conveying messages of "light, compassion and healing." Former Waverley Council mayor Sally Betts emphasized the importance of retaining the bridge as a reminder.
Councilors unanimously passed a motion for staff to prepare a report detailing the cost, timetable, and approval process for replacing or restoring both bridges. Mayor Will Nemesh stated that this motion aimed to initiate further assessment rather than finalize the bridges' future, confirming that any decision would be made at an appropriate time after broad consultation.
Memorial Plans and Temporary Measures
The state government will lead discussions with victims' families, Waverley Council, and the Jewish community concerning a permanent memorial. The timeline for this consultation process remains undetermined and is anticipated to be lengthy.
In the interim, several temporary memorial measures have been implemented or proposed:
- A giant menorah sculpture by artist Joel Adler, initially commissioned for Hanukkah celebrations, was relocated from Dover Heights to Archer Park in Bondi on January 5. Archer Park was the site of the targeted Jewish celebration. This sculpture serves as a temporary memorial for the 15 individuals affected.
- The council agreed to designate space on the Bondi Beach Sea Wall for mural panels displaying commemorative artworks for one year.
- Proposals for a basketball half-court at Bondi Park, which would have occupied a significant portion of the area where fatalities occurred, are being withdrawn. The new proposal suggests relocating the half-court to the southern end of the beach, adjacent to the skate park.
Mayor Nemesh indicated that bridge replacement could be incorporated into future discussions about a permanent memorial.
Recognition for Bravery
The council resolved to nominate Boris and Sofia Gurman and Reuven Morrison for posthumous commendation on the Prime Minister’s Special Honours List for their actions during the incident.
Additionally, Ahmed al-Ahmed, Gefen Bitton, and Leibel Lazaroff are to be granted "The Key to the City" and lifetime Waverley Council Beach Passes in recognition of their involvement.
During the meeting, a representative of the Bondi Surf Life Club shared an account of the attack and the community's subsequent support.
Council's Stance
Deputy Mayor Keri Spooner expressed regret over the public discussion surrounding the bridge, stating it had diverted focus from the tragedy and the loss of lives. She emphasized that extensive consultation was necessary before definitive statements. The council affirmed its commitment to honoring victims, survivors, and those who acted heroically.