Beach Spot Reservation Concerns in Victoria
Concerns have resurfaced in Victoria, particularly on the Mornington Peninsula, regarding beachgoers reserving prime spots with cabanas and umbrellas for extended periods without immediate occupation. This practice, often seen at locations like Safety Beach, has led to frustration among local residents and other visitors.
Specific Issues and Locations
- Safety Beach: Early morning setup of marquees and cabanas, followed by hours of vacancy, has been reported. Residents note that this limits space for others and sometimes results in abandoned equipment.
- Rye: Similar issues of densely packed, unoccupied shelters creating limited space for other beachgoers have been observed.
- Capel Sound: In contrast, campers at Capel Sound reported no issues with overcrowding or abandoned shelters, noting that their multiple marquees are typically in constant use by large family groups.
Perspectives on the Practice
- Local Residents: Residents like Adam from Safety Beach expressed frustration over reserved spots impeding local access and the issue of left-behind broken equipment.
- Holidaymakers: Helen Nelson, a holidaymaker, noted the lack of space for individuals to place a towel due to extensive setups.
- Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh: Stated that while overall beach behavior has improved, the issue of empty, reserved cabanas remains a concern. He emphasized that beaches are public assets and cannot be reserved, urging people to use the beach but not claim stakes for later return. He also cited safety concerns related to large setups at isolated spots like The Pillars.
- Victoria Police Acting Superintendent Tim Hayward: Acknowledged the practice of leaving shelters vacant as "rude" but reported no official complaints this year.
Broader Context and Expert Commentary
- State-wide Issue: The practice is also noted in other popular destinations such as Lorne on the Surf Coast and the Bellarine Peninsula.
- Previous Public Discourse: Tensions over vacant shelters flared last summer, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declaring the practice "not on."
- Increased Beach Visits: The discussion coincides with a significant increase in visits to patrolled Victorian beaches, reaching 5.4 million in 2024-25, up from 3.75 million the previous year.
- Psychological Impact: Swinburne University Associate Professor Katie Wood suggested that Australians' collective possessiveness of beach access can lead to feelings of unfairness and upset when this access is perceived as compromised.
- Sun Protection Aspect: University of Melbourne senior lecturer Sophie Paquet-Field highlighted cabanas' role in sun protection but noted issues with improper use and rotation. She proposed communal shelters to encourage sun-safe behavior and potentially reduce conflict.