Port Stephens Council is running an educational compliance campaign over the Australia Day long weekend from 25 to 27 January targeting unattended items such as cabanas being used to reserve spots at our popular beaches.
Mayor Leah Anderson acknowledged the significant community feedback about cabanas being left on Port Stephens beaches for days at a time during the holiday period.
"Our beaches are one of our greatest assets, available for everyone to enjoy, but over the past few weeks it's been disappointing to hear that families and locals are finding it impossible to secure a spot due to unattended cabanas being left overnight or for multiple days," Mayor Anderson said.
"Personal items, especially large items like cabanas, shouldn't be left unattended in public spaces for extended periods."
Unattended items left in public places can be reported to Council Rangers who will investigate and may take enforcement action if needed.
"In response to this feedback, our Rangers will be increasing their presence at Fly Point, Little Beach and Shoal Bay over the Australia Day weekend, trialling an educational and compliance initiative," Mayor Anderson said.
As part of the trial, signage will be installed at key locations, posters will be displayed at key tourist attractions and accommodation providers, and surrounding businesses will be notified via email.
During this trial, obvious unattended items such as cabanas will be packed down by Council Rangers and moved to a general nearby location and marked as "unattended" under the Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021.
"While most people respectfully share our public spaces, we're listening to community concerns," Mayor Anderson added.
"With a busy Australia Day long weekend expected in Port Stephens, we want everyone to enjoy our stunning beaches fairly."
Delegated Rangers will place a sticker on the item notifying the owner of the items as being "unattended" as required under the Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021.
If Council were to "take possession" of the item, it would need to be notified. This is done via an "Unattended Items" sticker.
Legislation allows the notification of "unattended items" and following a period of 7 days and be taken into possession and disposed of if the value is under $200.
Items that are left in a position that may be in a position causing health and safety risk to those within
the vicinity may be moved, to mitigate the health and safety risks.
