Council FREE bus service to Manly, Bondi and Cronulla beaches for Fairfield locals.
Fairfield City Mayor Frank Carbone: "There is a perception that people who live near the beach, their local councils and the State Government don't want people from the west to visit the beaches. There are too many barriers to access, with taxes, tolls and parking fees. The beaches belong to everybody and this summer I want to make sure Fairfield locals can enjoy the beach without breaking the bank."
Forget about the cost of tolls, petrol and parking for now – Fairfield City Council is putting on FREE bus trips for residents to go to the beach on Sundays in January and February.
While Fairfield locals are enjoying Bondi, Council will also transport people from Bondi to Cabramatta for their own taste of south-east Asia in south-western Sydney.
"People from the west and south-west have been locked out of iconic beaches which belong to everybody, so Council is giving them the opportunity to enjoy iconic places in their own city."
"Let's face it. 'Pondi' just isn't Bondi when it comes to enjoying a day out at the beach with real waves."
"Driving from Fairfield to Bondi including fuel, tolls and parking can cost more than $100. This is just too much for our local families to be able to enjoy the beach in their own city."
"The summer break can also be a lonely time so this is an opportunity for people to get out and meet new people while having a beach day to remember."
"There would be families in Fairfield City who have never been to the beach. I want to give them the opportunity to enjoy the beach like everyone should be able to," he said.
"Equally, there would be people from Bondi who have never been to iconic Cabramatta, so we want to give them an opportunity to visit Cabramatta, enjoy a south-east Asian feast, see the Pailau Gates and soak up all the atmosphere Cabramatta has to offer."
"Cost of living should not be a barrier preventing people from enjoying the beach on a summer day. After all, the beaches belong to everyone," he said.
"And what better opportunity is there for Bondi locals to hop on the bus back to Cabramatta for their own unique experience? he said. "Mayor Carbone challenged the State Government to make it easier for people from the west and south-west to enjoy a day at the beach."
"I call upon the State Government and beach councils to drop tolls and parking fees on Sundays so people from further away are not disadvantaged by the costs to enjoy something that belongs to us all, not just the lucky few. The people who travel the furthest, need to stay the longest to make the most of the day, so they shouldn't be disadvantaged by the high cost of tolls and parking."
"I have written to the Premier and relevant departments and local members to waive public transport fees on weekends in January for people from western Sydney travelling to beach areas like Manly, Bondi and Cronulla."
"We don't have enough public swimming pools in western Sydney so let's make it easier for people to access the world's biggest swimming pool – the Pacific Ocean."
Sunday, 5 January
Fairfield to Manly
Manly to Fairfield
Sunday, 12 January
Fairfield to Bondi
Bondi to Cabramatta (return) - for Bondi locals
Bondi to Fairfield
Sunday 19 January
Fairfield to Cronulla
Manly to Fairfield
Sunday, 2 February
Fairfield to Bondi
Bondi to Cabramatta (return) – for Bondi locals
Bookings are essential. Maximum booking 6 people. Children under 18 to be accompanied by an adult.
More details will be available soon.
