As a severe heatwave grips much of the nation, a new coastal conflict is dividing Australian beachgoers: the practice of 'claiming' prime sand patches with cabanas and tents, only to leave them empty for hours on end.
The Rise of the Beach Cabanas
Stretches of iconic Australian beachfront are being blanketed by view-obstructing shelters early in the morning, often by people who then depart and don't return until the afternoon. This leaves the structures sitting unattended while other families and sun-seekers arrive to find no available space.
Victoria's Mornington Peninsula has emerged as a key battleground in this growing etiquette war. The local mayor, Anthony Marsh, revealed the startling scale of the issue, noting that on an average day, up to 50 cabanas are erected before 9:00 am. Of these, only about two are typically occupied at that time.
A Call for Common Sense and Fair Play
Speaking to Sunrise, Mayor Marsh highlighted the core of the problem. "Everyone expects that coming down to the beach with a tent is great for being sun smart," he said. "But the issue is about claiming a patch of territory for the day, and people that come down very early set up, nick off for a few hours and then come back later in the afternoon."
He emphasised that the beach is a public asset, not for private, all-day reservation. However, the council currently lacks the authority to remove unattended setups. Instead, Marsh is appealing for common-sense solutions from the public.
His practical requests for beachgoers include:
- Setting up shelters at the back of the beach to avoid blocking access to the water.
- Only setting up a cabana if you intend to use it immediately.
"We love people to come down, spend the money at the local shops, enjoy the beach," Mayor Marsh stated. "But just make sure you use it and treat everyone on the beach fairly and respectfully."
Heatwave Intensifies Coastal Pressures
The ongoing brutal heatwave across Australia has intensified the demand for precious beach space, bringing this simmering tension to a head. With more people seeking relief by the water, the competition for a spot under the sun – or more importantly, in the shade – has never been fiercer.
The situation underscores a classic Australian summer dilemma: balancing personal comfort and sun safety with the shared, fair use of the country's beloved public coastline.
