A fresh wave of frustration has crashed onto the sands of Lorne's iconic main beach, with the controversial practice of 'ghost cabaning' igniting a fiery online debate and leaving real beachgoers high and dry.
What Are 'Ghost Cabanas'?
The term describes a selfish tactic where people arrive at the crack of dawn to set up cabanas, umbrellas, and chairs, claiming a prime patch of sand, only to then abandon it for hours on end. These empty, reserved spots sit like ghost towns while later-arriving families, often with young children in tow, are forced to squeeze into less desirable areas or miss out altogether.
The issue came to a head over the recent weekend, prompting locals and visitors to vent their anger on social media. One popular community Facebook page became a sounding board for the collective annoyance. One user pointedly asked why people feel the need to 'claim' a public space they aren't using, highlighting the core of the conflict.
Another commenter painted a vivid picture of the scene, noting they witnessed the same empty cabanas sitting lonely for over four hours while the beach around them grew increasingly crowded. The sentiment was clear: this behaviour is seen as both entitled and antisocial, breaking the unwritten rules of shared public space.
A Long-Standing Coastal Conflict
This is not a new skirmish on the Surf Coast. The battle for a square metre of sand on a hot summer's day is a perennial issue. However, the specific practice of ghost cabaning has escalated the tension. It transforms a first-come, first-served system into a 'first-set-up, first-hold-all-day' scenario, regardless of actual occupancy.
Local authorities, including the Surf Coast Shire, have previously addressed beach etiquette. While there are no formal bylaws that allow for the removal of unattended property after a specific time, the council and lifesaving clubs consistently promote a message of common sense and courtesy.
The official stance encourages beachgoers to only set up the space they immediately need and to be considerate of others. The reality, as seen at Lorne, often falls short of this ideal. The problem is particularly acute at family-friendly beaches like Lorne's main stretch, where proximity to the water, amenities, and lifesaving services is paramount for parents with small children.
Community Calls for Change and Courtesy
The online furore has amplified calls for a cultural shift. Many argue that the solution lies not in more regulations, but in a return to basic manners and community spirit. The expectation is that if you leave your spot for an extended period for lunch, shopping, or other activities, you should pack up your gear and reclaim a spot when you return.
Some have even suggested that lifesaving clubs or council officers could play a more active role in monitoring blatant cases of ghost cabaning, perhaps by tagging unattended gear after a reasonable warning period. However, implementing and enforcing such a policy would be logistically challenging.
For now, the debate rages on. As another sunny weekend approaches, all eyes will be on the sands of Lorne. Will the ghost cabanas make another spectral appearance, or will a wave of courtesy give more families a fair go at a perfect beach day? The community's plea is simple: enjoy our beautiful beach, but remember to share it.
