As much of the country swelters through a brutal heatwave, Aussies are divided by beachgoers who reserve prime beach spots with cabanas then leave them unattended for hours.
Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula is one location where the practice is becoming increasingly common.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Growing issue of beach cabana wars divide Australian beachgoers
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Stretches of sand are being blanketed with the view-obstructing structures, as some people arrive early in the morning to claim a spot before disappearing until the afternoon, leaving the shelters unattended while fellow beachgoers search for an empty space.
Speaking on Sunrise, Mornington Peninsula Mayor Anthony Marsh said that on an average day, up to 50 cabanas are set up prior to 9am, with roughly just two being used right away.
“Everyone expects that coming down to the beach with a tent is great for being sun smart, 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,” Marsh said.
Mornington Peninsula Mayor Anthony Marsh is calling for common-sense solutions to a growing beach cabana issue. Credit: Sunrise
The council has no authority to remove unattended cabanas.
“It’s a public asset. It’s not for private use,” said Marsh, who is now calling for common-sense solutions to the issue.
“If you’re going to set them up, we say, try to set them up at the back of the beach so you’re not getting in the way of the water. And if you’re going to set it up, use it,” he said.
“We love people to come down, spend the money at the local shops, enjoy the beach, but just make sure you use it and treat everyone on the beach fairly and respectfully.”
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