Freshwater dunes undergoing regeneration have been named among Northern Beaches sites affected by late-night bonfires, smashed bottles and dumped waste, prompting calls for stronger education, monitoring and enforcement.
More Than 300 Kilograms Removed From Local Dunes
Surfrider Foundation Northern Beaches has called for action after its Adopt A Beach crews collected more than 300 kilograms of bottles and cans from dune areas so far this year.
The clean-ups also uncovered chairs, sofas, a barbecue, tents, clothing, underwear, discarded surfboards and other bulky household waste. North Avalon, Mona Vale, Narrabeen and Freshwater were identified as locations where dumping and anti-social behaviour had damaged dune areas.
At Freshwater Beach, NBC has installed signs warning visitors not to enter dunes undergoing regeneration because of the potential danger from broken glass left by night-time revellers. The signs also identify the area as undergoing regeneration.
Surfrider program manager Jude Furniss reported that wooden stakes used to support new native plants had been pulled out and burned in bonfires. The organisation also raised concerns about damaged fencing, destroyed vegetation and rubbish affecting fragile plant and animal life in the dunes.
Broken glass and decomposing waste have created safety hazards in areas used by beach visitors.
Freshwater Dunes Included in Call for Action
Surfrider has asked NBC to consider stronger public education, improved signs, increased monitoring and heavier fines.
A motion lodged with the council seeks options for preventing and responding to dune vandalism within six months. Measures identified for consideration include education, signage, monitoring and a social media campaign about dune management and protection.
Lighting fires on beaches and in sand dunes is prohibited, with police responsible for enforcement. NBC can issue a $110 fine for failing to comply with no-entry signs or dune protection notices.
People who leave glass, charcoal, rubbish or other materials behind may also face penalties under NSW environmental law. These include on-the-spot fines of up to $1,000 and court-imposed penalties of up to $25,000 for more serious offences.
Community Discussion Includes Youth Recreation
Surfrider attributed the gatherings to a younger demographic, while discussion on a local community post included differing views about how the behaviour should be addressed.
One commenter condemned damage to vegetation, dunes and fencing but argued that teenagers needed more recreational areas where they could gather after 5pm. Other commenters questioned how many people were responsible and cautioned against broadly treating young people as having no place in the community.
The discussion did not dispute the need to respect the dunes or prevent broken glass from being left where it could injure beach users.
Surfrider has asked visitors to remove their rubbish and avoid disturbing native planting. The council motion seeks options for preventing and responding to the damage within six months.
Published 20-July-2026
