Surf beach honoured, but Turnbull wiped out: [1 All-round Country Edition]
Stapleton, John. Weekend Australian [Canberra, A.C.T] 26 Jan 2008: 5.
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Abstract
“You can’t get more Aussie than Bondi,” Mr [Peter Garrett] said.
“I’ve had quite a few waves here over the years. It is really special. I don’t think it is any overestimation to say the beach has had a major impact in developing our culture. This is a fantastic day for Bondi beach and it’s fantastic to see Bondi recognised in this way.”
“We’re in Opposition and courtesy is somewhat uncommon,” Mr [Malcolm Turnbull] said.
Full Text
BONDI beach has joined Sydney’s Opera House and Harbour Bridge on the National Heritage list but Malcolm Turnbull, who was instrumental in its nomination, was snubbed at yesterday’s announcement.
The listing, the nomination process for which was first announced last October by the local MP, then the environment minister, ensures the area is protected from overdevelopment.
At Bondi yesterday, Environment Minister Peter Garrett ignored his predecessor, who was sitting in the front row of an assembly of luminaries and Bondi characters — from lifesavers to the winter swimming group the Bondi Icebergs.
Mr Garrett said he was proud to make the announcement, but omitted Mr Turnbull’s role in getting Bondi beach listed, as he delivered an eloquent tribute to thebeauty and romance of the famous stretch of sand.
“You can’t get more Aussie than Bondi,” Mr Garrett said.
“This 1 1/2km of sand and sea is the quintessential Australian beach, a symbol of Australia around the world.
“Bondi embodies a powerful sense of place and a wonderful way of life.
“I’ve had quite a few waves here over the years. It is really special. I don’t think it is any overestimation to say the beach has had a major impact in developing our culture. This is a fantastic day for Bondi beach and it’s fantastic to see Bondi recognised in this way.”
Mr Garrett said Australians were surrounded by more than 11,000 beaches and had a culture that enabled people to freely enjoy them.
Mr Turnbull, who was a junior lifesaver more than 40 years ago, said he was not surprised to be ignored.
“We’re in Opposition and courtesy is somewhat uncommon,” Mr Turnbull said.
“Governments don’t often want to give a lot of air time to the Opposition.”
Asked about Mr Turnbull’s contribution and whether he would like to make a tribute, Mr Garrett could not bring himself to utter his predecessor’s name.
He said the Heritage Council had actually put forward the nomination and he paid tribute to those involved in that.
“The process is a good, solid process,” he said.
The area now on the National Heritage List includes 65ha of land and water, comprising the beach, surf lifesaving clubs, pavilion, parks, promenades, cliffs and ocean waters.
Waverley Mayor Ingrid Strewe said the heritage listing covered Crown land and would have no impact on private property.
She said the listing dovetailed with the council’s conservation zone, which aimed to preserve the area’s character.
Mr Garrett said much had changed since the 1830s, when sea bathing was officially banned during daylight hours for reasons of modesty.
“Today Bondi is one of the most famous beaches in the world, attracting millions of people every year,” he said.
“This heritage listing is a timely recognition of the part Bondi Beach has played in developing our beach culture.”