The future of a heritage-listed footbridge at the centre of the Bondi terror attack has been formally put on hold, with local councillors agreeing a decision must follow extensive consultation with the families of victims and the Jewish community.
Council Meeting Addresses Bridge's Future
During an extraordinary meeting held on Thursday evening, Waverley Council addressed the sensitive issue of the pedestrian bridge, which was used by the alleged attackers in the killing of 15 people on 14 December. The discussion came a month after the tragedy, with Mayor Will Nemesh stating the consultation process would "take time".
He referenced a structural report commissioned last year, which found both pedestrian bridges at Bondi Beach were "reaching the end of their useful life and require replacement within several years". This, he suggested, could be incorporated into plans for a future memorial.
"[But] any decision made on the future of one or both bridges will be made in an appropriate time and manner following consultation with the NSW government, Jewish community, Waverley community and the families of victims and survivors," Mayor Nemesh told the meeting. "We’re not making a decision on the future of one, both or either of pedestrian bridges tonight."
Premier's View and Community Sentiment
The council's deliberation follows a strong personal view expressed by New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, who said the bridge should be torn down to prevent it from becoming a "ghoulish reminder" or being exploited. However, he conceded the final say rested with the council and the affected families.
Deputy Mayor Keri Spooner expressed dismay that the bridge debate had detracted from the core tragedy. "I find it really upsetting that that happened," she said, urging focus on the loss of 15 innocent lives. She cautioned against rushed decisions, highlighting other considerations like a nearby playground.
Unanimous Motions and Interim Memorials
Councillors unanimously passed a motion for council staff to prepare a report on the cost, timetable and approvals process for replacing or restoring both heritage-listed bridges. They agreed the state government should lead discussions on a permanent memorial, with a timetable yet to be set.
In the interim, the council approved establishing dedicated mural panels along the Bondi Beach promenade for one year. Furthermore, a menorah created by Jewish artist Joel Adler was relocated to Archer Park in Bondi on 5 January to serve as a temporary memorial.
The council also moved to honour the bravery of first responders, agreeing to nominate Boris and Sofia Gurman and Reuven Morrison for posthumous recognition on the Prime Minister’s special honours list. They also agreed that Ahmed al-Ahmed, Gefen Bitton and Leibel Lazaroff should be granted the "keys of the city" for their actions.
Calls for the Bridge to Remain
Prior to the meeting, several community speakers advocated for the bridge to stay. Local Jewish residents Carolyn Saul and Adrienne Kern described it as "integral to the Bondi landscape", suggesting it could be covered in mosaic tiles with messages of healing.
Nicolette Boaz of the Friends of Bondi Pavilion warned against "rushed decisions" to destroy heritage. Their views echoed those of Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, who said the bridge should become "a tribute to our dead" – something the killers would have hated.
The council's decision ensures the immediate fate of the Bondi footbridge remains in limbo, pending a sensitive and community-led process in the wake of the devastating Bondi terror attack.
