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NSW Premier Calls for Demolition of Bondi Beach Attack Footbridge

The Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns, has publicly stated that the footbridge used by perpetrators in the deadly Bondi Beach terror attack should be demolished. He expressed concern that the structure could become a macabre landmark or be exploited if left standing. The local Waverley Council is holding a special meeting to consider the removal, which requires consultation with the Jewish community and victims' families. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has declared a national day of mourning for January 22 to honor the 15 victims of the attack.

Key Points: Bondi Beach Attack Footbridge Demolition Urged by NSW Premier

  • NSW Premier pushes to demolish attack site
  • Footbridge used by alleged gunmen in deadly shooting
  • Local council to hold special meeting on removal
  • National day of mourning declared for January 22
  • Decision requires consultation with Jewish community
2 min read

Australian state premier says footbridge used by Bondi Beach gunmen should be removed

NSW Premier Chris Minns says the footbridge used in the Bondi Beach terror attack should be torn down to avoid it becoming a "ghoulish reminder."

"I would just hate it to be a ghoulish reminder or even exploited by reprehensible people in the future. - Chris Minns"

Sydney, Jan 14

The premier of the Australian state of New South Wales said on Wednesday that a footbridge used by the perpetrators of the terror attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach should be demolished.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said at a press conference in Sydney that his personal view is that the footbridge at the northern end of the iconic beach should be torn down, but said a final decision would be made by the local council.

"I would just hate it to be a ghoulish reminder or even exploited by reprehensible people in the future," Minns said.

Wednesday marked one month since 15 people were killed at Bondi Beach in Australia's most deadly mass shooting since 1996.

The footbridge that connects a major road to a park adjacent to Bondi Beach was used by the alleged gunmen during the attack that targeted an event celebrating the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.

Eastern Sydney's Waverley Council will on Thursday night hold a special meeting to consider removing the structure, Xinhua news agency reported.

It previously said in December that a final decision on the footbridge would require consultation with the Jewish community and the families of the victims.

"We can't allow one of the most beautiful places on Earth to be remembered forever and only as a place of horrible terrorism because it's so much more than that," Minns said on Wednesday.

Earlier on January 13, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had declared that a national day of mourning will be held on January 22 for the victims of the terror attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach.

Flags will be flown at half mast in all government buildings around Australia on January 22 to honour the victims of the attack that targeted an event celebrating the Jewish festival of Hanukkah at the iconic Bondi Beach on December 14., Albanese said at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Removing the bridge feels like giving in to the terrorists. Wouldn't it be better to reclaim the space? Maybe install a memorial for the victims instead. Destroying infrastructure seems like an emotional reaction, not a practical solution. Australia should show resilience.
A
Aman W
The consultation with the Jewish community and victims' families is crucial. It's their pain, their memory. The local council is right to take their time. In our culture, we believe places hold energy – perhaps removing a structure associated with such violence is necessary for healing. 🙏
S
Sarah B
As someone who visited Bondi Beach years ago, it's heartbreaking to hear this news. It's one of the most vibrant places I've seen. A national day of mourning is appropriate. The world needs to stand united against such hatred, wherever it occurs.
V
Vikram M
The focus should be on why this happened and how to prevent future attacks, not just on a bridge. Security measures, community harmony – these are bigger issues. Still, if the bridge's presence causes continuous pain to the community, removing it with their consent is a gesture of respect.
K
Karthik V
A very sensitive topic. On one hand, the bridge is just a structure. On the other, it's now a symbol. In India, after the 26/11 attacks, the Taj Mahal Palace hotel was restored, not demolished. It became a symbol of resilience. Maybe Australia can find a similar path forward.

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