City of Cockburn turns to social media to stop beach parties

SOCIAL media will be monitored by the City of Cockburn in a bid to clamp down on “illegal and potentially dangerous” beach parties.

Unofficial beach parties have been an issue for the local council for about five years, with C.Y. O’Connor Reserve and to a lesser extent Woodman Point known trouble spots.

Cockburn environmental health manager Nick Jones said the City would monitor activity online and work with local police to stop the events at their source.

“Over the past few years these parties have been set up and promoted via social media, including an event with about 150 people on April 2 that resulted in 10 noise complaints from nearby residents,” he said.

“The late night parties are illegal and potentially dangerous due to the large number of attendees.

“We will be monitoring social media for news of these events.”

Gatherings are usually held over the warmer months, with the organisers believed to be from a small group of aspiring DJs.

Mr Jones said City security service CoSafe would patrol beach areas and report parties to police.

He said music equipment would be seized and party organisers prosecuted by the City for breaches of the Health Act.

“If an event is promoted on social media, the person will be prosecuted with a maximum fine of $15,000, plus a daily penalty of up to $1000 for every day the event continues to be advertised,” Mr Jones said.

Mayor Logan Howlett urged people to avoid the events because safety could not be guaranteed and no one was insured for injury.

Local police boosted their presence at local beaches in early 2016 following issues with illegal camping and parties along the coast.

One party is believed to have attracted 200 people.