Bondi Icebergs caught in massive land claim backlog

One of Sydney’s most iconic swimming spots is the subject of an Aboriginal land claim that has remained unresolved for about 17 years, it has been revealed.

Bondi Icebergs, perched above the ocean at the southern end of Bondi Beach, is among several well-known sites across Sydney’s eastern suburbs caught up in outstanding claims, as reported by 2GB’s Ben Fordham.

Under the state’s Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983, Aboriginal Land Councils can lodge claims over government-owned Crown land as compensation for land taken during colonisation.

The La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council has confirmed to 2GB Breakfast that it lodged the claim over the land back in 2009 and is waiting for NSW Crown Lands Minister Steve Kamper to make a call.

For generations of Sydneysiders, Icebergs has been a fixture at Bondi, while its ocean pool has become one of the city’s most recognisable tourist attractions.

But the land beneath the famous club is Crown land, and its future now sits with the NSW Government.

The La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council said it was prepared to work with Bondi Icebergs while the claim was considered.

“We remain willing to work constructively with Bondi Icebergs while the claim is being assessed,” it told 2GB.

The council said the minister must determine whether the land met the legal requirements for return.

“The uncertainty surrounding this site is driven by the government’s failure to determine Aboriginal land claims within a reasonable timeframe. Aboriginal Land Councils should not be blamed for delays caused by the government’s growing backlog.”

The claim is one of tens of thousands yet to be resolved across NSW, with 2GB reporting there are currently over 44,000 outstanding.

Fordham also revealed land claims had been lodged over Crown land associated with surf clubs along Sydney’s eastern beaches, including North Bondi, Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly, Coogee and Maroubra.

A claim does not automatically mean the land will be handed over.

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The government must then assess if the land satisfies the legal criteria for transfer.

If a claim is refused, the decision can be challenged in the Land and Environment Court.

The lengthy process has previously become an issue for other community facilities on Crown land.

Fordham pointed to Naremburn Tennis Centre, which faces eviction following a successful Aboriginal land claim, and the former Waverton Bowling Club site, which has been vacant since 2022.

In a statement to nine.com.au, a NSW government spokesperson said “community facilities should remain available to the communities that rely on them”.

“That is why the NSW government is progressing important legislation to ensure well-utilised community and sporting facilities on crown land remain in public hands.”