COST OF LIVING CRISIS: Waverley Council now charging $15 to do the Bondi to Bronte walk

CASH GRAB: Walkers using the popular four kilometre coastal pathway between Bondi and Bronte this weekend are in for a nasty surprise.

They’ll be required to pay $15 to complete the walk, as cost of living pressures continue to mount.

“This fee will be an important way for the council to recoup money spent on important infrastructure projects in the area,” says Waverley Council Mayor Peter Mayo.

“We believe $15 is a small price to pay, especially given the high disposable incomes of residents in the eastern suburbs.”

Security staff will monitor the scenic pathway to ensure all walkers are wearing a coloured wristband which they’ll receive after paying the $15.

“We accept cash, credit card and Apple Pay,” says the council.

The council says “at this stage” the fee will only be charged on the weekend, and walkers under the age of 18 will continue to use the pathway for free.

But critics say the new $15 fee for adults is an insensitive cash grab.

“This is public land,” says NSW Opposition leader Chris Minns. “It’s a slippery slope when you start charging people to do their exercise.”

“What’s next? charging people to take a sip of water from their local bubbler?”

DBT understands the fee will be removed for two weeks every year while Sculpture by the Sea is on.

“We want to be as inclusive as possible,” says Peter Mayo.