Northern Beaches Council

Northern Beaches Council is a local government body responsible for managing services and amenities in the coastal suburbs north of Sydney, Australia, including areas like Manly, Fairlight, and Balgowlah. The council is currently newsworthy due to a recent decision to ban passengers wearing only bikinis or shirtless from its free community bus service, the 'Hop, Skip and Jump'. This decision was made following feedback from other passengers, citing concerns about cleanliness. While the council's primary focus is local governance, this particular incident has garnered media attention due to its perceived impact on beachgoers and the broader debate about public decency. Separately, though not directly related to the council's actions, increased shark activity along the NSW coastline, including areas within the council's jurisdiction, is a relevant concern for residents and visitors.