How many people recreating on a beach is too many? This Perth council says 30 is the limit.

A proposed new policy by the Town of Mosman Park in Perth could significantly alter the size of public recreational activities, including early morning yoga classes, by imposing a strict limit of 30 participants. The policy, titled "Trading in Public Places," is currently open for public comment and aims to streamline the process for businesses and individuals seeking to operate in public spaces. Under the proposal, groups engaging in fitness, recreation, or other organized activities on public land would need to obtain permits, with a maximum participant limit of 30. Groups of 10 or fewer would be exempt from the requirement. The policy comes amid growing interest in outdoor activities and local commerce in Mosman Park. The council's website highlights the desire to encourage more coffee carts, pop-up food vendors, fitness classes, and alfresco dining, emphasizing efforts to create a more accessible and vibrant public space. However, the proposed restrictions have raised concerns among local entrepreneurs and community members, particularly those involved in popular morning yoga sessions at Mosman Beach. Amy Nicholls, owner of Amy Flows, a sunrise yoga studio, has expressed frustration over the potential impact of the policy on her business. Her classes, which have grown from approximately 20 participants to as many as 200 in recent months, could be restricted to a maximum of 30 attendees. Nicholls noted that while some classes may reach 50 or more participants, she has consistently self-capped attendance to ensure a manageable environment for both students and herself. She emphasized that the current setup allows for a sense of community and accessibility, qualities she fears would be compromised under the new rules. The policy also affects related services such as the Beach Bus, a local café that provides coffee and refreshments to yoga participants. Nicholls explained that the presence of a large group during these early hours greatly supports the café’s business, especially on cooler mornings when fewer people are active. Moving her classes elsewhere would not only disrupt her operations but also negatively impact the Beach Bus, which relies heavily on the steady flow of customers generated by the yoga sessions. In response, the Beach Bus has publicly supported Nicholls, urging the community to engage with the draft policy and voice their opinions. Their social media post highlighted the importance of accessible outdoor exercise and the risks of arbitrarily limiting class sizes. They argued that managing behavior rather than numbers should be the focus, noting that a well-behaved group of 12 or 50 should not face the same restrictions as a larger group, given the vastness of the beach. Nicholls expressed confusion over the decision to set 30 as the maximum number for recreational groups. She questioned the fairness of the limit, suggesting that it might not align with the practical realities of public space usage. While acknowledging the council’s intent to protect public amenities and prevent overcrowding, she believes the approach overlooks the value of community-driven activities that bring people together. The policy is still under review, with the council planning to finalize the draft based on public feedback before making a decision. As the debate continues, the outcome of this policy could shape the future of public engagement and small-scale entrepreneurship in Mosman Park, raising broader questions about how communities balance regulation with the needs of local businesses and residents.