12 November 2025
Mosman Council has granted permission for retailer Country Road to proceed with a planned “towel takeover” event at Balmoral Beach this November. The event is scheduled for 15 November and will offer beachgoers the chance to claim one of 100 Country Road towels while accessing a designated, cabana-free section of the beach.
The approval has prompted discussion regarding the use of public spaces for private, commercial events.
Mosman Mayor Ann Marie Kimber confirmed that the application followed standard procedures. “I’m advised that Country Road has followed the required processes for booking an event space for the Balmoral Foreshore and Edwards Beach, through Council’s publicly accessible bookings system for reserves, ovals, venues, and other spaces. Individuals, sporting groups, filmmakers, organisations and others can access and make applications through this process,” Mayor Kimber said.
Mayor Kimber also emphasised the council’s commitment to public access. “Public access and amenity are always our priorities regarding the use of public spaces and people’s enjoyment of them,” she added.