Residents of a south Sydney suburb claim rideshare drivers waiting to collect passengers from Sydney international airport were urinating and defecating in their gardens and public spaces, leaving the area “unbearable to live”.
People living in Wolli Creek have complained of drivers littering, parking on the roads, blocking driveways and setting-up picnic chairs on the sidewalks.
A former Wolli Creek resident, Joe* told SBS Punjabi that he and his partner were forced to shift out of their accommodation on Innesdale Road owing to the “appalling” behaviour of some of the drivers.
“I and my partner have moved away from Wolli Creek because of the situation.
“Drivers were constantly blocking driveways and would get aggressive when asked to move. They have defecated in our side garden. Bottles filled with urine were left on nature strips.
“They would leave their vehicles idling on the streets at all hours. Some of them would set-up picnic chairs on the sidewalk while they wait in groups. It was extremely uncomfortable for all the residents. We had no option but to leave the suburb,” said Joe.
“Fed-up” by the situation, a large group of residents took to social media to lodge their complaints and shared pictures of the alleged 'nuisance' on a Facebook group for Wolli Creek residents.
Jonathan Reid, a real estate agent who has sold at least 17 apartments in the area said the behaviour of the drivers was having an impact on his business.
"It's hard to say if its affecting property values in the area, but it definitely is an issue for property evaluators and prospective buyers who often complain they can't find parking spaces during inspection days.
"The problem is getting progressively worse," said Mr Reid.
But drivers claim they are just "doing their job."
Kulwinder Singh, a Sydney-based rideshare driver who operates in the area said he has not observed any “rude or absurd” behaviour.
“Drivers queue-up because they’re trying to do their jobs like everybody else. If we park our vehicles, we do so in areas which have been designated by the companies, which are technically public places.
"If the residents are facing any issues, they should approach the council or the police,” said Mr Singh.
SBS Punjabi has accessed at least two complaints that the residents made to the Bayside council. One of them was made by Joe.
In its reply, the council wrote: “As the street is considered public land, it is for all road users to share and hence we don’t have the legal right to fine Uber drivers in the area (unless they are breaking rules).
“Having said that, we are liaising with RMS (Roads and Maritime Services) to possibly introduce an extra 150-200m of parking in Marsh Street/Rockwell Ave to improve parking,” the council said in response.
A Bayside council spokesperson said the Council is "actively patrolling" the location several times a day and responds whenever residents raise concerns.
“Council can only take action if a vehicle is parked illegally contrary to the road rules. Since the 1st January 2020 to 31st January Council Rangers have issued approximately 600 infringement notices in the streets affected.
“Any anti-social behaviour such as abuse or urinating in the street should be reported to the local police,” said a council spokesperson.
What the law says:
Public urination is an offence across the country. In NSW, Section 4 Summary Offences Act 1988 (NSW) prohibits anyone from conducting themselves in an offensive manner in or near (or within hearing or view from) a public place or school.
This means that anyone charged with this offence can face a maximum penalty of three months’ imprisonment or up to $600 fine with a criminal conviction in the Local court.
*Not his real name.
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