The Floatopia in Manly earlier this year was criticised for leaving rubbish in the sea and on the beach. Picture: Troy Snook

AN AUSTRALIA DAY celebration, which more than four thousand people said they were interested in attending, has been axed following a series of angry outbursts on social media.

However, as soon as it was cancelled, a new event was created in its place.

The event, called Floatopia, was due to be held on 26 January at Gordons Bay in Sydney’s east.

Police and the local council have expressed concern at the location of the event and another one, due to be held on New Year’s Day, saying it could harm local ecosystems.

They also reminded partygoers of a strict alcohol ban.

As with similar events overseas, Floatopia sees revellers bring a variety of flotation devices as well as sound systems, and often alcohol, down to the beach to enjoy the warm weather.

In recent years the celebration has been held at other Sydney beaches including Manly.

However, this morning one of the organisers cancelled the Australia Day event blaming “mean spirited behaviour” including racism.

It followed a heated to and fro online between people who were looking forward to attending Floatopia and others who were variously concerned with issues such as littering.

Some questioned whether it was appropriate to hold the event on a public holiday that marked the beginning of colonisation in Australia.

The Floatopia floating party, off Shelly Beach at Manly, on Australia Day 2015. Picture: Troy SnookSource:News Corp Australia

On the page, one user posted, “Imagine I went and partied about someone in yr fam [sic] dying. That might be how it feels for some Aboriginal people.”

‘DRUNK YOBBOS’

Another person went further saying the event celebrated racism.

“Invasion Day is a day where drunk yobbos scream ‘straya’ for 12 hours and have absolutely no regard for the atrocities that have been and are still being committed to my race to this day. If you’re celebrating on the day of which my people suffered mass killings and genocide. Well then there is something seriously wrong with you.”

On the opposite side of the fence, one person said “We can’t have a celebration of unity of Australia becoming a country without someone getting on their high horse about something that happened a hundred of years ago ... but that’s not what Australia Day is about. Back off and let people have their BBQs and fun without carrying on like a pork chop.”

The thread garnered hundreds of comments and some of which descended into insults.

Another user complained about the possible ramifications of the event which could ruin “our beautiful, quiet vista,” of Gordons Bay.

The organiser, Jaime Lawrence, today posted on the page, which had been liked by 4200 people that the event was cancelled after debate “went from zero to 100 really quickly.”

RACISM

“We don’t condone bullying, name calling, racism or any other type of mean spirited behaviour,” the post said.

“Watching that unfold over the last 12 hours is a pretty f***ing awful demonstration of humans.

“We’re local ocean-loving hippies too and by no means do we support anyone harming beautiful Gordons Bay on this day or any other. So with that in mind, we’re pulling the event down.”

Young beachgoers (L-R) Trinity Nevin, Caitlin Cook, Lucy Foodey and Bella Wesley, all aged 11, swimming on inflatable toys during Floatopia at Shelly Beach, during Australia Day 2015. Picture: Troy SnookSource:News Corp Australia

However, within an hour an almost identical event, with the same images used and at the same location, was launched called the ‘Australia Day Floaty Party’.

Talking to news.com.au, Tatiana Sugarplum Sparkle Craufurd-Gormly, one of the fiercest critics of the event, said she was pleased it was axed. “It is small step towards breaking away from the stigma that this is a day of celebration rather than mourning.”

She said anyone who publicly celebrated on Australia Day should be conscious of their actions given Aboriginal communities continue to name it Invasion Day. “Not only are individuals being insensitive to the true meaning of this day but they are also disrespecting and disregarding the land which was nurtured peacefully for thousands of years up until it was colonised.”

While private celebrations were more acceptable, Ms Craufurd-Gormly said it would better if the date was changed to a less controversial anniversary. Those that decded to celebrate Floatopia anyway were, “ignorant, obstinate and disrespectful,” she said.

A similar event, called Float Your Boat, is still planned for New Year’s Day at Gordons Bay.

With more than 9000 people potentially attending, it has alarmed authorities.

On December 16, the event organisers said they had received authorisation for the event but the next day a post from the Eastern Suburbs Local Area Command said: “there has been NO authorisation given for this event. Gordons Bay is an alcohol free area and fines will apply to anyone with alcohol there”.

‘CANCEL THIS EVENT’

A further post from NSW Police Commander Mark Hutchings said they were concerned with the location of the event due to the impact on the blue groper and other marine species in the area and that no aquatic licence had been applied for.

“If any person is killed or injured during this event the organisers may be held responsible and can be subject to legal action.”

“Do the right thing and cancel this event,” Mr Hutchings’ post said.

A spokeswoman for Randwick City Council told news.com.au extra patrols would be held on both days from council rangers and police.

A Floatopia event, held earlier this year at Sydney Shelley’s Beach, came under fire after around 100 cans and bottles were left on the seabed.

Stephen Coulter, from the Bold and Beautiful Swim Squad, told the Manly Daily he occasionally saw the odd piece of litter, but the mess left after Floatopia was immense.

Events overseas often attracted thousands of people with 12,000 attending a Floatopia in Santa Barbara, California in 2009 leading locals to complain about the clean-up costs due to the unorganised nature of the celebration.

The organisers have been contacted for comment.