Residents are being urged to "stay away" if rival groups go ahead with planned protest rallies in Don Lucas Reserve, Wanda, on Saturday December 12 to mark the tenth anniversary of the Cronulla riot and retalliation attacks.
The groups plan to defy authorities and hold rallies without approval.
Police have refused the anti-Islam group Party for Freedom a permit, and Sutherland Shire Council says it has not received an application, but has made it clear it would not give approval.
The group’s leader Nick Folkes has urged supporters to go to Cronulla, regardless.
Anti-racism group, Anti Fascist Action Sydney, is planning a counter rally at the same location.
Police clashed with both groups in Martin Place in the City last Sunday November 22, but kept them well apart.
Sutherland Shire mayor Carmelo Pesce said the behaviour of the groups, whom he believes are made up largely of people from outside the area, was predictable.
Cr Pesce said the bigger concern was ‘‘what will the locals do?"
‘‘They may come down just to have a look, but get involved,’’ he said.
‘‘We are saying, ‘don’t come, don’t give these groups any oxygen.’ ’’
Cr Pesce said police and the council were confident of containing any situation that developed, and were seeking the co-operation of residents.
Senior police and council leaders held a briefing for Cronulla Chamber of Commerce members on Wednesday.
Full report in the Leader on Tuesday