In another small step towards normality, several beaches in NSW and Queensland re-opened on Monday.
Parking restrictions will remain in place but residents will be able to access their nearby beaches in Sydney’s east and on Queensland’s Gold Coast for exercise and swimming provided social distancing is observed.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said Surfer’s Paradie and Coolangatta beaches have now reopened, but day-trippers have been warned not to be tempted to visit the glitter strip.
Both were closed two weeks ago after crowds of people flocked to the area despite travel restrictions. The Spit and beachfront car parks will remain closed to discourage visitors.
“I want to discourage out-of-towners from coming to our beaches. It is not essential travel. Stay within your postcode,”
He said Gold Coasters had been distancing themselves and reopening the beaches was a one small step toward normality.
Meanwhile, Randwick Council, in a virus hotspot, announced on Monday morning it would was taking down its “Closed” signs, re-opening beaches to at least help people get outside and back into popular activities.
Coogee, Maroubra and Clovelly beaches will reopen from Monday morning – strictly for swimming, surfing, walking, running or exercise on the sand (while adhering to social distancing rules).
“Living along the coast, I know how important our beaches are to the mental and physical health of so many in the community,” Randwick Mayor Danny Said said.
“Our decision to close the beaches three weeks ago was not taken lightly … particularly given the concentration of COVID-19 cases in the eastern suburbs [of Sydney].
“Our decision was also based upon expected crowd numbers and people’s initial behaviour.”
“The past three weeks have been difficult as we’ve all had to make changes and sacrifices to our daily routines,” he said.
“We appreciate that with the current restrictions in place people are increasingly looking for access to more open spaces including water for their physical and mental well-being.”
Authorities will be on the lookout for people sun-baking or gathering in groups on the sand.
Annastacia Palaszczuk has urged Queenslanders to continue to distance themselves socially until experts deem it safe to loosen the restrictions.
-with AAP
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