Beach carparks to be closed for Easter
08 April 2020
COVID-19 isn’t taking a holiday so neither can we in efforts to contain it
Beach car parks on Council-managed land in the Tweed will be progressively closed from today (Wednesday 8 April) and boating restrictions have been introduced by the NSW Government to support the national effort to combat the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Council rangers will be patrolling to ensure people are doing the right thing and to discourage beach and waterway visitors from getting around the new temporary rules.
Any unauthorised vehicle that enters a closed public car park, road or space may be issued an on the spot fine. Any concerns regarding people not complying with social distancing rules must be reported to Crimestoppers and not Council.
The 22 car park sites to be closed are at Duranbah Beach, Tweed Heads (including Jack Evans Boat Harbour and Ray Pascoe Park car park in Kennedy Drive), Fingal Head, Kingscliff, Cabarita Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville.
Hastings Point Headland (Yugari Drive) will also be closed.
Mayor of Tweed, Katie Milne, said she held grave concerns about the potential for large numbers of people to gather in our public places over the Easter break.
“As well as the beach car park closures, we’re also erecting signs at all boat ramps to remind people that unless you have an essential need to be out, stay ashore.
“Sitting on a boat with the motor running is not considered exercise according to Martime advice. Passive waterway recreation such as paddle boarding is still allowed, as is fishing.
“However, you are not supposed to travel outside of your immediate suburb.
“Our community has been doing a fantastic job at keeping our numbers low so we don’t want to blow it all now. The virus isn’t taking a holiday so neither can we in our efforts to contain it.
“While most people are doing the right thing and staying at home, there are those who are not and who are continuing to travel to spend leisure time on the beach with others and ignoring physical distancing,” Cr Milne said.
“From Thursday night, you should only be visiting your local beach for the legitimate reason of exercising or going for a surf, ensuring you abide by social distancing measures. Stay in your local area, your local postcode only.
“Please stay home this Easter for the sake of your loved ones,” she said.
The closures will come into effect at 5pm on Thursday 9 April and will be re-assessed after the Easter break.
For information on Council’s response to COVID-19, visit www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/coronavirus
To contact Crimestoppers, visit https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/ or call 1800 333 000.
To view boating restrictions, visit https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/maritime/covid-19-update.html
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Caption: Beach car parks are being progressively closed in the Tweed for Easter.