'Could change life for us all': Warning after 'hordes' flock to popular beaches
Crowds have packed a Gold Coast beach just days after the Queensland Premier urged people to follow social distancing measures.
Hordes were pictured at Surfers Paradise on Sunday, ignoring pleas to stop visiting to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
It is believed most of the beachgoers were visitors from out of town, Nine News reported.
Broadwater MP David Crisafulli told Nine News when “hordes” of people show up to “one small beach” it’s “going to spoil it for the entire population”.
“The actions of a few could change life for us all,” he later tweeted.
People were also pictured crowding Burleigh Beach.
On Wednesday, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk issued a "final warning" to those failing to adhere to the restrictions.
"I said if people aren't going to comply, we are going to crack down," she said on Channel Nine’s Today.
"Going to the beach with your mates is not on. We've seen strong action on this from NSW and Victoria, and our mayors will not hesitate to take similar action. So, final warning everyone."
She said on Sunday she would be meeting with the state police commissioner and warned of tighter restrictions.
Surf Life Saving Queensland Gold Coast duty officer Scott Burgess told The Australian conditions on Sunday had made it hard for people to resist hitting the beach.
“The sun’s out, the water is beautiful, and everyone’s out,” he told the paper.
Sydney beaches close as ‘people don’t follow the rules’
More of Sydney’s iconic beaches were closed on Sunday due to an influx of visitors.
Northern Beaches Council said on Sunday it had made the decision to close Warriewood, Manly, North Steyne, Queenscliff, Freshwater, Curl Curl and Palm Beach.
“More beaches will close and reserves too if people don’t follow the rules,” council said.
It was after photos surfaced of people crowding the iconic eastern suburbs beaches and ignoring social distancing measures.
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