Beaches closed to prevent gatherings

BEACHES across the Surf Coast have been closed by various authorities in a bid to stop people gathering and risking the spread of coronavirus.

After consultation with the state government, the Surf Coast Shire Council and the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (GORRC), reached the decision on the evening of March 28.

This followed premier Daniel Andrews statement that people should only leave their homes out of necessity, with anyone who does otherwise facing a $1,652 fine.

Surf Coast Shire Council chief executive officer Keith Baillie said this was a necessary precaution to limit the spread of coronavirus.

“Council has acted in the interest of public health following evidence of large gatherings of people at a number of beaches in the shire on Saturday.

“The Premier stressed that people must not gather on Victoria’s beaches, yet people chose to do otherwise.

“It is essential that we follow the advice of the Victorian Government and chief health officer, by discouraging people from gathering and urging them to stay home.”

A spokesperson for Life Saving Victoria said the closures limit the number of reasons people can visit the beach.

“A closed beach means you can only use it for exercise – you can’t sit, sunbake or gather with your friends even if you are following social distancing.

“Each beach will have signs that will detail what activities are allowed.”

Most the beaches in the Surf Coast Shire fall on Crown land and are therefore managed by GORCC.

However, Bells Beach is on council land, and was subsequently closed along with the main and Southside car parks.

To act as a further deterrent to beachgoers, the council has also closed Point Addis Road, Point Impossible car park and Surf Beach Road.

About 100 signs advising “Beach closed” have been placed around the shire.