Tweed Byron Police fine three people after huge party on Tyagarah Beach in Byron Shire breached COVID-19 restrictions
Police have fined revellers for breaching coronavirus restrictions after a massive party on a clothing optional beach north of Byron Bay
Gold Coast
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POLICE have fined three revellers after a massive party on a nudist beach north of Byron Bay breached New South Wales coronavirus restrictions.
It comes two days before Queensland eases border closures and Sunshine State residents can travel to Byron, where they will mingle with residents and holidaying Sydneysiders.
Tweed Byron Police slapped the weekend partygoers with $1000 public infringement notices after the gathering at Tyagarah Beach drew a crowd of about 500 people.
Officers responded to complaints about the party and found more than 20 people at the beach on their arrival about 7.30am Sunday. They were told about 500 people had attended.
The infringement notices were issued due to breaches of COVID-19 Public Health Orders.
Police have received multiple complaints about illegal beach parties in Byron Shire amid the global COVID-19 pandemic.
In recent months, Tweed Byron Police have broken up a string of parties and doofs attended by up to 1000 people in Byron Shire.
Currently, no more than 20 people are allowed to gather outside in a public place in NSW.
Illicit parties and gatherings have not been limited to Byron – footage of a bongo-driven party at Burleigh Heads seemingly attended by hundreds of people circulated on social media earlier this month.
Meanwhile, a mobile COVID-19 testing clinic has been set up in the centre of Byron Bay and will remain there for the rest of the NSW school holidays.
The clinic in Denning Park on Bay Street is open from 10am-3pm until October 3 and again from October 5 to October 11.
Northern NSW Local Health District CEO Wayne Jones, said having the mobile clinic in town would make it easier for shire residents and visitors to get tested.
“Testing is free, including for overseas visitors, so people should not delay in getting a swab at the first sign of any cold or flu-like symptoms,” he said.
“If you’re reaching for the tissues or the throat lozenges, please head to a clinic and get tested. You’ll be doing your part for your fellow holiday-makers and our community.”
It’s hoped the mobile clinic will help quickly identify any new cases in the shire and stop the spread of coronavirus.
Originally published as Tweed Byron Police fine three people after huge party on Tyagarah Beach in Byron Shire breached COVID-19 restrictions