Bribie Island fears ‘influx of visitors’ this weekend

A new tourism search tool has sent a small community north of Brisbane into meltdown as they fear an influx of outsiders will now hit their vulnerable region this weekend, while the local councillor calls for calm.

Bribie Island residents fear an influx of visitors following changes to the COVID-19 travel restrictions. Photo: Paula Shearer

NEWS COVID-19 restrictions would be eased has sent the small community of Bribie Island, north of Brisbane, into a spin as they tell people to please stay away from their little haven.

In response to the changes to travel restrictions by the Queensland Government, the Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism launched an online search portal allowing people to find attractions within 50km of their front door.

The portal shows Cleveland residents can visit Margate Beach or Red Beach on Bribie Island.

The news hit Bribie locals hard with the Bribie Weekly Facebook page inundated with comments last night.

Lesley Wright wrote it is “concerning for local populations to get a huge influx of visitors”.

“I understand MBRC is trying to give a boost to local businesses but this transition to the ‘new normal’ must be done slowly - especially until the contact tracing app hits critical mass”.

Others raised fears the island would be hit with an outbreak after the weekend if the region was inundated with visitors.

“Why invite everyone to bombard everywhere else but their own backyard,” Laurel Basevi wrote.

“I can see the Island having an outbreak because of this. It’s not just the beaches they use, it is our supermarkets as well in crowds.”

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Lynda Heinze was angry that “we have managed to stay safe and well throughout the isolation thanks to most islanders following the rules”.

“Why should we now be put at risk by outsiders flooding our beaches and supermarkets”.

Division 1 Councillor Brooke Savige wrote on the Facebook page last night “the last thing anyone wants is an influx of people not following the restrictions and social distancing requirements”.

“I agree we need a balanced transition back to ‘normal’.There is no call from council to see people from across the broader south east corner flooding Bribie Island- I can assure you.”

Cr Brooke Savige is calling for calm and common sense. Pic supplied.

Cr Savige said today “it’s vital people continue to follow the restrictions, they are social distancing and not mingling in groups more than is allowed”.

She said the restrictions being lifted “come with a responsibility and as a mother and member of the community I will making sure we are extra vigilant”.

She said it was nice to know “we can venture out but COVID-19 is still a very real issue and we need to apply common sense”.

“Yes there is a 50km radius but the intention was never to see thousands flocking anywhere. Apply common sense. Go out for the essentials things and follow the restrictions.”

Cr Savige said council recognised the need to support “our businesses who are still open because they need our support more than ever but it is a balancing act”.

“It’s great that we can go out but we must be mindful there is a very real threat and while we can travel it is unlikely that thousands will be rocking up on Bribie Beach .. that is not what the Premier intended.”