Heading outdoors or on the water this Easter – be prepared to cop a fine as police ramp up patrols

Police call for residents to take responsibility for the safety of their own community this Easter long weekend by staying home – if you don’t be prepared to cop a hefty fine.

If you venture outside your home this long weekend be prepared to see police officers – lots of them.

Normally Redcliffe and Suttons Beach are a hive of activity on Good Friday and the Easter long weekend.

The Redcliffe Festival of Sails and the chance to watch the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht race typically draws tens of thousands to the foreshore.

Redcliffe Festival of Sails, 2019, drew tens of thousands of people to the Peninsula. Photo: AAP /Richard Walker

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But with both events cancelled and residents being encouraged to stay at home – Moreton South police district patrol Inspector Craig White said he hoped to see very few people outdoors this Easter.

Under restrictions imposed by the State and Federal Governments, to stop the spread of COVID-19, parks, 4WD tracks, popular walking tracks, swimming areas, playgrounds, some beaches, dog parks and council run recreational swimming areas such as Settlement Cove Lagoon have all been closed.

Recreational boating has also been banned – but boat owners can head out on the water if fishing for food.

Residents have been ordered to only leave their homes for essential reasons such as work, medical treatment, grocery shopping and exercising with people from their households.

Insp White said police from Redcliffe, district crime units, road policing command and plain clothes officers would patrol boat ramps, marinas, parks and foreshore areas around the region this Easter long weekend.

“We would like to see that community take some responsibility for their own welfare and safe distancing however if the situation calls for we will issue fines,” Insp White said.

“We are hopeful that most people will be considerate of the health of others and that fines will be issued as a last resort.”

Moreton South Patrol Group Inspector Craig White is urging all people to stay home this Easter long weekend to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Insp White said police would also be checking if those out and about on the peninsula and surrounding areas were local residents.

So far Moreton Police have issued fines and infringements to five people who decided to catch up for drinks at a Bribie Island beach carpark at the weekend.

“Police will certainly consider whether these people are local residents however everyone including residents have an important part to play in practising social distancing and anyone in breach of these rules can be fined up to $1300,” Insp White said.

“We would rather people just stay home and avoid the possible transmission of the virus which presents a serious health risk to the community and our families.”