MP calls for Bribie beaches to be closed and visitors to stay away

The local member for Pumicestone is urging the State Government to shut down Bribie Island to all visitors and close its beaches urgently in order to protect elderly residents.

AN urgent letter has been sent by the MP for Pumicestone this morning asking the State Government to close Bribie Island’s beaches and for visitors to “please stay away” to protect the island’s elderly residents from the spread of the coronavirus.

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LNP MP for Pumicestone Simone Wilson said Bribie Island had the oldest demographic in Queensland “and this increases their risk of serious complications should the coronavirus spread”.

“I am sending a clear message – if you are planning a holiday or day trip to Bribie Island now is not the time - please stay away,” Ms Wilson said.

“People need to understand why staying away from Bribie Island, unless it’s essential to be here, is just so important.”

Ms Wilson’s call to protect the local community comes after local residents wrote to her and the Moreton Bay Regional Council on Monday asking for protection and the island to be locked down.

Diane Oxenford said earlier this week the “uncontrolled and unrestricted access to Bribie Island .. the present invasion by thousands of mainland visitors over weekends must be curtailed urgently and immediately to protect the welfare of Bribie Islanders”.

Bribie Island residents Irene Sourgnes, 75, and Diane Oxenford, 75, are calling for the island to be closed off to the mainland to protect the elderly population. Photographer: Liam Kidston.

“Bribie Island residents are at a higher risk of infection from ... visitors who don’t appear to understand the need for social isolation,” Ms Oxenford said.

“It is therefore incumbent on you to close access to Bribie Island to protect its communities and residents.”

“The virus has already reached Bribie Island. It is essential to contain its spread.”

Ms Wilson asked, in an email to the Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Health Minister Steven Miles, for the State Government to “extend immediate closures to Ocean Beach and day use areas”.

LNP MP for Pumicestone Simone Wilson. Pic supplied.

Ms Wilson urged holiday makers and day trippers “to stay away”.

“If Bribie Island isn’t part of your community, stay away. I can’t be any clearer than this.

The only people who should be accessing Bribie Island during the COVID-19 process are those who need to come to and from work and those who need to access medical appointments and other essential services.”

Ms Wilson said closing National Park wasn’t “going far enough and people need to know it’s not OK to come to Bribie Island for anything other than essential services at this time”.

“I appeal to those who think Bribie is the place to be right now - it’s not! Stay away unless it’s essential for you to cross the bridge.”