Crowds okay, but kids gather in off-limit areas
Crowds of people swamped northside beaches at the weekend but small groups of children broke the rules by gathering in areas still off limits.
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CROWDS did the right thing along northside beaches at the weekend but small groups of children gathered in areas which are still off limits.
Groups of people ventured to the foreshore from Brighton to Shorncliffe for picnics, bike riding and some fishing when relaxed COVID-19 restrictions came into effect.
Although the area was busy, and fish and chip cafes did a decent trade, people appeared to be abiding by current social distancing measures.
However small groups of young children and teenagers were spotted in local skateparks, which are still closed.
At the Telegraph Rd, Fitzgibbon park there were four children skateboarding at 10.30am Saturday, and a similar number about 3pm. On Sunday, there were three teenagers using the Deagon skatepark about 4.30pm.
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Brisbane City Council has closed all public outdoor gyms, skateparks, playgrounds, exercise equipment, basketball facilities and BMX tracks following advice from Queensland’s Chief Health Officer.
Last week a Council spokesman said Queensland Health had not provided a timetable for the proposed reopening of council facilities.
“Council encourages everyone to continue following the restrictions in place to keep themselves and others safe,” the spokesman said.
Member for Sandgate Stirling Hinchliffe said when relaxed restrictions were discussed he did flag that areas such as the Sandgate foreshore would attract people from 50km away “so we would need extra support”.
“I was so pleased the Police Commissioner decided to allocate extra resources,” he said.
“That went really well. I noticed police engaging with the community along the lines of communication first, then compassion and, as a last resort, compliance.”
Mr Hinchliffe said he saw some children at the Fitzgibbon skatepark while going out for a drive but no-one was there when he drove by again a couple hours later.
“Maybe police had moved them on,” he said.
Among those enjoying a day on the foreshore were Stewart and Sandra Richardson who drove from Caboolture for a picnic at Brighton on Saturday afternoon.
“It was really really nice because we had been staying at home … since before the school holidays,” Mrs Richardson said.
“When we arrived (about 2pm) there didn’t seem to be a lot of cars. There were just a few families a bit away from us. We found a spot by ourselves.
“When we put our stuff in the car to go for a walk we were surprised at the number of cars but there didn’t seem to be a lot of people around. People were just dispersed and just enjoying being out.
“We usually go away each weekend or take our van away but we haven’t been allowed to leave our area. We missed it, missed being able to get out.”
Another visitor to the foreshore James Xiang said he was happy to be back fishing off Shorncliffe Pier.
“I like to fish every week,” he said.
“After lock down it’s great to finally be here. Fishing is relaxing and it helps me find inner peace.”
Mr Hinchliffe thanked everyone “from the local community and those who visited our area”.
“Overwhelmingly I saw people doing the right thing,” he said.
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