Local councillor concerned strip could become COVID-19 cluster

A popular waterfront strip on Brisbane’s bayside is becoming as popular as ‘Queen St’ with concerns it could become a cluster for COVID-19.

Wynnum foreshore has plenty of people out and about to get their exercise as people isolate for Coronavirus. Picture: Sarah Marshall

A PICTURESQUE foreshore strip on Brisbane’s bayside is quickly becoming as popular as “Queen St” with leaders concerned it could become a hotspot for COVID-19.

With residents under strict social distancing rules, baysiders are flooding the Esplanade at Wynnum, Manly and Lota in droves during peak morning and afternoon periods to get in daily exercise.

And while the local councillor was pleased to see residents keeping up their fitness, he has expressed concern the amount of people could make it an unsafe.

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“It’s getting so crowded the coronavirus would land on about 10 people after any decent sneeze or cough,” ALP Councillor (Wynnum Manly) Peter Cumming said.

“During the 6-9am and 4-6pm peaks, the Esplanade looks like Queen St.

“It’s important people keep up their fitness and break the boredom by getting out in the fresh air but it’s equally vital we maintain social distancing.”

Wynnum foreshore has plenty of people out and about yesterday at 9am to exercise. Picture: Sarah Marshall

State Member for Lytton Joan Pease is a regular walker and cyclist along the foreshore and said there was more people down there than ever.

“I think it’s fabulous to see more people using our beautiful foreshore as long as they adhere to social distancing guidelines,” she said.

Manly West resident Alana Jessop, who frequently walks along the popular foreshore, said she was not concerned about the amount of people at the strip.

“Everyone seems to be keeping their distance,” she said.

Queensland Chief Health Officer, Dr Jeannette Young, advised residents this week to continue to comply with social distancing restrictions.

“We are only just seeing signs of flattening the curve. It’s encouraging that numbers have stayed low over the past week, and we want to keep it that way,” she told people during a Q & A with NewsCorp.

“We need to sustain these low numbers at least for a few weeks until we can look into lifting any restrictions.”

Cr Cumming’s concerns come after three people were issued COVID-19 restriction fines on the bayside over the Easter long weekend and also follows Wynnum Police senior sergeant Wayne Richter’s comments that he was happy with baysiders so far. He also said he encouraged residents to continue their good behaviour.

But Cr Cumming, who is the longest tenured councillor for Brisbane City Council with 26 years under his belt, suggested it was time for residents to look for other locations to exercise. He also suggested walkers should try to avoid peak times.

Other areas to exercise include: Memorial Park at Buderim St, Kitchener Park at Stradbroke Ave, Elanora Park in Granada St, and Kianawah Park on Wynnum Rd.

There are also bush walks at Melaleuca Park, Mookin-bah Reserve, the Chelsea Rd loop and Tingalpa Creek Reserve.

“With fewer cars on the road, it’s also far more pleasant now to go walking around your local streets. There’s plenty of options to stay safe,” Cr Cumming said.