Police send clear message as baysiders flock to popular foreshore during lockdown

Police have delivered a blunt message after becoming alarmed with residents pushing the lockdown restrictions on Brisbane’s bayside.

Two people have been fined as police deliver a blunt message to residents on Brisbane’s bayside as concern grows about a lockdown trend in one of the region’s most popular areas.

A 35-year-old Inala woman and a 25-year-old Redbank Plains man are the only people to have been issued with Covid infringement notices in the area in the six days of lockdown.

The pair was charged after police were called to a disturbance at a service station at 7.30pm Monday on Wynnum Rd in Tingalpa before finding them in the carpark of the local KFC having an argument.

Both were found to have no lawful reason for leaving their home and travelling outside of the 10km limit to Tingalpa and were fined $1378 each.

People using the paths along the popular Wynnum and Manly foreshore last year. Picture: Renae Droop

The limited number of fines comes despite baysiders flocking to the popular Wynnum and Manly foreshore during lockdown.

Wynnum police Senior Sergeant Wayne Richter said there had been a noticeable increase in people using the paths along the foreshore for their daily exercise but some were not following the rules.

“Alarmingly a large percentage are still not wearing masks,” he said.

People using the paths along the popular Wynnum and Manly foreshore last year. (AAP/Image Sarah Marshall)

“We want to reinforce that this period of lockdown is more severe than the past and that unless you are partaking in strenuous exercise such as running or cycling, you should be wearing a mask.

“The amount of people walking their dogs or just strolling along talking is very concerning.”

Wynnum Police senior sergeant Wayne Richter. (AAP Image/Renae Droop)

“There should be a lot less cars on the road however we’re finding quite a lot of people still casually driving along the esplanade.”

Sgt Richter said residents must get the message that everyone must stay home unless they are leaving their residence for a permitted purpose as outlined in the directions from the chief health officer.

He also said police would be a lot more visible around the bayside.

“We are now setting up static interception sites where motorists will be stopped and asked as what reason do they have for leaving home,” he said.