Residents take to bayside strip for picnics, markets as laws are eased

Brisbane’s bayside appears busier than ever as residents take to the waterfront strip for freedom after the State Government’s relaxed COVID-19 laws came into place.

A WATERFRONT strip on Brisbane’s bayside appears busier than ever today after the State Government’s new relaxed COVID-19 laws came info effect.

Residents from all across Brisbane and surrounding areas have taken to the picturesque location at Manly and Wynnum for picnics, markets, motorbike rides and more as Queensland starts its slow transition back to normal from the coronavirus pandemic.

Thousands of people could be seen on the foreshore, which runs from Wynnum to Lota, this morning with the Manly area the busiest due to the Jan Power’s Farmers Markets, which is considered an essential service, being held at Little Bayside Park.

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The market finished at noon.

Residents attending the Jan Power Markets in Manly after the COVID-19 restrictions were ease. Picture: Renae Droop

Daisy Hill’s Lyndel King was waiting for months to take her daughters, Rosie and Leila, to their favourite picnic location at Pandanus Beach in Wynnum and finally was able to today.

“We’re from Logan, so it’s still within the 50km range, but I was a bit worried, thinking police might stop and ask you or something,” Ms King said.

Lyndel King with her daughters Rosie and Leila enjoying Pandanus Beach. Picture: Renae Droop

“But we were very excited to be able to finally be able to go and we had a great time building sandcastles and doing those types of things.

“It’s just good to be able to get out after so much time not being able to do much. We always visit here during summer, so coming here today made our day.”

Darran Whelan with his daughter Ellie-Mae enjoying the foreshore. Picture: Renae Droop

Darran Whelan, who lives in the bayside area, was exercising on the foreshore alongside his daughter, Ellie-May, and said people were still abiding by social distancing rules despite the area being so busy.

“It was definitely busy but people seem to be doing the right thing during this,” he said.

Walkers at the Wynnum foreshore this morning. Picture: Renae Droop

“I wasn’t really cautious about coming down to such a busy area, we take extra precautions, bring hand sanitiser and don’t use public benches, playgrounds and that sort of thing.”

Wynnum Police have only given out a handful of COVID-19 infringements since the introduction of the social distancing laws with senior sergeant Wayne Richter praising the effort of residents during the pandemic.

Residents enjoying the Manly foreshore. Picture: Renae Droop

State Member for Lytton Joan Pease was on the foreshore around 7.30am this morning and said the Wynnum part was probably less busy than other times but later in the day believed there were more cars and motorbikes down Manly way.

She also said there were social distancing marshals at the markets, where she saw people spreading out in queues to ensure social distancing.

Residents walking in Cambridge St in Manly, which has previously been a ghost town during COVID-19. Picture: Renae Droop

ALP Councillor (Wynnum Manly) Peter Cumming said he was a bit concerned about the markets but urged residents not to get complacent after the relaxation of the laws.

“People on the bayside have done a great job of doing the right thing during this pandemic but it’s not a time to get complacent,” he said.

“People should still take caution and if an area appears too busy, I would just advise to go somewhere else.”