Police patrol border in anticipation of another Covid-19 lockdown protest

Police so far outnumber protesters gathering on the Queensland and New South Wales border.

Police have so far outnumbered protesters anticipated to gather at the New South Wales and Queensland border on Sunday.

Photos posted to social media by border residents showed police patrolling Coolangatta in groups on Sunday morning.

Police patrol the border of New South Wales and Queensland on Sunday morning. Photo: Facebook

“They are placed on every street corner, under Twin Towns and any other vantage point across the border,” one resident said.

“Lot’s of paddy wagons for those who may get a free ride to Coolangatta or Tweed police cells.”

Police patrol the border of New South Wales and Queensland on Sunday morning. Photo: Facebook

A resident about 12.15pm said protesters were yet to show.

A Queensland Police spokeswoman said police were aware of a potential border protest at Coolangatta and “have adjusted accordingly”.

“Additional officers will continue to conduct high visibility patrols around Coolangatta focusing on the Queensland and New South Wales border areas,” police said in a statement on Saturday.

Police patrol the border of New South Wales and Queensland on Sunday morning.

“Those who attend are reminded of restrictions and requirements associated with COVID-19, which include not crossing the state line border unless you have a current and valid exemption.

“Those taking part in protest action who deliberately and recklessly ignore the CHO Directions could face fines up to $4,135.00 for failing to comply.”

A crowd of about 1000 people last weekend protested against lockdowns and travel bans in the cross-border community of Coolangatta-Tweed Heads.