Coast’s hot spot restrictions cause confusion for the public

Gold Coasters Daniel Knowles, 31, and Jasmine Austin, 28, set up a picnic on Burleigh Hill for lunch yesterday between ‘confusing’ signage and barricades.

GOLD Coasters Daniel Knowles, 31, and Jasmine Austin, 28, set up a picnic on popular Burleigh Hill for lunch yesterday between what they called “confusing” new signage and barricades.

They weren’t the only ones who again headed to what is one of the city’s favourite chill-out spots to finish off the long weekend despite a police blitz of the large crowd watching the sunset on Sunday night.

Barricades on Burleigh Hill don’t stop people picnicking and enjoying getting out and about on a glorious autumn day on the Gold Coast. Picture: Glenn Hampson

That Sunday night pack in – after a state relaxation of restrictions allowing people to venture 50km from home for outings – prompted police to warn those breaching social distancing on the hill they would cop $1334 fines. City council staff yesterday morning erected signs and mesh barriers to warn people against gathering in large numbers to avoid a repeat.

Family groups, people doing exercise and small gatherings of friends still hit yesterday the hill to enjoy the sunshine but most told the Bulletin they were experiencing confusion and serenity in equal measure.

Mr Knowles and Ms Austin, from Broadbeach, both agreed that they weren’t sure what they were allowed to do and said if social distancing became a problem they would happily move on.

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Jasmine Austin, 28, and Daniel Knowles, 31, from Broadbeach enjoying a picnic. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“I saw on Facebook yesterday it was packed here, so I was expecting a few more people but it’s nice,” Mr Knowles said.

“I don’t know what these [barricades] are for, it’s confusing.

Ms Austin added: “Seeing that on the news yesterday [Sunday] you had to think it was a bit of a joke.

“We are just here for a light lunch then we’ll head back home.”

Elderly locals of Burleigh Heads Carolyn Wilson and Renate Melkus said they enjoyed seeing smiles on people’s faces again during their walks up Burleigh Hill but admitted they were also confused about what people could now do in the area.

Locals Carolyn Wilson and Renate Melkus out for a walk. Picture Glenn Hampson

“They’re are lots of families out and everyone looks happier,” Ms Wilson said.

“People can get some fresh air and have some freedom.

“Last night [Sunday night] was a shame, those people can muck it up for everyone.

“At the bottom of the hill it says you should only be here if you’re exercising. I thought that went out on midnight Friday,” Ms Melkus said.

“I think you can do what you want as long as you keep your space.”

Graffiti saying “go back where you came from” has been spotted at the hill on the signage.

Some locals in the area told the Bulletin they blame people visiting from outside of Burleigh for “ruining it for them”.