Police target popular Gold Coast areas to control crowds as restrictions ease

Known hotspots across the Gold Coast will be targeted by police this weekend, to ensure compliance with strict rules. Get caught breaking those rules – and you will be fined.

HOTSPOTS across the Gold Coast will be targeted by police this weekend to ensure compliance with strict rules.

The first stage of the Queensland Government’s three-stage plan to ease COVID-19 restrictions takes effect from May 16. From tomorrow people will be allowed to gather in groups of up to 10 in public places.

Gold Coast Police Chief Superintendent Mark Wheeler said police would increase patrols in certain areas on the Coast, known to draw crowds.

“Over the Easter and Mother’s Day weekend we did see groups congregating around Burleigh Hill and a number of our parklands, also out in the Hinterlands, and of course our shopping centres,” he said.

“Our message is really clear on this; if you turn up to a venue or an area where there is lots of people, get in your car and go somewhere else.

“We know historically where people will probably be, and we’ll target our patrols in those areas.”

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Queensland Police picture on patrol at Burleigh headlands on the Gold Coast. Picture: Greg Stolz

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Under the new regulations pubs, clubs, RSLs, restaurants and cafes can reopen for 10 patrons at a time. Chief Wheeler said police would also patrol those facilities to ensure social distancing was maintained.

“With the venues, we would ask that their COVIDSafe checks have been completed and ultimately the management of the venue are up to the operator,” he said.

“If we see blatant disregard for the rules we can and will take enforcement action.

“For an individual it’s a fine of $1334, and for a business it’s a fine of over $6500.”

Cafes are getting ready to reopen across the Gold Coast and waitress Maria Bud can’t wait to serve food to people again at Cafe 7 at Paradise Point. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

Chief Wheeler has also urged people not to throw parties or breach laws to celebrate the eased restrictions.

“It’s important to remember that these restrictions, while they’re are easing, are not a green light to hold big parties at home or gather in groups larger than 10 if you’re outside,” he said.

“Another really important thing to remember this weekend is consumption of alcohol in our parklands is actually prohibited.

“It can attract a $133 on the spot fine.”

Cafes are getting ready to reopen across the Gold Coast and owner Chantel Kruger from Quay St Cafe and Bar at Sanctuary Cove is looking forward to unstacking the chairs. Picture: Glenn Hampson

With people able to take recreational day trips of up to 150km from their homes, Chief Wheeler also reminded people police would continue checks along the M1.

A new check point has been put in place at Nerang Murwillumbah Rd from 7am-7pm everyday.

“That’s to allow people who are dropping kids off at school, going to have medical appointments across the border, or engage in their normal business,” Chief Wheeler said.