‘Sorry but’ Coast locals send message to day trippers

Locals in a Gold Coast suburb fearful their beach will be next to close have taken matters into their own hands, telling non-residents to stay away.

GOLD COAST locals have taken coronavirus social distancing matters into their own hands, in a bid to keep their own patch of sand open – calling on nonresidents to stay away.

Signs have appeared around Palm Beach asking for those who don’t live in the area to head elsewhere.

“Sorry but, if you don’t live here don’t surf here,” the signs taped at entrances to the surf read.

“Local 4221 residents or within a 5k radius only, until COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

“Locals it if is crowded please spread out or stagger surf times to enforce social distancing.

“Let’s all do what needs to be done to keep our beach open.”

MORE NEWS

Gold Coast airport closes terminal as last flight departs

Shock cut to hours leaving nurses out of pocket

Stallholder fury over rent at closed Carrara markets

Police crackdown to stop drivers reaching Coast

Palm Beach resident Karen Rowles. Picture: Richard Gosling.

MORE NEWS

Beach behaviour you could now be fined for

Strict new restrictions coming for dumps

Council’s new line-up finally revealed

Longtime Palm Beach resident Karen Rowles said she agreed with the signs and had seen behaviour on the beach change in recent days.

“I think the signs are a reminder that now isn’t the time to go to the beach, we don’t want to see it packed by people driving down from elsewhere forcing it closed,” Ms Rowles said.

“I don’t believe it is just about surfers, I think they mean everyone.”

Ms Rowles said she agreed with the closure of beaches at The Spit, Surfers Paradise and Coolangatta, and of beachside carparks, because of the large crowds seen at the weekend.

“It was horrible, really bad on the weekend and unbelievable how many people were breaking the rules not doing the right thing,” she said.

The sign which has been posted in Palm Beach.

“My mother was very clearly social distancing when a man came up behind her and purposefully sneezed into his arm.

“He said sorry I am not wearing my face mask.

“I can’t believe that for once I can actually agree with Mayor Tate what he is done is sensible.

“I think shutting down the car parks is great, the no sunbaking rule seems to be working there.

“I seems the message has gotten through, people are spacing out now.

“If we can continue like this we can continue to enjoy the beach and stay safe.

“The sign is just one of the examples of the community vibe we love here.”