Police frustrated with illegal after-dark gatherings at Ringwood Lake Park and Sherbrook Park
It’s one of the few Melbourne LGAs which is covid-free, but police fear a surge in after-dark gatherings in parks could undo Maroondah’s good work. See where the problem spots are.
Outer East
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People have been caught boozing and gathering in groups at two Ringwood parks after dark — putting Maroondah’s enviable coronavirus-free status at risk.
Ringwood police have been dealing with the ongoing illegal gatherings in parks during stage 4 restrictions, with Ringwood Lake Park and Sherbrooke Park the hot spots.
They also claim the groups are leaving rubbish and broken glass behind, however there was no evidence when Maroondah Leader visited both parks on Thursday.
Ringwood police sergeant Ryan Davis said the gatherings — which police had spotted as recently as Wednesday night — ranged from “a couple of people to large groups”, with some consuming alcohol and others “sitting around”.
Sgt Davis said officers had fined multiple people for breaching coronavirus restrictions in the past three weeks.
“Not only are the parties involved in a breach of the Chief Health Officer’s restrictions, they are committing public order offences and leaving broken glass bottles and other rubbish,” he said.
“It’s something we are encountering and something we need to stamp out.”
Under the State Government’s restrictions, groups of up to five people are allowed to gather outdoors, but only from two households.
The government’s 9pm curfew was lifted at the start of the week.
Maroondah has not had any active coronavirus cases in the municipality since Monday, September 28.
It is one of two covid-free Melbourne LGAs, with the other being Cardinia.
Warranwood’s Alison, who didn’t give her surname, was at Ringwood Lake Park with three other mums and their children today.
She called for restrictions to be eased further in Maroondah given there are no active cases.
“Why can’t we socialise within our 5km,” she said.
“Our kids are suffering socially … it’s very hard to explain to them they can’t see their friends when there are no active cases.”
Ringwood’s Natasha Watt said local pubs and hospitality businesses should be allowed to re-open for outdoor dining.
Sgt Davis urged anyone who sees any illegal gatherings in parks across Ringwood to phone the police assistance line on 131 444.
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