Mornington Peninsula camping: Rosebud, Rye, Sorrento season on hold
Families planning a Christmas camping break on Mornington Peninsula foreshores will have to find a new place to celebrate after it was announced campgrounds will not reopen. But one of the “major concerns” isn’t people catching the virus in a tent.
South East
Don't miss out on the headlines from South East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
Campgrounds along the Mornington Peninsula foreshore will not open this Christmas.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council announced on Thursday that campgrounds at Rosebud, Rye and Sorrento would not reopen until February 2021.
The council-managed sites were expected to open December 19.
MORE: CAMPING BAN ‘FINAL NAIL IN COFFIN’ FOR PENINSULA TRADERS
Council chief executive John Baker said the decision was made after “careful consideration” of the State Government’s coronavirus road map and to ensure the health and safety of all Victorians.
He said it was not feasible to have foreshore camping under Step 3 restrictions including social distancing, density quotients and group sizes.
“One of our major concerns is the transmission risk from people having to use the shared toilet and shower amenity blocks,” Mr Baker said.
“This approach is consistent with the Chief Health Officer’s advice which has underpinned our decision”.
Areas usually occupied by campers would be used by the public for picnics and other outdoor activities.
“These spaces can also be used by beachgoers as overflow spaces to maintain social distancing requirements when beaches are particularly busy,” Mr Baker said.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosia said the decision “complies with the Chief Health Officer’s advice” at this time at the moment, with camping not currently allowed in Metropolitan Melbourne.
However, she confirmed the state was in contact with the council and that they “would be watching this space” to see if there would be a way for camping to occur.
MORE NEWS
PRIVATE SECURITY CALLED IN TO MANAGE BUSY BEACHES