Star sighting amid lockdown leads to friction in coastal communities
Melburnians trying to escape the coronavirus lockdown by retreating to coastal holiday homes near Geelong could be dobbed in and end up confined by the same stringent restrictions. It comes as an ex-MasterChef host’s appearance at his Point Lonsdale holiday house caused tension in the community.
Geelong
Don't miss out on the headlines from Geelong. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Melburnians trying to escape the coronavirus lockdown by retreating to coastal holiday homes near Geelong could be dobbed in and end up confined by the same stringent restrictions.
The Borough of Queenscliffe has urged interlopers from Melbourne to stay away, and some of its businesses have started checking ID cards so they can refuse services to people whose permanent address is in Melbourne.
Even regular holiday-makers to the region, like media personality Matt Preston, found themselves subject to the tension.
After hosting an afternoon slot on ABC radio all last week, he was spotted near his Point Lonsdale holiday house, but denied he’d broken the lockdown rules.
A spokesperson for Preston told the Geelong Advertiser on Sunday the former MasterChef host was holidaying with his family on the Bellarine Peninsula before the lockdown was called.
“As he was also broadcasting on certain days during his family holiday at the ABC in Melbourne this necessitated a commute by Matt alone while his family remained at their holiday home,” the spokesperson said.
“When the lockdown was brought back in, Matt consulted with the ABC, who confirmed in writing that Matt’s role is that of an essential worker and thus permitted him to continue to commute to Melbourne when his services were required, for the balance of his family holiday.
“Matt at all times complied with current Government regulations, and is shortly returning to Melbourne at the conclusion of his family holiday.”
Borough Mayor Ross Ebbels urged Melbourne-based holiday home owners not to visit.
“We know people from all over Victoria love the Borough as much as we do, and avoiding visiting our community at this time will help keep this special place safe and healthy,” Cr Ebbels said.
In line with Health Department advice, local businesses would check ID and could refuse service to anyone who normally lived in Melbourne, a council spokesman said.
“Anyone with a principal place of resident in metropolitan Melbourne or Mitchell Shire who is already in the Borough (of Queenscliffe) is subject to Melbourne’s Stage 3 Stay at Home restrictions,” he said.
Surf Coast Shire Lorne Cr Clive Goldsworthy said reports of Melburnians flocking to the region ahead of last week’s lockdown had been exaggerated and commended most people for doing the right thing.
He said about 80 per cent of holiday bookings in the area were cancelled, with the remaining few made by regional residents.
Cr Goldsworthy said the town was “relatively busy” during the June school holidays, before the metropolitan lockdown. but said many people had now moved on.
City of Greater Geelong acting mayor Kylie Grzybek confirmed council had received multiple complaints after stallholders from the Melbourne area of Wyndham travelled to this region to hold Belmont Market stalls on the weekend.
She said council was investigating the matter and would look to amend the market’s policy.
Cr Grzybek said Geelong was not presently planning to follow the lead of the City of Ballarat, which has encouraged its residents to wear masks in public and stay within the municipality.
MORE NEWS
TIMELINE OF GEELONG’S COVID-19 CASES
COVID-19 CASE IN JUNIOR FOOTY PLAYER’S RELATIVE
ELDERLY PATIENT TASERED AT MCKELLAR CENTRE
Originally published as Star sighting amid lockdown leads to friction in coastal communities