Clifton Beach residents petition Premier for access to area of closed beach for exercise during social isolation

Residents of a popular surf beach have petitioned the Premier for access to a section of their closed local beach for their “psychological and physical wellbeing”.

CLIFTON Beach residents have written to the Premier asking for access to part of their popular beach as its closure had affected their ability to safely exercise while complying with social isolation rules.

Since March 29, beaches, parks and reserves run by the Parks and Wildlife Service have been closed to the public while all other council-controlled beaches remain open.

Clifton Beach resident Braye Sutherland wrote to Premier Peter Gutwein on March 31 on behalf of more than 100 residents asking for South Clifton Beach conversation area to be open to residents only for exercise.

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Mr Sutherland said the local community supported measures being taken to stop the spread of coronavirus.

“We are thankful in particular, as it reduces the possibility of large imported and uncontrolled crowds at the beach and here within our community,” he said in the letter to Mr Gutwein.

“[But] what we immediately see as an unintended effect of the blanket closure is significantly increased proximity and interaction of residents throughout their day-to-day exercise and movement outside of the home.

“Be this intended or not there is no doubt the concentration of people using the small public park and walking on the very few footpaths has increased dramatically. Social distancing is

in fact very problematic now as opposed to when the beach was accessible.”

Clifton Beach Conservation Area has been closed by Parks and Wildlife due to COVID-19. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Mr Sutherland said the community was not seeking a concession on social distancing rules.

“It is our considered view that the risk of COVID-19 spread would be significantly diminished, in addition residents’ psychological and physical wellbeing would be greatly enhanced,” he said.

Surfing Tasmania last week also wrote to the Premier saying it made no sense to ban recreational surfers, walkers, fishers and immediate coastal communities from using their local, and often isolated beaches, provided social distancing requirements were adhered to.

Mr Sutherland said the group was yet to receive any reply from the State Government.

The Premier’s office was contacted for comment.