Surf Coast beaches closed this weekend after hundreds packed into Point Addis on Saturday as Victoria’s COVID-19 pandemic worsened.
Surf Coast Shire closed several beaches and access roads in response to the large gatherings, which enraged locals and councillors alike.
“Council has acted in the interest of public health following evidence of large gatherings of people at a number of beaches in the shire on Saturday,” council chief executive officer Keith Baillie said.
“The Premier stressed that people must not gather on Victoria’s beaches, yet people chose to do otherwise.”
About 100 signs advising ‘beach closed’ were now in place between Torquay and Lorne, according to the shire.
The shire also placed ‘road closed’ signs at Point Addis Road and Surf Beach Road, Torquay, and carparks at Bells Beach and Point Impossible, it said.
The closures would prevent people from gathering and sitting on beaches, the shire said.
But people would still be able to surf, swim, run, walk or exercise dogs, provided they strictly observed physical distancing rules, the shire said.
The shire also updated a variable message board on Anglesea Road to include beach closure advice for drivers entering the Surf Coast from Geelong Ring Road.
All golf courses in Surf Coast Shire are also closed.
“Staying home will save lives,” Mr Baillie said.
“It is essential that we follow the advice of the Victorian Government and Chief Health Officer, by discouraging people from gathering and urging them to stay home.”
Meanwhile, the shire said it had removed seven COVID-19-related signs on local beaches falsely baring council and state government logos.
“Council did not create or install the signs,” the shire said in a statement.
“Officers are continuing to monitor against others being posted.”
