Bass Coast beaches closed for Easter

7/4/2020

BASS Coast Shire Council and Phillip Island Nature Parks will close all Bass Coast beaches to the public over the Easter break, including for swimming, surfing and exercising.

The closure will be in effect from midnight on Thursday, April 9 until midnight on Monday, April 13.

During these times, there will be no access for anyone, to any beach, under any circumstance. This includes exercising on the beach – running, surfing, walking and swimming.

This follows strong advice from Bass Coast Health that with additional people in the community over Easter, the local health network would be unable to respond to the impacts of a COVID-19 outbreak in our community.

Bass Coast Council CEO Ali Wastie said that Bass Coast does not have an intensive care facility, with Bass Coast Health only equipped to respond to local demand.

“On behalf of the local community - please stay home for Easter and only leave your primary place of residence for food shopping, medical reasons, exercise and work or education if you can't do these from home,” Ms Wastie said.

“It was a difficult decision to make, but an essential one in order to support our health network and protect our community. Stay home. Protect the health system. Save lives.”

Ms Wastie said, thanks to Bass Coast’s incredible beaches and coastlines, the Shire would normally welcome up to 70,000 visitors over the Easter period.

“Our visitors and non-permanent residents make a significant contribution to our community and economy and we respect and value all those who call Bass Coast their second home or favourite place to visit,” Ms Wastie said.

“When all of this is over, we will welcome everyone back with open arms, but until then, we are asking you to please stay home.

“We feel for those who have been doing the right thing, but protecting our community is paramount.

“The message from all levels of government is clear. If you can stay home, you must. Putting additional strain on rural health services is unfair, when cities and large towns are much better placed to manage an outbreak," Ms Wastie concluded.

Signage will be in place informing people of beach closures.

People are encouraged to contact the Victoria Police Assistance Line 131 444 to alert authorities of potential breaches of directions, including gatherings.

17 Comments

Todd Jacobson

7/4/2020 01:23:57 pm

Does the beach closures include the Ventor off lead dog beach?

Marie Broussard

8/4/2020 02:29:49 pm

Of course this includes dogs off leash beaches - including Ventnor beach!

Catherine Watson

7/4/2020 02:01:03 pm

Yes. No exceptions.

Lou Pecora link

7/4/2020 02:21:12 pm

Once again the majority of good abiding citizens are punished with draconian laws for the few that will disregard any restrictions that don't suite their selfish and narcissistic nature.
Why not empower the good people of Bass Coast with the maturity and respect they deserve in confronting and shaming those that may do the wrong thing.
The current system is working well and there is no reason why it can't continue to.

Geoff Ellis

7/4/2020 04:24:57 pm

Punished or protected? Sadly, the system isn't working and a vigilante confrontational shaming system is doomed to fail. Too many people have been flouting covid19 protocols and they have ruined it for everyone. Our hospital system is not designed to cope with a huge influx so the advice is STAY HOME and stay safe. That's why the beaches are closed.

Sue Packham

7/4/2020 03:33:06 pm

I think people's health is much more important than a fun gamble on one of our beautiful beaches. That would include everyone's health in our area and beyond. Authorities are doing their best to keep us all as safe as possible. We must acknowledge their efforts - by staying away from beaches and making the most of our own homes and properties.

Pamela Jacka

7/4/2020 04:45:42 pm

I'm disappointed to see that the general public are being encouraged to act as pseudo police. Very dangerous and, dare I say, "unAustralian" (which is not a real word but ...). Think how nice and clean (no foot prints, etc.) the beaches will be after Easter when all the locals can return to their usual pursuits. It's only for a few days, so let's not fret too much. Just don't dob people in. If you're there to see them, perhaps you are also flouting the rules? Let those employed to do the job, do the job.

Nola

7/4/2020 06:50:53 pm

It's a bit late to tell people to stay home when so many non-residents with holiday homes have been down for several weeks. I am ok with beaches being closed and will exercise just walking the streets without a problem, but it means nothing if the closures aren't monitored and penalties imposed. Ignorance is not a defence these days.

Judy Rogers

8/4/2020 08:12:19 am

Thank you and hopefully there will be a large sign put the at entrance to San Remo and at the Bridge between San Remo and Phillip Island

Lynda M Hanlon

8/4/2020 08:13:03 am

Hooray! Well done, let’s hope people abide by the regulations.

Peter Ghys

8/4/2020 08:13:38 am

Meaning? The beaches at Inverloch have had signs up for days saying they are closed, but we have been allowed to swim and walk; just no sitting. Please explain. 😊

Catherine Watson

8/4/2020 08:14:13 am

Hi Peter. I think this is the "Beaches Really Closed" moment. The earlier signs were designed to deter city people but these are the real deal. No one is permitted to go on the beaches. I gather it will be policed.
They are assuring us it is just for Easter so we must be vigilant.

Georgina Day

9/4/2020 08:48:20 am

Beaches - is this legal? The Victorian government hasn't stipulated this - many other beaches are open. A week ago there were about 6 people on a 2km stretch of beach, with no threat of encroaching on each other as we walked along and tried to clear our minds whilst excising.

I understand that people are worried about Wonthaggi hospital's ability to cope, but it's getting confused with holiday home owners.
If holiday home owners come down (for example to secure their homes, since we may not be able to do this for many months) we are in no way impacting on local hospitals due to COVID-19. As the article itself puts it, Wonthaggi hospital doesn't offer the services. We would rather return to Melbourne for health services. We are not making the situation worse locally.
I don't want to fixate on hospitals, but most local comments seem to be about concern for Wonthaggi to cope. Lets follow this through for a moment - if we aren't welcome at our own local hospitals in Bass Coast, should Melbourne residents welcome permanent Bass Coast residents to Melbourne hospitals? Didn't think you'd like that idea.

We have no intention to interact with the local community under these circumstances (but normally we would love to interact and support!).

So many issues here, just saying that we should be permitted to secure our properties and get out.

Please try to be considered and understanding in your responses. We LOVE Bass Coast and identify with it very strongly. Would love to be retired there already, but need to earn some more money to enable that in the city :-)

Georgina Day

9/4/2020 08:49:05 am

The Chief Health Officer, the Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner and Dan Andrews himself have all said holiday home owners staying in their homes should be manageable, provided they follow the rules whilst there. They have also said that holiday home owners (and long term renters) will not be fined for travelling between their properties.

https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/easter-weekend-and-covid-19-can-i-go-to-my-holiday-house-20200407-p54hxj.html

Mark Robertson

9/4/2020 09:39:49 am

I suppose this means we can all spend time mingling in the safety of Bunnings ,et al, Seriously, for someone like me with very low immunity a quiet beach and some fresh air is probably the safest place.

Catherine Watson

10/4/2020 08:48:54 am

Good point Mark. There are many inconsistencies. You can't go for a round of golf (minus the drinks on the 19th hole) or take a tinny out to sea but you can shop at Coles. Oh and you can go out to shoot ducks, thank god.
BTW, it seems that the Bass Coast beaches managed by Parks Victoria are not closed for Easter. That includes Harmers and Williamsons.

Georgina Day

10/4/2020 11:51:48 am

Looks like you're correct. Lots of reserves still open, including Kilcunda - Harmers Haven coastal reserve https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/get-into-nature/safety-in-nature/covid-19-update

Bass Coast beaches closed for Easter

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