April 9, 2020 - COVID-19: No swimming or socialising on Cassowary Coast beaches

With consideration of current COVID-19 restrictions, Cassowary Coast Regional Council is sending a strong message to the community that its beaches should only be used for exercise, and not for recreation.

Following concerning reports of people not observing social distancing guidelines and choosing to recreate on beaches against self-isolation advice, Council has made the decision to immediately remove stinger nets from North and South Mission Beach, Etty Bay and Kurrimine Beach.

In his address to the nation this week following a meeting of National Cabinet, Prime Minister Scott Morrison stressed the need for Australians to not be complacent and to stay home throughout the Easter holiday.

While swimming and recreating on the beaches are banned, exercise such as jogging or walking are still permitted.

Residents are cautioned to not mistake the removal of stinger nets as an indication that it is safe to swim in local beaches with box jellyfish and irukandji still present.

Quotes attributed to Cassowary Coast Regional Council CEO, James Gott:

“We have made this decision to send a strong message to everyone within the region that we take State and Federal health guidelines seriously and will not take any unnecessary risk in attracting social behaviour which could put our wider community at risk.”

“It’s of vital importance that everyone understands our decision to remove stinger nets does not mean that it’s safe to swim in any beaches box jellyfish and irukandji are still present in our waters”

“This Easter holiday presents an enormous challenge to our community as we’re denied the many lifestyle elements of living on the Cassowary Coast during the holiday period, and we ask everyone to remain focused on the long game until we can once again embrace our great outdoors with friends and family.”

Media contact 0417 721 754  |  comms@ccrc.qld.gov.au