Gangs of youths spark outrage as they’re spotted downing sparkling wine and picnicing at popular Gold Coast beach during lockdown
- Large groups of young people have been gathering at Gold Coast beaches
- Locals flouted social distancing laws at Burleigh Hill and Point Danger this week
- Gangs as large as 15 people met up to socialise, have picnics and drink wine
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
Large groups of young people have been flouting coronavirus social distancing laws at popular beaches on the Gold Coast.
Gangs of revellers have gathered at Burleigh Hill and Point Danger this week to drink and socialise.
One group of eight to 15 people have been meeting at Burleigh Hill every morning around 6.30am, The Courier Mail reported.
Pictured: A group of up to 15 young people have been flouting social distancing laws by gathering at Burleigh Hill on the Gold Coast every morning this week
A frustrated Burleigh Hill local said: ‘It is same people who gather every morning at this time and fist, handshake and hug each other.’
The young adults were pictured socialising at the beach while completely disregarding the social distancing law that dictates a maximum group size of two.
Certain group members stood together and chatted while others sat on the grass to enjoy the view and a coffee.
A large group of young women were also photographed having a picnic at Point Danger on Wednesday afternoon.
One passer-by noted: ‘A group of girls got together for a beach party and group photo completely ignoring the social distancing rules we should all be adhering to.’
‘This was not a chance meeting as they had drinks, food and were set for a get-together for the afternoon.’
The five women were photographed with their arms around each other while posing for a picture.
Pictured: One group of young women ignored social distancing measures by taking pictures, drinking sparkling wine and picnicking at Point Danger on Wednesday
The group had brought sparkling wine and bags of food and picnicked while ignoring 1.5 metre social distancing rules.
COVID-19 laws in Queensland state individuals should only leave home for essential purposes and may only gather with one person who is not from their household.
Queensland Police have been notified of the gatherings and are investigating.
A police spokesperson said: ‘The images showing what appear to be blatant breaches of the Chief Health Officer’s directive are very disappointing.’
‘The people depicted have jeopardised their own safety and the safety of the wider community by their actions.’
‘Police in the Gold Coast District are working incredibly hard to ensure Queensland Health directives, including social distancing are being followed, however we cannot be on every street corner, in every park and on every square metre of beach to ensure every person is acting responsibly,’ the spokesperson said.
The number of current coronavirus cases in Australia as of Thursday April 30