Fury as footage emerges showing HUNDREDS of young revellers enjoying a boozy party on a beach complete with a stage and a DJ – despite tough coronavirus restrictions
- Hundreds of partygoers were filmed dancing and drinking after dark on a beach
- Footage of the illegal gathering in Cairns on Saturday surfaced on social media
- Backpackers have boasted about attending and of negative media attention
Hundreds of partygoers were filmed dancing and drinking on a beach as a DJ played techno music – despite tough COVID-19 restrictions prohibiting gatherings.
Footage of the illegal gathering has surfaced on social media, days after police were called to Wangetti Beach, near Cairns in Far North Queensland, to break up a party of about 300 people.
Three people were arrested during Saturday morning’s festivities, including a 35-year-old man who was charged with possession of a dangerous drug, stolen property and public nuisance.
Two 23-year-old men were charged with drink driving.
The group have held two separate parties held over two weekends on the same beach in Cairns
Three people were arrested during Saturday morning’s festivities, including a 35-year-old man who was charged with possession of a dangerous drug, stolen property and public nuisance
The majority of the party guests were international backpackers, the ABC reported.
The party wasn’t the first of its kind, either. A similar gathering was held on the same beach the week earlier.
On social media this week, several people have shared photos and videos of the two separate parties.
One of the guests who boasted of attending both parties took to Instagram on Monday to share a news article written about the gathering.
The article branded attendees ‘Covidiots’ for breaching COVID restrictions.
‘They talk about us,’ he wrote alongside several laughing emojis.
Current gathering limits in Queensland restrict any more than 100 people from gathering at an outdoor function.
Indoor gathering limits at private premises remain at 100 as well.
Hundreds of partygoers were filmed dancing and drinking on a beach as a DJ played techno music – despite tough COVID-19 restrictions prohibiting gatherings
Drone footage of the party was uploaded on social media at the weekend
The majority of the party guests were international backpackers, ABC reported
Acting Superintendent Mark Linwood said he was concerned about the potential impact of the illegal parties.
‘COVID-19 and the threat it poses to all Queensland communities is real,’ he said.
‘It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure they are practising effective social distancing and following the directions as set out by the Chief Health Officer.’
He also congratulated police on their swift response after complaints were made about the gathering.
‘When police attended [the crowd] did become a little bit hostile so we called for backup,’ Supt Linwood said.
‘Police have done an incredible job to negotiate with everyone and resolve the situation and keep the community safe.
Supt Linwood said COVID-19 breaches would be further investigated.
In addition to the fines which were handed out, the Cairns Regional Council also issued fines for illegal camping.
On social media this week, several people have shared photos and videos of the two separate parties
The party started at sunset and went well into the evening, until police broke it up
On social media this week, several people have shared photos and videos of the two separate parties
Acting Superintendent Mark Linwood said he was concerned about the potential impact of the illegal parties