Resident drove 300km from coronavirus capital Melbourne to buy a Big Mac

A Melburnian has been slapped with a $1,652 fine after driving 300km across coronavirus-infected Victoria just to get a Big Mac.

Police Minister Lisa Neville labelled the McDonald’s run as ‘appalling’ after announcing 168 fines were given out within the last 24 hours for breaching strict public health orders.

The resident had travelled from locked down Melbourne to Wodonga, which is near the NSW border on Friday, claiming they wanted to pick up their favourite snack. 

Along with the Big Mac lover, other Victorians were caught travelling long distances for ‘fresh air’ and even groceries.

‘We are still continuing to see appalling behaviour. I know Victorians themselves are fed up with, I am fed up with it, Victoria Police are fed up with it,’ Ms Neville said on Saturday. 

‘Can I be really clear, just in case there is any doubt at all, that there is absolutely no reason or need to drive from Melbourne to Wodonga to have a Big Mac. That is one of the fines that was issued yesterday.

The resident claimed they were just wanting to pick up their favourite snack before being fined $1,652

‘There is absolutely no reason or need to drive from Melbourne to Ballarat for fresh air. There is absolutely no reason to drive from Werribee out to Springvale to buy groceries.

‘Why would people think that is OK? They don’t care, it can’t be because people aren’t aware of the rules.’

On Saturday, Victoria announced another 397 coronavirus cases and three more deaths, amid fears the lockdown isn’t being adhered to.

Melbourne and Mitchell Shire was plunged back into lockdown on July 8, meaning residents can only leave their homes for essential reasons – and cannot leave their local areas. 

Breaching the rules will cop residents a $1,652 fine. 

Ms Neville thanked the ‘majority’ of Victorians who were doing the right thing but said many were still ignoring the rules.

One group of friends were fined after throwing a party while renting out an Airbnb in West Melbourne.

Police Minister Lisa Neville (pictured on Saturday) labelled the McDonald’s run as ‘appalling’ after announcing 168 fines were given out within the last 24 hours for breaching strict public health orders

The ten revellers were all caught in the apartment while two tried to hide in the bedroom. 

One man was busted travelling 40 minutes from Thornbury to Werribee for a haircut, while others were caught driving to brothels.

Police stormed another party with five Victorians in an apartment in Melbourne’s CBD as several tried to hide in the closet. 

Meanwhile a man was arrested at a NSW-Victoria border checkpoint after allegedly providing false information to police and then punching an officer in the face.

The man and two women in their 20s were on Saturday morning in a car seeking to cross into NSW at Corowa when they were pulled over by police and defence personnel.

Police say the two women presented valid permits and identification but the man, sitting in the back seat, did not follow suit.

Police issued 168 fines to Victorians breaching public health orders within the last 24 hours (pictured ADF member tests patient for COVID-19 at testing site)

Subsequent checks found the man was wanted on seven outstanding warrants including one revoking his parole.

The 21-year-old man then allegedly attempted to flee the vehicle and punched a senior constable in the face, causing bruises.

He was arrested by other officers and defence personnel and taken to Corowa Hospital due to suspected drug ingestion, with authorities seizing drug paraphernalia from the car.

The man remains in hospital and is yet to be charged.