Victorian Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson has implored Victorians not to visit coastal towns including along the Great Ocean Road during the Easter school holidays to limit the spread of the Coronavirus.
With the school holidays officially starting tomorrow, Senator Henderson reiterated the strong message of the Australian and Victorian Governments to stay home.
“This holidays, just stay at home. Only leave your home when absolutely necessary. Even a day trip to the coast can put other people at risk.” Senator Henderson said.
“If Victorians don’t follow this advice, then I believe we will need to close all beaches and the Great Ocean Road. I have raised my concerns with the Federal Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham.
“We cannot risk a repeat of what happened on Bondi Beach in our own backyard.
“After being such a champion of the Great Ocean Road visitor economy over so many years, it is so difficult to tell people to stay at home. But we have to take these very tough decisions to save lives.”
With the City of Greater Geelong and Surf Coast Shire announcing the closure of all of their parks, reserves, skate parks, golf courses, tennis courts and caravan parks (subject to exceptions).
Senator Henderson said much of the Surf Coast and Bellarine was already closed for business.
Many surf life-saving clubs have also stopped or limited beach patrols.
“The Prime Minister and the National Cabinet have made it very clear that Australians cannot go on holidays. The last thing that Victorian coastal communities need is an outbreak of Covid-19. Towns such as Lorne and Anglesea have a high proportion of older residents; we simply cannot afford to put anyone at risk,” Senator Henderson said.
“This holidays, whether it’s playing monopoly with the kids, painting the house or cleaning up the garden, we need to find things to do at home.
“This is a very difficult and challenging time for our nation as we adapt to dramatic changes in how we live. But working together, we can get through this and out the other side, a stronger Australia,” Senator Henderson concluded.
For all updates including the latest health advice and the very substantial support the Morrison Government is delivering for small businesses including in the tourism sector, please go to australia.gov.au