BEACH PARTY COVIDIOTS
Police warn against complacency after crowd of 200-300 moved from gathering north of Cairns
POLICE have warned against the dangers of a COVID hangover after breaking up a large beach party (above) north of Cairns. Acting Superintendent Mark Linwood said police showed incredible tolerance dealing with 200-300 partygoers at Wangetti Beach when a large section turned hostile on Saturday morning.
“By and large Queenslanders have done a great job in combating COVID-19 but we cannot and must not become complacent,” he said.
THREE people were arrested and several more have received fines following a crackdown on a massive beach party north of Cairns.
Police were called out to a gathering of 200-300 people at Wangetti Beach on Saturday after loud music prompted complaints.
Officers first arrived about 8am, before returning at noon with almost a dozen police vehicles to disperse the crowd.
According to a Queensland Police spokeswoman, a DJ had set up scaffolding and was playing music, which police ordered to be unplugged.
A large section of the crowd became unruly and hostile towards police and additional officers attended.
A 35-year-old Cairns North man was arrested and charged with one count each of possession of a dangerous drug, possession of suspected stolen property, public nuisance and two counts of obstructing police. He is due to appear in Cairns Magistrates Court on November 6.
Two 23-year-old men, one from Brisbane and one from Cairns North, were issued with notices to appear in court for alleged drink driving. The Cairns North man will appear in Cairns Magistrates Court on November 6.
Cairns police Inspector Monique Ralph said the large police presence that arrived was able to disperse the crowd.
“Obviously, we’re still required to follow the chief health officer’s directives, make sure we’re complying with social distancing,” she said.
Acting Superintendent Mark Linwood said: “COVID-19 and the threat it poses to all Queensland communities is real. 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.”
Cairns Division 9 Councillor Brett Olds said it was unclear if the party was connected to the issue of illegal campers off the highway connecting Palm Cove and Port Douglas.
He said he sympathised with young people struggling with restrictions.
“Imagine what it’s like being at that age at the moment when you can’t date, you can’t gather anywhere or do anything,” he said.
A Douglas Shire spokeswoman said two council officers had also attended, handing out infringement notices for illegal camping.