The Port Stephens community has expressed concerns regarding an influx of tourists in the Easter period despite Federal Government advice to avoid all non-essential travel due to the threat of COVID-19.
Port Stephens MP Kate Washington said accommodation providers have been encouraging travelers to self-isolate or avoid the spread of disease in tourist hotspots such as Port Stephens.
"Port Stephens has a beautiful and welcoming community," said Ms Washington. "But we also have a vulnerable community who need to be protected from this virus."
Communities such as Tea Gardens / Hawks Nest are among the oldest in Australia.
Ms Washington said the State Government must outline clear and unambiguous restrictions on movement for the sake of at-risk communities such as hers.
While those diagnosed with coronavirus or returned from overseas face police fines if they breach self-quarantine or public health orders, the distinction between what constitutes essential travel and what doesn't isn't so clear cut.
"The Victorian Government, the Queensland Government - they have made clear directions about caravaning and camping in their states on public land. We have not seen the same from the Premier, nor from the Prime Minister at a federal level."
Without official restrictions on non-essential travel, Ms Washington is urging tourists to make the right decision in the upcoming holiday season.
"In the current circumstances, we have to put lives before livelihood. This call is a very difficult one to make for everyone, but we just can't afford to have the influx of tourists that we usually see at Easter in these areas."
"My message to holidaymakers is very simple: please, protect Port Stephens, and postpone your trip."
There are currently 1219 confirmed cases of coronavirus in NSW, and 103 in the Hunter New England Health District, five of which were located in the Port Stephens LGA.
 |
| Image credit: https://www.portstephens.nsw.gov.au/ |
