Port Phillip Council is reminding beach and park-goers to “Play It Safe” ahead of busy public holidays including Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve/Day.
Port Phillip’s scenic outdoor spaces, including 11 km of foreshore and popular parks, are expected to be in high demand over the festive season.
Mayor Louise Crawford said the City is urging everyone to ‘play it safe’ to ensure visitors, residents and traders all have a fun and successful summer.
“Every year, hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to our foreshore during the festive season. The pandemic has brought a fresh appreciation to many about enjoying the great outdoors and we are expecting similar, or higher, numbers in 20/21,” Cr Crawford said.
“This is why we are asking everyone to respect our ‘backyard’ by not leaving litter, especially glass which is banned on our foreshore parks and beaches,” she said. “COVID-19 requirements and the alcohol ban, both enforced by Victoria Police, must be followed. This has been a year like no other and it’s important that we continue to do what we must to protect ourselves and others – and our environment.”
“You can help play your part by throwing a bottle of hand sanitiser in your beach-bag and using a beach towel to measure a safe 1.5 metre distance from others. If a beach is approaching capacity, head further along the foreshore to continue a great day out — or stop a while to enjoy some great nearby dining and
shopping.”
Cr Crawford said most people have been doing the right thing since COVID-19 restrictions eased.
“The few wanting to break the rules should be aware that Port Phillip falls within Victoria Police’s Operation
Summersafe, which involves highly visible police patrols to detect and deter criminal offending,” she said.
“Council is playing its part by providing local laws officers to support police efforts and increased services including a record number of bin collections and beach cleans. By everyone working together, we can keep these spaces clean and safe as we say goodbye to a challenging 2020 and look ahead to 2021.”
BACKGROUND
There are no Council managed or permitted events or fireworks on NYE. There is a total alcohol ban in all public places in the municipality, including beaches, parks and streets, from 8 pm on 30 December until 12 noon 2 January.
Alcohol is banned on the St Kilda foreshore all summer, including all beaches and foreshore reserves from Langridge Street to Thackeray Street. This is to ensure the safety of residents and visitors by making our City safe, clean and fun for everyone.
For more information about the summer management campaign, including alcohol bans, go to
https://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/council-services/health-and-safety/play-it-safe-port-phillip
