Mandurah Mayor Rhys Williams has today announced that vehicle access to White Hills and Tims Thicket beaches has been restricted over the Easter holiday to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
The Mayor said these popular tourist locations attract many residents, visitors and holidaymakers who enjoy being able to drive down onto these beaches.
"Right now, we want to keep our community safe and we do not want holidaymakers in Mandurah and we do not want people gathering in popular spots like Tims Thicket and White Hills," he said.
"The advice from our health experts is simple, to stop this virus, we need to isolate and practice good social distancing. This is how we protect our families, our grandparents and our youths.
"We all need to take some responsibility, so while you may technically be allowed to come to Mandurah from Perth, I urge you please do not come here. Stay home, stay safe and keep our community safe."
The City's Rangers are working in consultation with Police to patrol vehicle entrance points at White Hills and Tims Thicket and to direct vehicles away from these beaches.
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The City will be placing Variable Message Boards to advise restricted vehicle access at entry points, together with messages encouraging people to postpone or cancel their holiday plans and stay at home.
All Mandurah beaches can still be accessed by foot, however people are reminded of public gathering restrictions and social distancing guidelines as advised by the State Government.
"I cannot be much clearer - these holidays, stay home and keep our people safe," the Mayor said.
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"Before leaving your home for a holiday consider if you would put your own grandparents or loved ones at risk, because by ignoring the advice of the health experts you are putting someone's family at risk.
"We look forward to welcoming you all to our beautiful Mandurah once this is all over."
The Shire of Waroona is advising people that 4WD access to Preston Beach is also closed to further prevent travel across the Peel/South West regional boundary and protect the town site of Preston Beach from visitors accessing it from the beach.