Fines Increase Due To Rise Of Rule-Breakers

The number of Central Coast residents not following stay-at-home orders is surging, with officers from the Brisbane Water and Tuggerah Lakes Police Districts issuing 422 fines since Operation Stay At Home began on Monday, 16 August.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the Central Coast’s number of active COVID-19 cases has doubled in the space of 10 days.

“We need 100 per cent of people on the Central Coast to follow the rules because it only takes a few people doing the wrong thing for the Delta strain of COVID-19 to rapidly spread,” Mr Crouch said.

“I’m disappointed that everybody who is following the rules, getting tested and getting vaccinated is being let down by a small minority of people who think they are above the law.”

Mr Crouch said each on-the-spot Personal Infringement Notice (PIN) ranges from $500 to $5,000.

“249 fines have been issued in the Brisbane Water Police District and 173 have been issued in the Tuggerah Lakes Police District, with common offences including failing to wear a mask and breaching the two person outdoor exercise rule,” Mr Crouch said.

“Five on-the-spot fines have been issued by local Police to Sydneysiders who travelled to our community without a permit.

“Defence personnel have also been deployed to the Central Coast and are assisting Police officers with daily welfare and compliance checks on the hundreds of locals that have either tested positive or are close contacts.”

Enforcement of the Public Health Orders was significantly boosted on Monday, 16 August with the launch of Operation Stay At Home. This involved the deployment of 1,400 additional Police officers and 500 additional Australian Defence Force troops across NSW.

Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses contravening the Public Health Orders is urged to report it to Crime Stoppers.