A LOCAL MP is calling for both Riverlanders and visitors to restrain from recreational fishing for the time being, as the Easter long weekend approaches.
Member for Chaffey Tim Whetstone said he urged people to “to please respect the ask of Government and advisors” by avoiding non-essential travel, including recreational fishing.
“Please avoid any unnecessary travel across the state, and that includes recreational fishing,” he said.
“Fishing is one of the favourite past times for people on the river… but the recommendation is to stay at home and minimise those social interactions.
“I say it with a heavy heart, but I also say it with intentions to keep the Riverland safe.”
Mr Whetstone’s recommendation follows a message released last week by SA Health from the state’s chief public health officer Associate Professor Nicola Spurrier asking all South Australians to stay home this Easter and during the upcoming school holidays.
In the letter, which was co-signed by the mayors of the Berri Barmera, Renmark Paringa and Loxton Waikerie councils, Prof. Spurrier said people needed to “do the right thing for all South Australians”.
“Anyone who travels around our state is a potential carrier of COVID-19,” she said.
“That’s why we need everyone to simply reduce that risk and stay home.
“We know COVID-19 is already in the regions, but it is yet to take a significant hold.
“That is why we need to continue to limit the chance of it spreading.
“By doing so, we can further protect those regional communities and their precious health resources.”
Mr Whetstone said it would only take “careless actions” from a few people to impact the whole community.
“We ask everyone to stay at home so that we can deal with this virus that potentially could ravage a small regional community like the Riverland,” he said.
“We know that we’ve had a number of positive detections and we’ve got to minimise that and the only way we can do that is to all take action, and that affirmative action, again is for people to stay at home, don’t make unnecessary travel and, if you do, make sure you abide by the guidelines that are put in place.”
“I’m appealing to every Riverlander to give serious consideration to doing their bit for safeguarding our small community.
“It’s more important in a small community because it travels so quickly and it can impact so many.”
Mr Whetstone said he was already concerned people were not following recommendations by both SA Health and the State Government to avoid non-essential travel.
“I am concerned by the number of campsites set up on the river, people coming up and filling up a boat and going out and having a ski and travelling up the river,” he said.
“But what I would say is now is not the time… save it until next time.”
Camping and caravanning sites around the Riverland, including those in national parks, owned by caravan parks, or controlled by the three Riverland councils, are all closed to non-essential travellers, including locals.
Riverlanders are still able to visit nearby national parks, however group facilities including campgrounds, barbecues, firepits and showers will all be closed and visitors are subject to SAPOL social distancing directions.
Current directions limit outdoor gatherings to 10 people, with no more than one person per four square metres.