Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is committed to keeping our community safe and welcomes the increased police presence in our townships to deal with lockdown violators.
Police this week fined four people staying at an Air BnB property on the Peninsula $1860 each and fined the owner of the home $10,900. Police have committed to increasing patrols as well as scanning registration plates to check for compliance.
Anyone in the community who suspects a short stay rental property is being misused is urged to call 000 or crime stoppers on 1800 333 000 for assistance.
Quotes attributed to Mayor Despi O'Connor:
"Under the direction of the Chief Health Officer, we are all required to stay home yet we are hearing from our community that visitors from Melbourne are travelling to the Peninsula to use short stay rental properties."
"This is not complying with lockdown regulations and there are hefty fines for those involved, including for the owners of short stay rental properties."
"Having visitors from Melbourne and elsewhere travel to the Peninsula during lockdown puts our community at greater risk of a COVID-19 outbreak. We have one of the highest populations of older people in the State and they are especially vulnerable to the coronavirus."
"These are tough times and this lockdown has tested the resilience of us all. But ignoring the rules and travelling beyond your 5km zone is not going to help us get out of lockdown sooner. We all need to play our part in getting through this pandemic."
"I understand the desire to escape to a new environment – 18 months of intermittent restrictions and lockdowns has been gruelling, and we are all feeling a little worn out. But with vaccination rates increasing every day, it is hopefully only a matter of weeks before the worst is over."
"I would like to give a heartfelt thanks to the majority of people who are doing the right thing. Your patience, fortitude and care for others has moved me deeply. We live in a wonderful, caring and compassionate community."
