We support the government in this difficult time, and implore everyone to abide by any crisis regulations.  However, it is also our duty as citizens to lobby the government for change if such regulations infringe upon social freedoms more than is reasonably necessary, and affect a community adversely.

Closing beaches, in our view, was an overt decision which unfairly targeted Sydney’s coastal communities.  Social distancing laws can easily be observed on the beaches, and particularly in the water, while swimming or surfing, and there are plenty of common sense measures which could be implemented to help manage human density, such as limiting access to locals in the first phase.

For those who live in coastal communities, the beaches and the water are their health and mental lifeline.  They are what parks, harbours, river courses, bushland and jogging tracks are to other communities, which have not been closed.

Rest assured it is not selfish, or silly, to desire using the local beach for your daily jog, swim or surf, or even to relax on the sand.  Providing you maintain a distance of 1.5m from other beach goers, you would not be breaking the law, as long as the closure is lifted. 

Please sign this petition to lobby the government to reopen the beaches for any coastal communities affected by the closures.  We understand it may be difficult to muster the courage to stand up for your basic rights right now, however, the government is there to represent you, so please let them know how you feel.   

Eighty Percenters is a lobby group exploring a more moderate, sustainable and targeted response to the COVID-19 problem.   You can also join our Facebook Page on  https://www.facebook.com/pg/coronavirusmanagement/posts/?ref=page_internal