MEMBERS of a camping group have each been issued with a $1000 fine after police say they were flouting legislation to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
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The Public Health Act was recently upgraded to curb COVID-19's spread and it prevents people from gathering in groups and leaving home without a 'reasonable excuse'.
At 9pm on Saturday, officers from the Chifley Police District attended a camp site in Newnes State Forest, about 15 kilometres from Lithgow, after reports of a group of people camping.
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They group was moved on as they did not live together and or have a reasonable excuse for being away from home.
Four men - aged 18, 19, 32 and 48 - were issued with a $1000 penalty infringement notice (PIN) each.
Meanwhile, this comes on the same day when police issued a $1000 PIN to a 32-year-old Lithgow man.
Bankstown police say he had also failed to comply with the Public Health Act after he was found at a hotel in Villawood at 11.15am.
Also on the Easter long weekend, another seven PINs were issued to Central West residents for not having a reasonable excuse for leaving their home during the COVID-19 restrictions.
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Nadine Morton
Breaking news journalist at the Illawarra Mercury. Email: nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Breaking news journalist at the Illawarra Mercury. Email: nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
