Murrindindi Shire Council CEO Criag Lloyd says he is devastated about the number of visitors to the region who are ignoring calls for them to “stay at home” during the Corona-virus Pandemic emergency.

“I am devastated today with the behaviour of a small section of the Victorian community,” Mr Lloyd said at the weekend.

“Our was swamped today with tourists, ignoring the State Government, Federal Government and our communities wishes for them to stay away.

Eildon was busy with boats and jet skis, and the campgrounds in the area still have people camping despite them closing several days ago.

“Large groups gathered in Marysville.

“More groups in Kinglake including some who thought it was okay to climb over the barriers around the Bollygum Park Playground, there to protect their own safety.

“Yea has a constant flow of caravans, trailer tents and other heading out bush.

“This selfishness is putting all of our lives at risk.

“I have raised this issue during the day today with the State Government and fully understand that, if we get to the point of having to lockdown further, the behaviours of some irresponsible people will be the cause.

“As a Shire we do not have the power to turn people around, close our borders or anything similar.

“From all reports our community are doing the right thing staying home.

“Our shops, cafes and businesses have closed – some because we are all unable to support them because we have chosen to stay home, others because of their sense of community and also wanting to do the right thing.

“Tourists – we love you and when the time is right we will welcome you back with open arms – but now is not the time.

“Please STAY HOME.

“I will continue to work with the State Government to take measures to protect our community,” Mr Lloyd said.

Earlier, Mr Lloyd had spoken on social media about people travelling to Lake Eildon:

“I am advised tonight that Goulburn-Murray Water sought advice from the State Government today to clarify if people should be using their houseboats.

“Advice has been received that houseboats are considered a non-essential activity.

“Please do the right thing and head home,” Mr Lloyd said.

Mike Dalmau, Lake Eildon Houseboat Inudstry Association President, said:

“The direction from State Government and Goulburn Murray Water overnight is sad news, however, I encourage all associated with the houseboat industry to please abide by the direction,” Mr Dalmau said.

“We are in extremely difficult times.

“Our Prime Minister, our Premier and our Shire Council are our leaders and are acting on the best possible advice available to them.

“They are having to balance so many different interests and pressures.

“It is not an easy job, but they are doing an incredible job under extremely difficult circumstances.

“The health and wellbeing of all people is what it is all about.

From a LEHIA perspective, I will be participating today (Friday, Mar. 27) in a video conference with our friends at the Oating Industry Association Vic that will be looking at assistance and stimulus packages from Federal and State Governments.

“On a positive note, AUSNET Services have been working on removing the powerlines at the junction of Eildon Road and Sugarloaf Road. They should be gone this week; yes, it is finally happening.

“This will greatly improve the safety of those working on houseboats and increase productivity which will benefit houseboat owners.

“Hopefully, we will see action from Murrindindi Shire Council on the road works at the entrance and launching ramp at Lake Eildon Marina shortly. This forms the other part of the Floating City Project.

“This crisis will pass, the sooner the better for all concerned,” Mr Dalmau said.

“Lake Eildon is such a beautiful and magic place. After being under different degrees of lock down in Melbourne, and the stresses of the crisis, people will want to come to this beautiful place to replenish their souls and feel good about the world again.

“I don’t think overseas travel will be that popular for a long time.

“We have to hang in there and support each other as we will come through this crisis.

“Our community came through the aftermath of Black Saturday, we will do it again.

“Further, there will be need for stimulus to create jobs when this crisis passes and the work done on the Activating Lake Eildon Project should stand us in good stead to see many jobs and investment in this area,” Mr Dalmau said.