Watching Warrnambool races not a reason to be away from home

Warrnambool police Senior Sergeant Ross Fitzgerald said Tuesday and Wednesday's race meetings were crowd-free.

"It's very clear what the expectations are. Police will be in attendance at the races and the surrounding area for the duration of both days to ensure everyone is complying with the COVID-19 health regulations," he said.

"Our Operation Sentinel taskforce members are rostered on and will be assessing compliance of COVID-19 restrictions. Attending at or near the racecourse to watch the races is not a legitimate reason to be out and about."

The senior sergeant said there were only four reasons to be away from home. "And attending to watch the races is not one of them," he said.

"People may receive an infringement if they do not have a justifiable reason a to be away from their home.

"There will be a significant police and private security presence. Private security officers will report any breaches to police to be followed up."

Senior Sergeant Fitzgerald said police did not want people to gather for any reason.

"That includes gathering at a house hold. We don't want to see private parties either," he said. "Essentially there's no change to health directions just because the races are on. We have all been living with the COVID-19 restrictions for some time and everyone knows what's acceptable.

"Attending to watch the races is not acceptable."

He said police received reports a number of people watched jumps racing trials at the course on Tuesday. "That's now very clearly on our radar for next Tuesday and Wednesday and we'll be focusing on viewing areas including Tozer Road, Moore Street and the top of the Grafton Road hill," he said.

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