Redland City Council has reopened Wellington Point swimming areas that had been closed because of a Morbakka Jellyfish threat.

Redland City Council Chief Executive Officer Bill Lyon said the decision to reopen the area followed an onsite inspection by Council officers and Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) and was on the advice of SLSQ.

“While the swimming areas are open again, our first consideration remains the safety of residents and they need to be aware of the risks and take care,” he said

”We are continuing to work with SLSQ and if they advise that the area is not safe we will not hesitate to close the swimming area again.

“SLSQ has also generously agreed to provide Surf Life Saving ‘Ambassadors’ at Wellington Point over the next two weekends to alert and educate visitors on marine stingers and hazards.

“This includes a presence over the popular Australia Day weekend.

“A Council officer will also help monitor the area, including trawling the foreshore for stinger specimens at the weekend.

“While people are free to enter the water, given the recent incidents of painful stings, Council recommends people not swim at the area or take extra precautions by using a stinger suit.

“This is particularly important for children, the elderly and women who are pregnant

“Marine stingers are part of living in a coastal community and SLSQ has advised that conditions are currently ideal for a range of marine stingers, including the local species of Morbakka Jellyfish. 

“The recent beach closure was a short-term measure until we could reasonably identify the numbers of stingers and educate our residents and visitors alike on their identification and treatment.

“Council has erected extensive warning signage across the City and bay islands over the past two weeks, with more permanent signage now planned to inform people of the potential presence of marine stingers in all local waters.

“Council also developed a fact sheet on the Morbakka Jelly fish in conjunction with marine stinger expert, Dr Lisa-ann Gershwin, which can be found on our website.

“Information has been made available on Council’s website and social media pages with almost 90,000 Facebook views.
 
“Although marine stingers are a normal, common and seasonal feature of our marine waters, people are reminded of the need to be aware of the risks, including ensuring children do not play with stingers that are washed ashore.

“It is also important that anyone stung seek medical advice immediately and contact 000 in an emergency.”