BY JARROD MELMETH

A Sydney woman has been handed a $1000 penalty infringement notice after being found in the carpark of a Nelson Bay Hotel.

About 12pm on Tuesday, officers from the Port Stephens-Hunter District spoke to the 26-year-old woman where it was established she resided in Sydney’s CBD and that she was in the area to visit a friend.

The woman was subsequently issued a $1000 fine and directed to immediately return to Sydney.

Deputy Commissioner Gary Warboys says now is not the time for people in locked down areas to be travelling around the state.

“Can I be clear abut this, if you’re from any area covered under the public health order, we don’t want to see you away from your home without a valid reason.

“Going on holidays is not a valid reason,” DC Warboys said.

Photo: AusTracks