Competition set to resume on Council sports fields

1 July, 2020Posted in: Roads and Assets
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Artists impression of Lackey Park grandstand

Council sports fields have reopened for competition following the overnight advice from the NSW Office of Local Government.

The approval to re-open Local Government managed sports grounds was provided to councils on Tuesday 30 June 2020 and follows the further easing of social restrictions across the State.

While organised competition has been given the green light to resume, Council’s Assets Manager Stace Lewer said the return came with strict conditions.

“While our fields have already been open for some time for training purposes, we still have to abide by NSW Public Health Safety Guidelines when competition resumes,” he said.

“This includes limiting the number of participants and spectators on site, managing a guest register and ensuring sporting groups and organisations have a cleaning schedule for canteens, change rooms and toilets.”

Signage approved by NSW Public Health must also be erected at active sports facilities.

Mr Lewer said all sporting bodies and codes must submit a COVID-Safe Plan before use.

“We’ve been contacting our sports user groups and informing them of the changes that are necessary for us to reopen the grounds to competition,” he said.

“As per NSW Public Health Safety Guidelines and Legislation, this includes receiving and approving an agreed COVID-Safe Plan before players can take the fields.

“This plan details how each club proposes to comply with the State Government guidelines.”

COVID-Safe Plans for the use of Council-managed sports fields can be submitted to Council’s Facilities Team at facilities@wsc.nsw.gov.au.

“The return of community sport marks an important milestone as we emerge from COVID-19 restrictions,” Mr Lewer added.  “We know thousands of Highlanders have eagerly waited to get back out and enjoy organised sports on our grounds and ovals.”

“On behalf of Council I thank all our Shire’s sports clubs and players for their patience during the enforced shutdown and wish them the best of luck for the season.”

For the latest COVID-19 updates, advice and restrictions visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19.