Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC), have received correspondence from the NSW State Government, Office of Local Government (OLG), in regards to the management of open spaces over the Easter Holiday period and whilst the current restrictions on Public Gatherings and Social Distancing are in force during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The OLG has advised Council to continue to work with Police Local Area Commands to support them in enforcing Public Health Orders and maintaining public health and safety generally. All Councils have been reminded of the powers they have to manage public places under their care and control. For example, under the Local Government Act 1993 councils may issue orders, abate public nuisances and/or erect notices that effectively close beaches, public baths and/or parks where councils have concerns that members of the public are creating public health and safety risks, such as not maintaining social distancing required at this time.
The OLG has advised Council to continue to work with Police Local Area Commands to support them in enforcing Public Health Orders and maintaining public health and safety generally. All Councils have been reminded of the powers they have to manage public places under their care and control. For example, under the Local Government Act 1993 councils may issue orders, abate public nuisances and/or erect notices that effectively close beaches, public baths and/or parks where councils have concerns that members of the public are creating public health and safety risks, such as not maintaining social distancing required at this time.
CGRC staff have erected generic signage across the region indicating that parks are closed. The signs indicate that the Parks/or Open Spaces are closed for Public Gatherings. The Parks concerned have been identified as having the potential to attract campers and family outings from time to time.
Parks are available to all users as long as the users comply with Government conditions on Social Distancing, and limits on Public Gatherings. This includes crown land under the control of Council.
For more information please visit: https://preview.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/what-you-can-and-cant-do-under-rules
