As COVID-19 restrictions gradually ease across New South Wales (NSW) Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) is implementing a “Return to Play” strategy to ensure the health and wellbeing of our community. With this strategy in place, DRC will be reopening the following recreation and open space areas across the Local Government Area (LGA) from Saturday 23 May 2020.
Sporting facilities:
- Ballimore tennis courts, Ballimore
- Powter Park BMX track, Dubbo
- Wongarbon multicourts, Wongarbon
- Tom Culkin Oval Tennis Courts, Geurie
- Rygate Multi Courts, Wellington
Play spaces: All remaining play spaces across the LGA will be opened, excluding Wahroonga Park, Dubbo and Cameron Park, Wellington due to construction.
Outdoor Fitness Equipment:
- Victoria Park, Dubbo
- Victoria Park No.2 Oval, Dubbo
- Regand Park, Dubbo
- Sir Roden Cutler Park, Dubbo
- Riverbank Foreshores, Dubbo
- Tom Culkin Oval, Geurie
Public Amenities: All public amenities (excluding those at sporting facilities).
Leash Free Areas: All leash free areas will be reopened.
Reserves:
- Devils Hole, Dubbo
- Sandy Beach, Dubbo
Camping grounds, public BBQ facilities and public drinking fountains will remain closed until the next stage of NSW Government’s easing of restrictions as per the NSW Public Health Order.
Mayor of the Dubbo Region, Councillor Ben Shields said he is pleased that staff are taking due diligence when it comes to re-opening these shared spaces.
“It is great news that we are in a position to open our recreational areas for the community to enjoy during this difficult time but I would encourage everyone to be careful and practise good social distancing while enjoying these facilities,” Councillor Shields said.
Council will look to open remaining sporting facilities and the associated amenities from Saturday 30 May 2020 following thorough risk assessments and COVID-19 signage installation at each facility. To prevent gatherings in smaller spaces and to limit the use of communal facilities, access will be unavailable to function rooms/clubhouses, grandstands, canteens and change rooms at this stage.
Council will allow bookings to recommence in parks from Saturday 23 May 2020 and sporting facilities across the LGA from Saturday 30 May 2020. Bookings will only be approved if sporting clubs and events comply with the restrictions associated with the NSW Government advised ‘level’ of the ‘Roadmap to a COVIDSafe Australia’.
Director of Liveability Skye Price said its important user groups play their part in keeping the community safe. “Council will require user groups and event organisers to submit an application form, public liability insurance and a risk management plan which includes COVID-19 risk mitigation measures that align with the restrictions within the ‘Roadmap to a COVIDSafe Australia’ and guidelines outlined in the ‘AIS Framework for Rebooting Sport in a COVID-19 environment’ before we can confirm the booking,” said Ms Price. “It’s a measure we are taking to prioritise community health and wellbeing.”
Council is also allowing daily general public access to Barden Park Athletics Centre of Excellence and Dubbo Regional Cycling Facility commencing from Saturday 30 May 2020. Hours of access will be from 6am – 6pm during non-daylight savings and 6am – 8pm during day light savings.
For up to date information about the open/closures of Dubbo Regional Council facilities please visit www.dubbo.nsw.gov.au
Source: DRC