Shellharbour Council invites resident input on wet weather policy for sportsgrounds

Shellharbour City residents are encouraged to have their say on proposed changes to Council’s Wet Weather Policy for Sportsgrounds.

The Council unanimously endorsed the proposed changes for public exhibition at its recent meeting, with submissions welcome until 3rd December 2023.

The policy, first adopted in 2013, outlines the use of Council's sporting fields when they have been impacted by wet weather.

Since then the Council has experienced increasing demand requiring a different approach to provide sustainable and equitable access to all users.

Advising that the proposed changes provided more equitable access for current and future users of Council's sporting facilities, Shellharbour City Mayor, Chris Homer explained "regular rainfall over the last few years has highlighted opportunities for improvements in the management of Council's sporting facilities.

“The proposed changes aim to maximise use of the sporting grounds, while considering the sustainability of fields.

“Playing on fields that are wet can result in loss of grass cover that is difficult to reinstate during the cooler months, resulting in uneven surface and slippery unsafe conditions.

“Fields will be assessed twice weekly during wet weather for both training and competition to make sure that use by one group does not impact subsequent users. The proposed changes would provide a fairer system for everyone.

“Council has close connections to all local clubs and associations. Early advice of the proposed change was provided to sports field users in time for their change of season meetings,” he said.

Mayor Homer said it was important that the community had their say on the proposed changes. He encouraged user groups and the wider community to read the proposed updated policy and make a submission.

Click here to view the draft policy which is on public exhibition until 3rd December 2023.

Submissions must be made in writing and addressed to The Chief Executive Officer, Dharawal Country, Locked Bag 155 Shellharbour City Centre, 2529 or sent by email to council@shellharbour.nsw.gov.au

Image used for illustrative purposes only.