Snowy Monaro Regional Council advises to stay COVIDSafe for parks and recreation areas to remain open

Snowy Monaro Regional Council highlights that while they are fortunate in having a large LGA permitted for essential exercise - 15,000 square kilometres including some beautiful national park and forest spaces, waterways, playgrounds, parks, ovals, skate parks, and trails for walking and riding - protecting the health and safety of visitors and employees is the highest priority for the teams at NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Council.

With many residents keen to cycle, hike, fish, ski, horseride, walk and get out in nature, physical distancing is required for all activities. If a national park or other public space is too crowded to practice physical distancing then Council advises that “it's your responsibility to leave the area. Please do not wait to be instructed by NSW Police.

“This goes for communal areas such as playgrounds and skate parks too. If you go to one of these locations, or a Frolf (Frisbee Golf) course as a good example, do stop and think if it’s a good time to be there.

“If it’s too busy then consider coming back later. It’s all about enjoying exercise within the guidelines, with one other person or a household/ family. Again, don’t wait for Police to tell you to split up or move on.

“If we have too many reported incidences of breaches then we will have no choice but to close areas such as skate parks, playgrounds and fitness stations. No-one wants to see this happen. Council wants to keep these open too so everyone can enjoy our local activity options.”

NPWS is also committed to keeping their parks and reserves open for the community to exercise, however there may be unforeseen closures or delays. Where possible, walking tracks and low-traffic open spaces will remain open for the community to exercise.

During periods when snow resorts are not operating their ski lifts, the advice is to stay away from lifts and other infrastructure. Obey signage and other advice at each location.

Cross country skiing and snowshoeing are good ways to enjoy the snow while it’s still on the ground, with a strong reminder for everyone to fill out a trip intention form online, even for a short walk.

Backcountry activities should only be undertaken by those who have the appropriate equipment and skills. Backcountry camping is not permitted during the current period with Stay At Home Orders. All campgrounds and accommodations managed by NPWS are closed. Refer to the NPWS website for alpine safety information.

Council encourages residents to “enjoy your permitted essential exercise across our LGA and stay COVIDSafe to keep it open.”

Image: Frolf (Frisbee Golf) course. Courtesy: Lake Crackenback