Outdoor swimming pools at four of Blacktown City’s leisure and aquatic centres will reopen from this Monday 27 September, in line with eased COVID 19 restrictions.
The outdoor pools will reopen under strict COVID safety plans at Blacktown Aquatic Centre, Charlie Lowles Leisure Centre Emerton, Mount Druitt Swimming Centre (pictured) and Riverstone Swimming Centre.
At this stage, some restrictions on activities such as squad training and swim classes remain under the NSW Government’s Public Health Orders.
The reopening of the pools comes on top of the recent ending of the night-time curfew and easing of restrictions that were in force in COVID hotspots (areas of concern) across Western and southwestern Sydney.
Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said; “Our residents are finally being acknowledged for their efforts in achieving among the highest COVID vaccination rates in Australia, with more than 80% of our adults having received their first dose and nearly 60% having a second vaccination.
“Finally, after many attempts, I joined other Mayors from COVID hotspots last week in putting our residents’ concerns to a meeting with the Premier.
“I called for the curfew to end, and for Blacktown City to be treated the same as the rest of Sydney under the Health Orders. It was totally unfair to see thousands of people at the beach and harbour pools in the Eastern Suburbs, while families in Mount Druitt weren’t allowed to go to the local pool.
“Thankfully, the Premier listened and the curfew was lifted, families and small groups of friends can have picnics in the park and we can cool off at the pool.”
Mayor Bleasdale also met NSW Treasurer, Hon. Dominic Perrottet MP recently to discuss the assistance Blacktown City needs once COVID restrictions are further eased.
“I put a number of options to the Treasurer including bringing back and expanding the entertainment and dining vouchers – having a meal with your family at a restaurant or a visit to the movies not only lifts our spirits but is also a great economic boost to the hospitality industry.
“I also suggested grants go to Councils for vital maintenance projects as well as projects to counter the effects of climate change and projects which would improve disabled access to public facilities.
“I’m confident that following the meeting with the Treasurer and with the recent announcement of the $5 billion WestInvest fund, Blacktown City will be inline for Government funding for a number of vital major and minor projects.
“I also join with the Property Council of Australia in calling for the acceleration of major infrastructure projects including the Castlereagh Motorway and the Tallawong to St Marys metro rail link.
“I can assure our 400,000 residents that I will be joining our local Members of Parliament and community leaders in demanding that Blacktown City gets its fair share of the funds,” Mayor Bleasdale said.
Mayor Bleasdale paid tribute to residents who have pushed vaccination rates to record levels in Blacktown City.
“Community groups, doctors, nurses, pharmacies, as well as Council, police and our local Parliamentarians have all worked really hard in getting out the message, that if we want to end the lockdowns, we must all get vaccinated.” Mayor Bleasdale said.
Details of pools’ reopening
- Outdoor pools will reopen Monday 27 September at:
- Blacktown Aquatic Centre
- Charlie Lowles Leisure Centre, Emerton,
- Mount Druitt Swimming Centre
- Riverstone Swimming Centre
- Operating hours will be from 9am to 5pm, 7 days a week
- Patrons can only visit pools within 5 km of their home or in their Council area and must carry proof of address.
- Face masks must be worn by all patrons and staff when they are not swimming.
- For the latest COVID-19 information go to: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
