Shellharbour City residents are encouraged to have their say on proposed changes to Council’s Wet Weather Policy for Sportsgrounds.
Council unanimously endorsed the proposed changes for public exhibition at its recent meeting, with submissions welcome until 3 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, there has been increasing demand requiring a different approach to provide sustainable and equitable access to all users.
Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said the proposed changes provided more equitable access for current and future users of Council’s sporting facilities.
“Regular rainfall over the last few years has highlighted opportunities for improvements in the management of Council’s sporting facilities,” Mayor Homer said.
“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.
The draft policy is on public exhibition until 3 December 2023: View it here.
