Wollongong MP Paul Scully has welcomed a decision by Wollongong City Council to extend the hours for sports field lighting so people have more places to exercise during lockdown after 4.30pm.
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After Mr Scully made a call for the council to consider doing that, to take pressure off high foot traffic area such as The Blue Mile, the council agreed to light up sporting fields at eight sites where lighting is able to be directly controlled.
It will be weather dependent and that will be assessed on a day to day basis. But when practicable lights will be activated from 4.30pm to 9pm at the following sites.
- Hollymount Rugby and AFL
- Elizabeth Park
- Thomas Dalton Park
- Harry Graham Park
- King George Park
- Wisemans Park
- Figtree Oval
- Guest Park
Mr Scully said the council said it will continue to monitor and review its position based on user conformance and restrictions.
In welcoming the move he said it was really important everyone does the right thing.
He said the council told him their decision was effective from Friday but this weekend's weather may cause delays which is understandable.
"This is a sensible, practical and reasonable response from Wollongong City Council to allow for a few extra hours of light to allow people to exercise in accordance with the lockdown restrictions," Mr Scully said.
"Next week have children back at remote working who won't be able to get out during the day like they could during the school holidays. They are going to need a little bit of extra time to kick a ball or run around a bit."
Mr Scully said given the growing spread of coronavirus in Greater Sydney it was important for people to be responsible and only go to such places in family groups or pairs and don't venture too far from home to exercise.
He said this provides more opportunities to exercise closer to home after 5pm and will help take pressure off high traffic areas such as The Blue Mile which has been one of the few areas that is lit after nightfall for exercise.
Mr Scully said he appreciated the council's response but if people do not respecting the public health orders and take advantage of what council is trying to do by making more places available for exercise after 4.30pm the council should turn the lights off.
"This is a simple reasonable step but it doesn't come without responsibility," he said.
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
