RESIDENTS will be risking huge fines if they visit certain outdoor recreation facilities in Bathurst.
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Due to new restrictions from the Federal Government, all playgrounds, areas with outdoor exercise equipment and skate parks across Australia are now closed.
This is in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19.
In Bathurst, the restriction affects 40 playgrounds, four outdoor fitness stations and the Bathurst Skate Park.
However, people who want to get some fresh air or exercise still have a few areas available to them.
"At this stage, parks including dog parks and other public spaces remain open," Bathurst Regional Council general manager David Sherley said.
"The use of playgrounds, skate parks and fitness stations are not permitted.
"It should be noted that the situation can change quickly and council will continue to monitor changes and act on advice from the state and federal governments. However, the objective of the new restrictions is to reduce the incidence of unnecessary gatherings and contact within our community."
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Police will be stepping up patrols in the community to help enforce this and other restrictions imposed by the government.
Under the Public Health Act, individuals can be fined up to $11,000 or face six months in jail (or both) for breaching the restrictions.
Mayor Bobby Bourke has urged people to adhere to the new rules for the safety of the community, saying parents in particular had a big role to play.
"The parents out there have got to tell their children to stay away. They've got to listen," he said.
"We are part of a community and we've got to work together on this.
"It's something that we've got to do for weeks, not for a day."
After hearing of the ban on Sunday night, which was to come into effect from midnight Monday, Cr Bourke went to the skate park the next morning to check on visitation.
He was disappointed to see a young family there so soon after a ban was announced to be on the way.
If he continues to see people using the facility now the ban is in place, he will be contacting the police.
While he understands a monetary penalty exists, he personally wants to see people who flout the rules "named and shamed", as he thinks it would send a stronger message.
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