BATHURST Regional Council has confirmed it has no say on whether sporting events to be held at council-owned facilities should go ahead during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
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A report to Wednesday night's monthly meeting by corporate services and finance director Aaron Jones seeks to clarify council's responsibilities after a number of recent events sparked concerns over the threat of visitors bringing COVID-19 to Bathurst, and particularly those travelling from known hotspot areas.
Mayor Bobby Bourke requested the report following a public outcry over junior soccer matches at the council-owned Proctor Park featuring teams from the Bankstown area in August and further concerns over the running of the Bathurst Eisteddfod at the council-run Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre.
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In response, Mr Jones' report outlines the protocols for events to be held on council-owned properties where council is not the organiser.
He makes it clear that under such circumstances, "council does not determine if the event will go ahead".
"Where council is notified of an event, the group are encouraged to contact NSW Health and ensure that Public Health Orders (PHOs) are followed, including having regard to the Chief Health Official's updated advice for the community sport and recreation sector," the report states, in outlining the process to be followed.
"Council requests the relevant sporting body ensures a COVID Safe Plan is in place. Council does not approve the plan.
"Council requests the relevant sporting body to consider liaising with their state body. This is subject to the event type e.g. state/regional titles."
The report says that "depending on the nature of the event", sporting bodies are to be reminded that the NSW Police are the regulatory authority for COVID procedure breaches.
"Sporting groups are to ensure appropriate insurances are in place," it concludes.
The report is listed for councillors' information.
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