In the lead up to the Easter long weekend councils are urged to continue to work closely with Police Local Area Commands to support them in enforcing Public Health Orders and maintaining public health and safety generally.
Councils are also reminded of the powers they have to manage public places under their care and control. For example, under the Local Government Act 1993 councils may issue orders, abate public nuisances and/or erect notices that effectively close beaches, public baths and/or parks where councils have concerns that members of the public are creating public health and safety risks, such as not maintaining social distancing required at this time.
Before closing public spaces or taking other widespread regulatory action across their local government areas, councils should engage with Police Local Area Commands about the specific public health and safety concerns they have leading to their decision to take that regulatory action.
Image: Eurobodalla Council rangers are continuing to patrol beaches and public spaces. Photo ESC
