Spring scents and sensibility this weekend

Spring is on the wind this weekend, and Wollongong City Council is asking everyone to keep up COVID-safe practices if they’re out exercising or shopping for essential items.

With a weather forecast predicting temperatures above 20 degrees on both Saturday and Sunday, Wollongong Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM has asked people to be sensible in how they enjoy their weekend activities.

“We’ve been in lockdown for five weeks now and we know outdoor exercise has provided a welcome reason for our community to get out of their homes and have a break from the same four walls, from home schooling and computer screens,’’ Cr Bradbery said.

“With the weather forecast for the weekend looking promising in terms of temperatures that’ll feel more spring than winter, I’m asking people to be careful and mindful if they do go out. Be aware of others’ sharing our community space, be kind and respectful, wear a mask if it’s required within the public health order and enjoy the beauty of Wollongong’s natural environment.

“We’re fortunate to live where we do and to have access to a range of outdoor exercise opportunities whether it be running and kicking goals on our sportsfields, playing frisbee on the beach or riding one of the city’s many bike paths.

“This is also a good opportunity to re-think your usual exercise spots if you think it’s likely to be busy. The same goes if you’re thinking of taking your kids to the local park to run around and burn off energy. We’ve such diverse public spaces in our city, including 156 playgrounds, so why not discover a new playground, walking route or an open park that’s close to home.’’

While the updated Public Health Order is has made changes around permitted outdoor construction work, Council staff remained on duty during the lockdown pause to ensure our public spaces were maintained for safety.

“Our staff are continuing to work to make sure that the amenities our community love and enjoy are safe,’’ Cr Bradbery said.

“Public amenities are being cleaned, popular parks are being mown and our compliance officers are focussed on ensuring pedestrian and driver safety by targeting dangerous driver behaviour.’’

Council is also supporting NSW Police and has closed off vehicle access to Bald Hill car park, Mt Keira and Sublime Point lookouts and Flagstaff Hill.

Cr Bradbery said if residents of the Wollongong Local Government area were tempted to jump in the water for a swim, they should head to North Wollongong Beach, which has lifeguards on duty year-round.

“North Wollongong Beach has the distinctive red and yellow-striped flags up year round to show swimmers’ a safe place to enjoy a swim,’’ he said.

“If anyone is planning to hit the surf for exercise it would be wise to do it where Council’s professional lifeguards can keep an eye on you. They’re on patrol daily from 9am-4pm, with the unsupervised rock pools also open.’’