Today’s update from the NSW Government is exciting, especially for some of our Regional clubs who can hopefully look at getting back open and running activity as of this Saturday 11th of September (with conditions).
The NSW Government has today announced that the Stay at Home orders will be lifted at 12:01am Saturday 11th September for parts of Regional NSW allowing some freedoms. This freedom includes Major outdoor recreation facilities to open with one person per 4sqm, capped at a maximum of 5,000 people. For the full media release and details on all the freedoms you can head here: Lockdown lifted in parts of regional NSW.
While it has been suggested in the media that Community Sport is not allowed as yet, we are seeking clarification from the NSW Office of Sport to confirm if Ride Park Days and Coaching Days can be permitted under the new Public Health Order. Given the nature of our sport and the fact that it is conducted in large outdoor areas, we believe that motorcycling events should be able to take place under these new restrictions and therefore we will continue to place pressure on the NSW Government through the Office of Sport to have them consider allowing motorcycling events within these new restrictions. Once we have clarification from NSW Office of Sport, we will communicate this to all our clubs and members.
While the stay-at-home orders have lifted for some LGA’s, there is still a list of regional LGA’s, along with Greater Sydney, that the order still applies to and unfortunately need to hang in a little longer. The below map indicates in red the LGA’s that the stay-at-home order still applies to while the regional areas in white indicate the LGA’s that the order will be lifted for. For a full list of LGA’s still included in the stay-at-home order please hear here: Lockdown lifted in parts of regional NSW
HOWEVER, there is still positive news about when it is likely that restrictions will ease for the LGA’s of concern and Greater Sydney. Today, the NSW Government has also released a media statement outlining the ‘Roadmap to Freedom’ that begins when NSW hits a 70% target of double vaccinations. Fully vaccinated people and those with medical exemptions will have access to some freedoms.
From the Monday after NSW hits the 70% target, one of the freedoms indicated in the Roadmap is the opening of major outdoor recreation facilities with one person per 4sqm, capped at a maximum of 5,000 people. For a full list of restrictions once this target is hit, follow this link: Roadmap to freedom unveiled for the fully vaccinated (nsw.gov.au).
Again, it has not been confirmed that Community Sport has the go ahead under these Restrictions but we are seeking clarification and will advise our clubs and members as soon as we have answers.
This news does give hope for our community and clubs that we are getting closer to activity being up and running. In preparation for the re-start of activity, we urge all clubs to update their current Covid-Safe plan and ensure they have their Service NSW QR code set up ready to go. It is compulsory for our clubs to have these tools in place so if your club would like any guidance/support updating your Covid safety plan, please contact your MNSW Sport & Event Officer. If you have not set your facility up with a Service NSW QR code, please contact your MNSW Sport and Event Officer and they will explain how to do so or do it for you with your assistance (providing the details required).
We will continue to provide updates to you all as soon as it becomes available to us. In the meantime, if your club is experiencing financial hardship due to the current lockdowns and believe you may need assistance to open back up and conduct activity when the restrictions allow, please contact the MSNW office – mnsw@motorcycling.com.au.