Dangling a line at Pejar Dam over the Easter long weekend and beyond will remain an option, following a decision's reversal.
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Goulburn Mulwareee Council announced last Friday that it would close the Crookwell Road facility to recreation, "in line with other park and open space closures in the region" and following "the state's enforcement measures" surrounding coronavirus.
It sparked a backlash on social media, with some saying the call "flew in the face of" a state government decision on recreational fishing. Others supported the move, arguing it would discourage people congregating and the disease's spread.
On Tuesday, the council reversed the decision. Mayor Bob Kirk acknowledged at Tuesday night's meeting that the sport wasn't prohibited and said he had consulted with general manager Warwick Bennett and Deputy Mayor Peter Walker.
"But I can't see how anyone in Goulburn could justify driving to Pejar Dam to fish as essential travel," he said.
Mr Bennett said with requests coming from Sydney and Canberra people to fish at Pejar, he was concerned that coronavirus could spread.
"Ninety-one per cent of positive cases are metropolitan based and we're trying to discourage them from coming here to fish. We want to keep them away from Goulburn completely," he said.
"However the state government made it very clear over the weekend that fishing is a recreational sport."
But Police Minister David Elliot removed fishing from a list of banned activities last Wednesday.
On Thursday, Police Commissioner Mick Fuller also said people were allowed to fish if that was their exercise.
"But if you end up on a wharf with 50 other people, then we get back to safe distancing and getting tickets," he told media.
Goulburn Mulwaree's positive coronavirus cases have been stable at 10 since March 31. Five of these had since fully recovered and were back circulating in the community, Tuesday's meeting heard.
New laws state that people should not leave home without a "reasonable excuse," including shopping for goods and services, for medical appointments, work or education and exercise.
Stiff penalties apply to those flouting the legislation. Authorities have warned people to stay at home over the long weekend and not travel.
Louise Thrower
If you have a story to tell, drop me a line at louise.thrower@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call 0418 229 678.
If you have a story to tell, drop me a line at louise.thrower@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call 0418 229 678.
