Northern Beaches Council today convened the first of weekly meetings with local authorities to deliver a coordinated response to beach management this summer.

Representatives of Council, NSW Police, Surf Lifesaving and NSW Health attended.

Attendees confirmed the purpose of working group is to provide effective management of the Northern Beaches public spaces with respect to COVID-19.

It is to predict and respond to issues as they arise in order to keep our beaches, reserves, parks, walking trails and other public spaces open and safe for the enjoyment and wellbeing of the community while adhering to NSW Public Health Orders and recommendations.

Mayor Michael Regan said it was critical to have all working together to get the best outcomes for the community.

“We all want to keep our beaches open this summer but we have to be mindful of keeping the risk of COVID to a minimum.

“This working group will coordinate the response to beaches across the whole Northern Beaches area, identify any issues or emerging hotspots and ensure we have the right people and processes in place to ensure they don’t escalate.

“As always, we are asking the community to support our efforts by adhering to the health orders, keeping that towel length apart, gathering in groups no larger than 20 and staying home if you are unwell.

“As a community, we have done so well to get to a point where we have no community transmissions or even active cases on the Northern Beaches. We have all seen how quickly that can change - that’s why we all have to remain vigilant and keep COVID-safe through the busy summer period.”