Content page - Test Mobile
Issued: 11 December, 2015
Registered clubs will be have the ability under law to become centres of shelter and safety in emergencies for any resident living within a 5km radius, under NSW Government changes that recognise clubs as the hubs of their local communities.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Justice and Police Troy Grant and Minister for Emergency Services David Elliott said the Registered Clubs Amendment (Exception to 5 Kilometre Rule) Regulation 2015 will relax the requirement for anyone living within a 5 kilometre radius of a registered club to be a member to enter the club during emergencies.
Mr Grant said the change comes into effect today and formalises the ability of clubs to be respite and recovery centres in case of disasters.
“This is a great move that will allow registered clubs to provide shelter, relief or other forms of assistance to local residents during emergency situations that endanger, or threaten to endanger, their safety or health,’’ Mr Grant said.
Mr Elliott said this is for situations such as fires, floods, storms and heat waves where residents need to seek shelter and safety quickly.
“This law change will allow our local clubs to help their communities in times of extreme need,’’ Mr Elliott said.
Mr Grant said registered clubs make a substantial economic and social contribution to this state and provide key facilities in regional and metropolitan communities across NSW.
“Clubs are also one of the state’s largest employers providing jobs to 42,000 people including 20,000 regional jobs and contributing more than $3.2 billion a year to the state’s economy, but more importantly they are social and community hubs and potential lifelines for their communities in emergencies,’’ Mr Grant said.
Implementation of the commitments contained in the Government’s 2014 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ClubsNSW is under way and will help clubs to continue to deliver benefits to communities across NSW.
The MoU formally recognises the important role clubs play in providing community facilities, including emergency accommodation, and supporting the work of our emergency services when natural disasters occur.
This has been illustrated during devastating bushfires and storms in recent years where clubs have provided assistance to residents and emergency service workers, including accommodation and meals.