Tasmanian council BANS locals from playing beach cricket without a permit

A local council which banned people from playing cricket on the beach and adults from using swings has softened its stance after locals slammed the ‘draconian’ laws.

Clarence County Council, in Tasmania, brought the controversial bylaw into effect back in April.  The law allows the council to ban certain people from public places. 

It also requires permits for people who wish to play organised outdoor activities in public areas.

A Parliamentary Committee will vote on the by-law next week, which could see it being struck down.

Local MPs are pushing to scrap a bylaw currently in place in Clarence in Tasmania, which they see as draconian and infringing on civil rights

Opponents of the new law believe that the restrictions on beach cricket and other outdoor activities are unnecessary. They also believe it could restrict people’s civil liberties such as freedom of speech.

Greens Council MP Rosalie Woodruff has spoken out against the bylaw, telling Daily Mail Australia that she finds it unnecessarily restrictive.

‘This bylaw prohibits people playing cricket, golf, football or hockey outside of ‘designated areas’, as well as picking a flower, or using playground equipment outside your age range. 

‘This would mean no more adults on swings and play equipment, even parents playing with their kids,’ she said. 

Ms Roodruff is also concerned that the bylaw could have a ‘chilling effect’ on locals’ right to hold and participate in peaceful protests. 

‘This bylaw could have a chilling effect on people’s peaceful right to protest and associate.

‘The Tasmanian Liberal Government is operating in an increasingly authoritarian and secretive manner. 

‘They set the agenda with their Anti-Protest laws, so it’s hardly surprising a council believe they have the right to trample on people’s civil liberties,’ she said. 

Opponents of the new law believe that the restrictions on beach cricket and other outdoor activities are unnecessary

A spokesman for local community group Kangaroo Bay Voice told Daily Mail Australia that they are also strongly against the bylaw.

‘This is not just about beach cricket but the necessity to obtain a permit to hold public gathering, convene rallies, wave signs, and to question Council’s actions, which over the past 18 months our groups have done without obtaining a permit,’ the spokesman said. 

Community group Clarence Action Network has alongside Kangaroo Bay Voice claimed that the new bylaw grants the council ‘draconian’ powers unlike those held by any Council in Tasmania.

Clarence County Council has defended the bylaw in a media statement, saying that casual outdoor activities are not under threat and do not require any official permit.

‘To be clear, informal use of public places for uses such as beach cricket, picnics and informal group activities does not, and will not, require a permit or licence,’ the council stated.  

‘Council also has a duty to regulate public places and as part of that duty, Council requires groups and organisations to seek permission to use a public place for formally organised group activities. 

‘For example, a public meeting, market or concert. Council does not intend to ban beach cricket, picnics or other social activities normally held in public places.’

Greens Council MP Rosalie Woodruff has spoken out against the bylaw, telling Daily Mail Australia that it could have a ‘chilling effect’ on locals’ right to hold peaceful protests

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk