During the extended lockdown in Melbourne Darebin council opened the Northcote golf course for use as public parkland. As Residents of Cronulla and the Sutherland Shire look down the barrel of a lockdown lasting months, Sutherland Shire council should do the same, especially when we move to a phase where restrictions are relaxed and people can socialise in small groups more safely outdoors than they can in houses.

Cronulla is a high density area that does not have enough open green space for people to exercise in a physically distanced way. The Esplanade is very crowded at all times of day and in many of the parks there are too many people to avoid at times coming into close contact with others. 

Without access to a garden or a balcony I am very concerned for my own mental health and the mental health of others in the community, if we cannot safely spend time in the outdoors. Being in the sun gives a feeling of pleasure and wellbeing, as well as providing Vitamin D, all of which may prevent or mitigate depression.

Additionally, Sutherland council's strategic plan for open spaces aims to "optimise the use of open space and provide more and better opportunities for the community to be active and connect to nature" - opening Wooloware golf course as public parkland during Covid fits that description perfectly.