Great Aussie Bush Camp co-owner Brad Love read a news article from Victoria on Monday that reported regional school camps in that state would recommence from next term. It left him shaking his head asking why a state that has been in lockdown for the best part of three months is prepared to reopen school camps before NSW. Mr Love's camps at Tea Gardens and Kincumber, which host about 45,000 school students a year, have been closed since March 13. "It is unbelievable that a state that has been locked down under severe restrictions for 11 weeks is going to have kids from regional areas going on camp before kids in NSW," he said. READ MORE: The business was forced to lay off 80 staff, including 60 in the 19 to 25 age group. Another 23 are on JobKeeper. "I have emailed the education department several times. The last response I received said they were relying on health advice from August 14," Mr Love said. "We have got schools all the way to the Queensland border that come here. I could be employing 80 people and help get the regional economy going and they keep on saying no." Port Stephens MP Kate Washington said she was seeking urgent meetings with NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Education Minister Sarah Mitchell to discuss the situation. "It is absurd that Victoria has got their camps ready to go but NSW appears to be going nowhere," she said. A NSW Health spokeswoman said the NSW Chief Health Officer advised on August 14 that school-related overnight events should cease in order to minimise the risk of transmission in school communities. "The advice is currently being reviewed for Term 4 and will be announced this week," she said. "School-related day activities and excursions can continue." "People gathering in household-like settings, such as overnight residential camps, have an increased risk of COVID-19 transmission should someone attending be infected. Camp centres have been asked to comply with the applicable COVID-19 Safety Plan templates, for example, the guidance for caravan parks and camping grounds. While you're with us, did you know the Newcastle Herald offers breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up to date with all the local news - sign up here IN THE NEWS:
