Numbers were looking promising for Copeton Dam over Easter with people already flocking to the water oasis to isolate in peace.
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But with holiday makers and non-essential travel banned as of midnight Thursday, hopes of getting back on track after the extended drought and fires have been dashed.
Copeton Dam, as well as Lake Keepit near Tamworth, will still be open for those providing 'essential services', as are their other parks across the state.
Reflections Holiday Parks in Copeton Dam manager Paul Irwin said their park has no permanent residents, and was now closed to visitors and holiday makers until given the word 'go'.
We were seeing an increase in the number of people coming here, and the Easter numbers were looking really good.
- Paul Irwin
"We were seeing an increase in the number of people coming here, and the Easter numbers were looking really good," Mr Irwin explained.
"With the water levels rising, we had more recreational boaters and fishers coming, and there were less hazards in the water too."
Reflections Holiday Parks CEO Steve Edmonds said park teams were working around the clock to ensure compliance with government and industry direction.
"Nothing is more important than beating this virus and keeping people safe," Mr Edmonds said.
With restrictions in place from last weekend, Mr Irwin said they had already taken precautions to stop the virus by closing some amenity blocks to have the resources to regularly clean and sanitize other touch-points.
"The situation is forever changing ... If I was still in a caravan travelling around, I would pack up and head home as soon as I could," Mr Irwin advised.
With other access points on the north-side of the dam unmanned, there remains the possibility some will take the chance and go there for some 'mental health' stress relief after being cooped up at home.
In a lighter aspect of the people-ban, Mr Irwin said the resident deer, goat, kangaroo and emu populations are set to enjoy their Easter holidays with a bit of peace and quiet.
"The emus were just starting to come back from the drought, and the deer were scarce too, but now the people are scarce and I'm sure they will come back."
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The NSW Minister for Health and Medical Research Brad Hazzard confirmed these new measures on Thursday.
The order was made under the Public Health Act 2010 which bans mass gatherings, places restrictions on other gatherings and requires the closure of caravan parks and camping grounds.
Mr Hazzard stated caravan parks and camping grounds must not be open to members of the public except for permanent residents of the caravan park or camping ground, and other people who have no other place of permanent residence, and allowing visitors to visit these people.
Travellers already in the park with no other permanent residence will be allowed to stay.
If you need a place to stay safe during these unfolding challenging times, please feel welcome at Reflections Holiday Parks.
- Steve Edmonds
"If you need a place to stay safe during these unfolding challenging times, please feel welcome at Reflections Holiday Parks," Mr Edmonds said.