The restrictive capacity limit of 200 people at community sports grounds has been lifted to 1000.

In response to the public outcry from clubs, members and families, NSW Sports Minister Natalie Ward told Deborah Knight she worked with the Health Minister to approve an increase.

“This was unworkable … for touch footy, and netball, and others where you’re having multiple games on the ground.

“I was knocking on his door and ringing his phone constantly, and I want to thank him for being responsive.”

With hundreds of local groups fearing insolvency, Ms Ward acknowledged more needs to be done to support grassroots community sport going forward.

“They run on the smell of an oily rag anyway … I am knocking on doors, please rest assured.

“I’ll have something more to say about that not very far away Deb, it’s just not quite across the line yet.”

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