Ah, the October long weekend. School Holidays, footy grand final, Trout Fest is on at Guyra, the high country is finally starting to warm up… bliss.
The first Sunday of October is almost upon us, and that means we will soon enjoy an extra hour of evening sunlight. Or lose an hours sleep, depending on your perspective.
Either way, the annual eruption of discussion about whether we should have daylight savings is now upon us, while our border communities prepare to become regular time travellers yet again.
Consider this your reminder that this weekend marks the beginning of daylight saving in NSW. This Sunday, 6 October, at 2 am all clocks in NSW should be moved forward to 3am. If you’re across the border, never mind, as you were.
“For those of us on this side of the border it’s a great opportunity to enjoy a little more sunshine after work,” said Guyra-based Upper House MP Aileen MacDonald.
It’s also a double demerit weekend, with motorists urged to take extra care on the roads with the holiday traffic about. Double demerits will come into effect Friday morning, 4 October, at 12:01am and end
at 11:59pm on Monday 7 October.
“As the weather warms up many people will be on the road enjoying the holiday period, please remain vigilant on the roads and stick to the sign-posted speed limit,” Ms MacDonald said.
“Higher fines and double demerit points will apply for those offences committed such as speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, driving under the influence or using a mobile phone illegally.”
Shadow Minister for Police Paul Toole said safety is the number one priority.
“The last thing we want to see over this period is an increase in road trauma, which is why double-demerits will be in place to deter people from doing the wrong thing and putting lives at risk,” Mr Toole said.
“It is vital everyone slows down, pays attention to the road and doesn’t drink and drive so that everyone on the road can arrive at their destination safely.
“Speeding, fatigue and drink and drug driving remain the biggest killers on NSW roads and the NSW Police Force will be out in numbers ensuring that if you do the wrong thing, you will be caught.
So remember: go the Sharks, go fishing, clocks go forward one hour (not backwards), go easy on the road, and go enjoy your public holiday on Monday.
Something going on in your part of the region you think people should know about? Send us a news tip or email newsdesk@netimes.com.au.