“The new phenomenon provides a wonderful opportunity for people to enjoy the parks, foreshore and other open areas around the City of Canada Bay in a fun, interactive way but we ask people to do this in a safe and considerate manner,” said Deputy Mayor McCaffrey.

The Nintendo - a free-to-play, augmented reality mobile game - directs users to physically move around the real world to capture, battle, train and trade imaginary creatures (Pokemon), which appear on their screen. Since launching in Australia a week ago, the game has attracted swarms of people to streets, foreshore areas and public open spaces across Sydney.

A number of locations across the City of Canada Bay local government area have been identified as hotspots for Pokemon gamers, particularly Peg Paterson Park in Rhodes. As Rhodes is a residential area, Council asks gamers to keep noise to a minimum, bin any rubbish, use public transport and remain aware of their surroundings.

Council has already put in place a number of measures to ensure all Rhodes residents are able to continue to enjoy and utilise their community. Extra Council rangers have been rostered to keep local roads safe and clear. We have also increased waste collection for Peg Paterson Park and assigned extra cleansing and garden maintenance teams to the area.

Unlicensed food vendors are not permitted in public places and will be moved on by Council rangers. 

Council's first concern is for people’s safety. It is important for people to stay alert of their local surroundings, look where they are walking, check for traffic before crossing roads and practise pedestrian safety.

Players should also be aware there is a geolocation element to the Pokemon Go App, which can be used to pinpoint a user’s physical location and police have reminded gamers to be vigilant when collecting Pokemon in secluded or isolated areas. 

In any public place, when playing Pokemon Go, we ask that people do this with awareness of their physical surroundings and respect for their environment.  In residential areas, we remind people to keep noise levels at a minimum and bin any litter.

If City of Canada Bay community members have concerns about any activities relating to Pokemon Go, please contact:

• council@canadabay.nsw.gov.au

Council will continue to collect litter and patrol for illegal parking.