Member for Orange Phil Donato calls for return of outdoor activities like paintball

Following the announcement by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian that isolation restrictions will be eased from May 1, the Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party deputy leader believes those relaxations should include a return to outdoor activities, like paintball.

He said paintball is low-risk in comparison to many businesses and activities, like golf, that currently have the all-clear from the NSW Government.

"There should be no issues with paintball facilities returning to business, provided they adhere to health orders," Mr Donato said.

"The return of social interactions, like a game of paintball, for many, means a return to positive mental health."

The announcement the NSW Government outlined indicated two adults and their dependents can now visit friends and family.

There will be an increase in activity around the retail sector, and schools will begin a staggered return to face-to-face teaching by May 11.

Mr Donato says there's no reason the restrictions around a recreational activity like paintball can't be similar to those used by golfers.

"Paintball facilities can quickly revert to pre-isolation measures that were in place," he added.

"Measures like a reduction in the number of people allowed on the playing field at any time, PPE for all staff members and the high-pressured hot water and disinfectant cleaning of equipment.

"Paintball is an excellent form of physical activity and is beneficial for your mental health; I know many that use this activity to de-stress which is something we could all use during these testing times."