The writer receives an email from their strata management company, which complains about children playing in the garden and potentially damaging the irrigation system. The email warns against children playing on the common property and in the gardens, citing potential repair costs. The writer suspects a particular neighbor of complaining, as they are known for being overly concerned with following strata by-laws.
The writer admits to not being familiar with strata by-laws and generally avoiding them. However, they investigate the current NSW by-laws and find that children are allowed to play on common property designated for that purpose by the owner’s corporation. The lack of designated play areas on common property could leave children with nowhere to play. With a significant portion of Australians living in strata-titled properties, the issue of children being restricted from playing outside is a significant one.
There is a balance to be struck between rules and regulations, strata by-laws, and common sense. While order is necessary, it should not come at the expense of reasonable allowances for children to play and enjoy themselves. The writer warns that the children being restricted now will one day be the future generation that will be making decisions themselves. It is important to consider the long-term implications of restricting children’s freedom to play.
The writer humorously compares the current situation to a “war on babies,” highlighting the absurdity of children being banned from playing outside. They point out that children need outdoor playtime and the freedom to run around with their friends. The writer envisions a future where they, too, will be elderly and dependent on the decisions made by the generation that is currently being restricted from playing outside.
In conclusion, the writer emphasizes the need for a balance between rules and common sense, allowing children the freedom to play while maintaining order in shared living spaces. They highlight the potential long-term consequences of restricting children’s playtime and call for a more reasonable approach to enforcing strata by-laws. The writer’s humorous tone adds a lightheartedness to a serious issue, encouraging readers to consider the implications of limiting children’s outdoor activities.
