source : the age
Construction of a pickleball court has begun in a bayside Brisbane suburb, despite efforts by some neighbours to kill the project.
The large concrete slab is being installed at the south end of Cox Park in Lota, at a cost of about $250,000.
It is being funded by local LNP councillor Alex Givney.
Earthmoving began on August 24, weeks after the area was fenced off.
Des Dickie from nearby Bethania Street told Brisbane Times on Wednesday he had lodged a request with the councillor’s office for works to be paused as the final location chosen was about 46 metres from the nearest residential boundary.
A letter from Givney sent in July said it would be “at least 50 metres” from properties.
Pickleball is a racquet sport that uses a hard, hollow plastic ball known for making a loud “pop” sound when hit.
It is one of the fastest-growing recreational activities in Australia, and court plans have caused controversy in the Brisbane suburbs on multiple occasions.
Some residents previously raised concerns the Cox Park facility would be disruptive and potentially unsafe. They also criticised plans to remove nearby netball courts.
Others have expressed strong support for the project.
“I am a Lota resident and I’m very excited to be getting pickleball courts,” Rachel Pepper said on social media when the project began.
“Excellent use of public funds and good use of Cox Park, which was donated for sports and recreation.”
The office of Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the approval process had been transparent, and many of those against the pickleball courts were politically motivated.
Opponents disputed this, with almost 40 turning up at Cox Park in July to oppose the plan.
They said they did not have a problem with pickleball, but believed the park was not an appropriate location and effective consultation had not been done.
“I think they need to abandon this site … this is just the strangest location to put it,” neighbour Alan McFadyen told this masthead.
Registered nurse Vivienne Treagus said she worried the court would disrupt her sleep during the day when she was working night shift.
“I would also like not to have to be constantly living on eggshells thinking that someone is potentially going to be hurt, especially a little kid,” she added.
After work began, the Wynnum Manly Community Group questioned why construction teams had arrived before its petition calling for the location to be reconsidered was addressed.
“The machinery may now be onsite, but the community still deserves a transparent explanation of why Cox Park was selected,” a statement said.
In emails from February, Givney apologised to residents for failing to effectively communicate the plan but said the project would go ahead regardless.
“I did not anticipate that replacing the old netball courts with new courts would raise community concern,” she told opponents.
“I always endeavour to be transparent and communicate effectively, and I apologise that I did not do that well enough in this instance.
“The courts will be proceeding.”
She met with some residents in March at the park, and Brisbane City Council said these discussions shaped the final plan.
In a statement, Givney said: “The new pickleball courts will breathe new life into an underused part of Cox Park.
“We’re turning damaged courts that have not supported a netball club for more than a decade into a community space people will use.
“I represent the entire community and I’m determined to deliver improvements that benefit as many local residents as possible.”
While some residents questioned how the courts could be built without a development application, the council said its zoning for sport and recreation meant one was not necessary.
