Pickleball and squash proposal quashed

A surprise push to set aside valuable council-owned land in the Southern Cross industrial estate to build a shed for indoor pickleball and squash courts has been rejected.

The proposal was moved from the floor of the final council meeting for 2024 by C Ward Councillor Therese Crollick, who was elected with the support of the ALP and Greens.

Council heard the block of land Cr Crollick proposed to be set aside for the sporting groups was worth around $1million if sold, or $50,000 annually if rented.

Cr Phil Meahan said giving the land away would be financially irresponsible.

“Squash if a fading sport with courts closing because they are no longer viable as fewer people are playing.”

Cr Meehan said there were other sporting groups needing facilities that had been waiting much longer than pickleball for more space and the shed proposed by Cr Crollick would be a substandard facility.

“Sporting facilities need to be provided in in a more careful and considered way.”

The Mayor reminded councillors that the shire already had a sports facilities plan for the future and it should be followed to avoid a rate rise.

“Having the lowest rates on the coast hasn’t happened by accident, it’s due to good financial management over many years,” Cr Cadwallader said.