By Jessica Micallef
Plans for a revamped Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve have been downgraded after two of the partner sporting groups pulled out.
The council agreed in 2016 to contribute $215,000 to build two tennis courts and a basketball/netball court at the reserve, in partnership with Riddells Creek Tennis Club, Riddells Creek Football Netball Club and the Riddells Creek Junior Basketball Association.
At the time, the sports clubs agreed to contribute $240,000 towards the total cost.
The football netball and basketball clubs have since withdrawn from the project because of a change in priorities.
The Riddells Creek Tennis Club has asked that the third court become an additional tennis court and has raised $185,000 towards the cost of building it.
Cr Henry Bleek said the additional tennis court would cost the council an extra $120,000.
The council’s total contribution would be $330,000.
Cr Helen Radnedge said the third court at the reserve was an urgent matter.
“The club worked hard to raise $185,000 … [it] will still contribute 32 per cent of the total project if councillors agree to the proposal to construct three tennis courts,” Cr Radnedge said.
“It will be cheaper to build three courts now rather than two now and add a third later.”
The council voted against increasing its contribution and the revamp will now include only two new tennis courts.
