Following an outcry from Kialla West community members after a proposed development that would see them lose their community tennis courts two months ago, the issue has since been resolved to the satisfaction of all parties involved.
After being displaced by the Munarra development, the Shepparton Radio Control Car Club had been working with Greater Shepparton City Council to find a new home.
A Kialla West resident became aware that their community’s tennis courts were the new proposed site for the SRCCC due to a planning alert email.
The community expressed displeasure at the proposal to the council, with a resident conferring with Mayor Shane Sali about the development.
Following the community’s response, council held a meeting with concerned residents.
Fast forward a couple of months and the SRCCC has been re-homed, with a confirmed plan for its future, and the Kialla West residents have received a letter confirming they have retained their beloved tennis courts.
SRCCC secretary Ben Howard said the last thing the club had wanted was to be in a place where it was not welcome.
“We still feel we would’ve been a great asset to that community, and maybe five to 10 years down the line they’ll look back on reflection and regret it, maybe not, but either way it’s a win-win and everybody is happy,” he said.
Mr Howard said he was in some ways grateful for the reaction of the Kialla West community, and said it may have forced the council’s hand in the matter, leading to the club’s long-awaited re-homing.
Working with council to find a solution, it was found that the SRCCC’s former stomping grounds were actually untouched by the Munarra development at the present stage.
“So we’re going to go back there for three years and then we’re going to have a new development as part of the Sports Precinct Plan on the land down near Wanganui,” Mr Howard said.
He said the track was far from ready for immediate use, with there being no upkeep while the club was looking for a new home.
“But we’re not in too bad a position, and nobody is walking away feeling put out now,” Mr Howard said.
Kialla West resident Melissa Walsh said the community was relieved and pleased after being uncertain about the outcome following the meeting with council.
“It sort of brought the community together when we thought the facilities were going to be changed or taken away,” she said.
“They said we could contact them about further use of the facilities, and there’s currently talks of more gatherings in the community and access to the facilities.
“We particularly want a key to the barbecue facilities, it would be great to have a barbecue and do some social tennis down there in summer.
“We are appreciative to the council for taking on our concerns and really listening.”