Charles Sturt Council to open new basketball court despite residents’ opposition

A teen’s request for a basketball court at a West Lakes island has been a slam dunk, with locals against the plan left crying foul.

A band of angry West Lakes residents are crying foul after a council approved the construction of a half basketball court despite “overwhelming” opposition to the idea.

Charles Sturt Council received a written request from a local teenager to consider the construction of a court in Corcoran Reserve, Delfin Island.

However, the request triggered an opposing petition with 119 signatures and community dissent which resulted in two failed requests for Section 270 reviews of the council’s decision making and a report to the SA Ombudsman.

In a deputation last year to a council committee meeting, the boy said: “There is nothing fun for my age bracket on the island.”

“Others might disagree with me but I have as much right to that amenity and I should be able to enjoy the open space in my neighbourhood.

“I have just as much right to enjoy recreation on Corcoran Reserve. I am speaking on behalf of the children on Delfin Island and I deserve to be heard.”

An impression of what the court will look like. Picture: Charles Sturt Council.

However, the council’s annual budget community consultation revealed 403 people against the proposal and 185 in favour.

It proceeded to consultation after councillor Gerard Ferrao, who has known the boy’s family for 31 years, placed a successful budget bid.

Elected members then approved the $30,000 court at the 1.4ha reserve in June last year.

However, it is unclear when the court, which is under construction, is expected to open.

Works have begun on the half court on Delfin Island. Picture: Jenine Tracey.

Local resident Jenine Tracey questioned why the council had proceeded with the plan after a request was made by a single person.

“It seems that the court was for the benefit of the one child,” Ms Tracey said.

“Why waste the money and everyone’s time on consultations that are clearly ignored, and therefore unwarranted?”

She said the court would create noise issues for the “very large population” of retired and semi-retired residents living on Delfin Island, which is home to several retirement villages.

She also said the entrance to the court was mere steps from a busy Corcoran Drive and that opposing residents were “not NIMBYs” but believed there was a better location for the court.

Residents say the court is too close to Corcoran Drive on Delfin Island. Picture: Charles Sturt Council.

However, the council moved the proposed court approximately 15m south, using existing mounds, trees and new netting to suppress noise and contain balls.

Cr Ferrao said children would be “lining up to use it”.

“Children, especially teenagers, have a right to bounce a ball in a public park,” Cr Ferrao said.

He also dismissed any accusations of a conflict of interest, declaring his association with the boy’s family on many occasions.

Residents fear the court is too close to a busy road. Picture: Jenine Tracey.

He said there was “no substance” to the residents’ issue with the court: “I’m not sure what the true motivation there is for not wanting it,” Cr Ferrao said.

He also questioned the validity of a petition put forward by local residents, believing “the majority of people will sign it because they’re neighbours”.