Boroondara Council slammed over plan to move tennis club
A tennis club set to be demolished to make way for North East Link has been given a lifeline from Boroondara Council. But a neighbouring council is not happy with the plan, which will see its community lose vital open space.
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Boroondara Tennis Centre has been thrown a lifeline under a controversial council plan to relocate it to a golf course across the road.
The award-winning centre in Bulleen Rd will be demolished to make way for the North East Link after the Labor Party’s election win.
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Boroondara Councillors last week supported the move to relocate the club over the road.
The new site would encroach on land currently occupied by Freeway Golf Course.
But the council wants to extend the golf course further north into Manningham’s Bulleen Park where seven holes are already located.
Boroondara Tennis Centre manager Warren Maher, who welcomed the plans, said it was a huge relief that a nearby alternative had been found.
“It was initially a major concern as our club was in the path of where the North East Link would go,” Mr Maher said.
“But once we had all the details and knew council wanted to support us then I was confident we could work something out.”
But Manningham Council is furious with the idea, calling it “an outrageous land grab”.
Manningham Mayor Paula Piccinini said the land they wanted to take was the equivalent of three large football-sized ovals.
“We have high-density living in Manningham, we can’t afford to lose this land,” she said.
“Boroondara Council is basically not listening because we’ve told them a number of times we’re not happy and it’s basically falling on deaf ears”
Boroondara Mayor Jane Addis said the council wanted to work with Manningham on exploring other options, but was “disappointed” they had closed the door on discussions.
“The concept plans prepared by council are aimed at achieving the best outcome for the broader community,” she said.
“The Freeway Golf Course and Boroondara Tennis Centre are quality community facilities that are highly used by both Boroondara and Manningham residents.”
Freeway Golf Course declined to comment.
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