CONSTRUCTION of a controversial $250,000 pickleball facility at Lota will begin this week despite a petition and growing opposition.
Brisbane City Council contractors were expected to start work at Cox Park on Monday, with construction until September 18.
The project will replace damaged and underused sporting infrastructure with pickleball courts more than 50m from nearby homes.
Existing netball courts, which have not supported a club for more than a decade, will be demolished and returned to turf.
Wynnum Manly Ward Councillor Alex Givney defended the project, saying it would revitalise an underused section of the park.
“Pickleball is Australia’s fastest-growing sport and demand continues to grow,” Cr Givney said.
“The new pickleball courts will breathe new life into an underused part of Cox Park and create more for local residents to see and do.
“We’re turning damaged courts that have not supported a netball club for more than a decade into a community space people will use.”
Cr Givney said feedback from residents had continued to shape the project, with the existing netball courts remaining available while the pickleball courts were constructed.
“I represent the entire community, and I’m determined to deliver improvements that benefit as many local residents as possible,” she said.
“This is a practical investment in a growing sport that will help more people get outdoors, stay active and connect with their community.”
However, the Wynnum Manly Community Group said residents were not opposed to pickleball but believed critical issues remained unresolved.
The group cited inadequate consultation, the loss of existing amenities, environmental and safety impacts and potential noise disruption to nearby homes and school.
“This is not about opposing pickleball at all,” the group said.
It called on Council to pause construction until further consultation and safety and acoustic assessments had been completed.
A 120-signature petition has called for construction to be halted while alternative locations are considered.
Residents have raised concerns about repetitive impact noise, mud, parking and the courts’ proximity to a children’s playground.
They have suggested multi-use courts while alternative locations and designs are investigated.
The dispute follows Council’s decision to abandon a proposed $240,000 pickleball expansion at Joachim Street Park in Holland Park after sustained opposition.
Holland Park Ward Councillor Krista Adams said safety concerns contributed to that decision after a protester carrying a baby entered an area where fencing was being installed.
“We are not prepared for anyone to be put at risk just to complete these pickleball courts,” Cr Adams said.
