NORTH Ballarat City is fighting council plans to install three netball courts side by side on Lake Wendouree turf.
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Instead, North City feels one of the courts should be built closer to its existing netball court and facilities.
Ballarat City Council is planning to put three netball courts on a vacant lot on the northern side of Wendouree number two oval, but is facing stiff opposition from North City.
Despite North Ballarat City agreeing to the plans midway through last year, club president Peter Carey said the situation had changed and it was no longer the best option.
However, City of Ballarat general manager city infrastructure Eric Braslis said council still wished to go ahead with its original plan.
The netball courts are being constructed as part of a $3.5 million commitment, shared between council and the state government.
Carey said his club first agreed to the location of the netball courts long before the proposal arose for AFL games to be played at Eureka Stadium.
He said if AFL games went ahead, North City would have to redevelop its second oval, meaning a third netball court would be in the way.
Two of the three courts are allocated for Lakers’ use, with the third designed for North Ballarat juniors.
“Since the point when we agreed, the goal posts have moved significantly,” Carey said.
“Redeveloping our number two oval is our priority now and there is every chance the netball courts could interfere.
“There’s nothing over there for the girls. It’s about the amenities.
“It’s not that we don’t want another netball court, we just don’t want council to rush in and make a decision they might have to change down the track.”
Braslis said both the Lakers and North City agreed to the project last year.
“As part of this process, written agreement was received from the clubs for the proposed court design, location and alignment in mid-2014, prior to the project going out to tender,” he said.
“The location of the three new courts will ensure access for both tenant clubs and provide opportunity for future expansion of an additional court and change facilities.”
Braslis said the project was still scheduled to be completed in time for the start of the Ballarat Football Netball League season in April.
patrick.nolan@fairfaxmedia.com.au