A planned expansion of pickleball courts at Joachim Street Park in Holland Park West will not go ahead.
Brisbane City Council Holland Park Ward Councillor Krista Adams said this was a direct result of a “sustained campaign” against the plans.
“I am bitterly disappointed residents of all ages will now miss out because a vocal minority was determined to block, delay and disrupt a project designed for the wider community,” she said.
“This should have been a simple community upgrade that provided a free place for residents to play sport, stay active and connect with their neighbours.”
The $240,000 project was established to expand the existing three pickleball courts in the park to six.
Several protests were held at the park aimed at halting the expansion.
Opponents cited excessive noise from the paddles, flooding issues in the park, lack of dedicated parking, and no public restroom facilities.
The cancellation of the plans followed the project being put on hold last month off the back of the protests.
Cr Adams said pickleball was Australia’s fastest-growing sport because it was affordable, accessible and brought people together.
She said during one recent incident at the park, a protester with a baby went into an area where fences were being erected to prevent work proceeding.
“That behaviour was irresponsible, unsafe and completely unacceptable,” she said.
“We are not prepared for anyone to be put at risk just to complete these pickleball courts.”
Cr Adams said Brisbane’s lifestyle did not happen by accident.
“It happens because we invest in parks, playgrounds, pathways and places where people can gather, play and connect,” she said.
She said the Green and Labor might celebrate stopping the courts, but local families would be left with fewer opportunities to get active close to home.
