The ongoing dispute over Fish Creek's tennis courts has escalated into a police matter after newly installed council bollards were stolen on the night of 21 January.
South Gippsland Shire Council issued a brief statement condemning the theft: "Council is disappointed in the vandalism and has reported the matter to Victoria Police.”
The spokesperson added that Council will consider suitable measures to prevent further vandalism and unauthorised parking on the tennis courts, which will include installing a new barrier.
The incident marks a new chapter in the contentious debate over whether the old tennis courts should be used for parking or retained as recreational space.
Helen Sammonds, President of the Fish Creek Community Development Group (FCCDG), said the organisation does not condone the vandalism but understands community frustration.
"The FCCDG does not condone the removal of the fence panel and bollard though we understand that some community members are angry with council's decision to retain the area as recreational," Ms Sammonds said.
"The present and future use of the area needs to be decided by the whole community and the FCCDG look forward to facilitating meetings with community and council to find an optimal solution as soon as possible, one that acknowledges the needs for all community members and seasonal holiday makers alike."
Fish Creek local Joshua Sheehan said he believes a compromise could easily be reached that works for everyone.
"I think there's a real need for teenagers to have a place to go in the centre of town, where they feel safe," Mr Sheehan said. "One court could be a skate park or basketball court, with the other made available for summer parking or special events."
Mr Sheehan suggested the theft shows genuine need for more parking options at busy times.
"The fact someone has taken matters into their own hands and resorted to civil disobedience shows there's demonstrable need for the parking at certain times of the year," he said.
The controversy began after part of the fence around the courts was removed by Council for maintenance during recent streetscaping works, which have significantly reduced the amount of parking spots around the shopping strip. The fence remained down during the Fishy Stories festival and stayed open, leading many residents and visitors to begin parking on the courts.
A community meeting in December saw around 50 people vote on three short-term options for summer use, with attendees choosing a half-and-half compromise between no parking and full access to the courts.
However, Council subsequently restored the fence, citing insurance reasons and zoning regulations that classify the courts as recreational space rather than a car park. The Shire has also indicated it won’t maintain the courts as tennis facilities since additional courts exist at the football oval. Community suggestions for alternative uses include a bocce court, gardens, skate park, basketball court, table tennis area, sculpture installation, or pickleball courts.
Just before Christmas, vandals reopened the fence, and cars again began parking on the courts. Several minor collisions were witnessed, including one incident where a car with a trailer scraped another parked vehicle.
The FCCDG has organised a town meeting on 11 February at 7pm in the Fish Creek Hall to discuss the issue. The group has also prepared a budget submission to Council for improvements to the road between the park and service station. The proposal includes improving gutters and creating angle parking, with the outcome expected in April. Cara Schultz
