The parking debate in Fish Creek has taken a contentious turn after the tennis court fence was forced open in the early hours of 19 December, just a few hours after the council had closed it off.
The reopening has led to renewed unauthorised parking and several minor collisions. Locals have witnessed multiple bingles on the courts, including one incident where a car with a trailer scraped a parked vehicle as it struggled to turn in the confined space.
The escalation comes just weeks after a community meeting in December where around 50 residents voted on short-term parking options for the summer. Council subsequently restored the fence, citing insurance reasons and zoning regulations that classify the courts as recreational space rather than a car park.
A South Gippsland Shire Council spokesperson confirmed the fence was opened without authorisation.
"Council will repair the fence and investigate other measures to prevent vehicle access to the courts so that they can remain available for recreational use," the spokesperson said.
"Parking is available via on-street parking, as well as off-street carparks with improved pedestrian connectivity as a result of the recent streetscape works."
Helen Sammonds, President of the Fish Creek Community Development Group (FCCDG), said the group will continue advocating for better solutions.
"The FCCDG will continue to advocate to council for further improvements to the streetscape plan as it fails to deliver an adequate parking solution," Ms Sammonds said.
"We understand that many community members regard the old tennis courts as an obvious solution whilst many wish to see the area re-developed as a multi-use recreational space. The FCCDG will continue to facilitate community consultation in these matters."
The tennis courts have been a focal point of debate since part of the fence was removed by Council for maintenance during recent streetscaping works and remained open during the Fishy Stories festival. Cara Schultz
