Angry neighbours return serve as work starts on $250,000 pickleball court

Construction of a pickleball court has begun in a bayside Brisbane suburb, despite efforts by some neighbours to kill the project.

The large concrete slab is being installed at the south end of Cox Park in Lota, at a cost of about $250,000.

Des Dickie from nearby Bethania Street told Brisbane Times on Wednesday he had lodged a request with the councillor’s office for works to be paused as the final location chosen was about 46 metres from the nearest residential boundary.

A letter from Givney sent in July said it would be “at least 50 metres” from properties.

Pickleball is a racquet sport that uses a hard, hollow plastic ball known for making a loud “pop” sound when hit.

It is one of the fastest-growing recreational activities in Australia, and court plans have caused controversy in the Brisbane suburbs on multiple occasions .

Some residents previously raised concerns the Cox Park facility would be disruptive and potentially unsafe . They also criticised plans to remove nearby netball courts.

“I am a Lota resident and I’m very excited to be getting pickleball courts,” Rachel Pepper said on social media when the project began.

“Excellent use of public funds and good use of Cox Park, which was donated for sports and recreation.”

The office of Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the approval process had been transparent, and many of those against the pickleball courts were politically motivated.

Opponents disputed this, with almost 40 turning up at Cox Park in July to oppose the plan .

They said they did not have a problem with pickleball, but believed the park was not an appropriate location and effective consultation had not been done.

“I think they need to abandon this site … this is just the strangest location to put it,” neighbour Alan McFadyen told this masthead.

Registered nurse Vivienne Treagus said she worried the court would disrupt her sleep during the day when she was working night shift.