Susanna Freymark
A new housing development has meant the end of a brick wall on the boundary of the site at 31 Richmond Street and Casino Town Tennis Club.
The wall has been used by tennis club members for practice and coaching.
Club president Rossi Hemsley said it was a good place to hit the ball and warm up before a game.
“The wall will be replaced with a tall wire fence,” Ms Hemsley said.
The wall has stood at the tennis club for more than 50 years. And Ms Hemsley would like to see a new practice wall built.
The site next door is for specialist disability accommodation and is being developed by Inclusive Housing Australia in a partnership between Achieve Australia and Leftfield Social Housing.
Stage 1 of the new development will include the construction of 10 places within three purpose-built homes designed to meet the needs of residents living with a disability.
This stage is expected to be completed by July next year.
Ms Hemsley agrees housing for people with a disability is needed but she’d like to see the council fund a new practice wall.
Richmond Valley Council general manager Vaughan Macdonald said staff had met with the tennis club management to discuss options for a new hitting wall.
“The brick wall is part of an existing structure on the former bowling club site, which requires demolition to suit the group home development by Inclusive Housing Australia,” Mr Macdonald said.
“ Once we receive a proposal (from the club), staff will work with the club on funding opportunities.”
Ms Hemsley said the club was focused on fundraising for three courts that will need to be upgraded soon.
Casino Town Tennis Club has 70 members – to join it is $70 for an adult each year, $25 for juniors and $160 for a family.
Hire of the courts is $10 an hour for members and $20 an hour for non-members.
If you’d like a hit of tennis, call 0421 621 054.