Street shoot hoop nets a fine threat
RESIDENTS of a street in Coomera say they are in “disbelief” after being threatened with $650 fines if they did not remove basketball hoops from the side of the road.
The owners of two hoops at Marshall Circuit said they were door-knocked by council officers and told there had been a complaint about the equipment, which is popular with local children.
Natalie Delorenzo, who owns one of the hoops, said she was at a loss to know who might have complained, given her house faced on to bushland and there was very little traffic on the quiet street.
“A council inspector called at the door,” Ms Delorenzo said. “He said the hoops were obstructing local traffic.
“But hardly any cars drive here. If one does come all the kids shout ‘car’ and get out of the way. Plus, we know everybody is looking out for the kids.
“It’s so safe.”
Ms Delorenzo said the hoops were a favourite gathering spot for children from a number of nearby houses.
She and partner Tom Reeves, an army veteran, bought the first hoop on the street. Their neighbours added a second in September.
She said that without the hoops the children would be inside watching television or on the internet.
“It’s so sad,” she said. “They (the hoops) are enjoyed by over 20 young children in the estate.
“... It gets all the kids together and they are actually exercising and not locked inside being anti-social on the internet.”
Ms Delorenzo said it was particularly disappointing that the council action came at the start of school holidays, saying the situation was “totally ridiculous”.
Local councillor and Deputy Mayor Donna Gates told the Bulletin she had not previously been made aware of the problem, but promised to look into the matter if contacted by residents.
“It is always difficult if the roadway is being used because safety is paramount,” Ms Gates said.
“The council officers would need to be extremely cautious if the roadway was being utilised for any purpose other than cars.
“But I’d be more than happy to look at the situation to see if we can come up with a solution for those children.”