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Council reverses 'fun police' decision on Thirroul basketball hoop

Last month the council wrote to the Craig and Sarah Rossignol to inform them that a fixed basketball stand opposite their Kilncar Crescent house was a footpath obstruction and had to be taken down immediately, or risk a $330 on-the-spot fine.  After appeals from Keira MP Ryan Park and Greens Councillor Mithra Cox, the decision has been reversed and Thirroul families will not be penalised for the community basketball hoop.

Greens Councillor Mithra Cox said parents shouldn't be penalised for encouraging kids to play outdoors.

Read the report by Zoe Cartright in The Illawarra Mercury, 6 April 2021.

Council reverses 'fun police' decision on Thirroul basketball hoop

Thirroul kids had to remove a communal basketball hoop because council threatened on-the spot fines.The council has since reversed the decision. Picture: Sylvia Liber.
 Thirroul kids had to remove a communal basketball hoop because council threatened on-the spot fines.The council has since reversed the decision. Picture: Sylvia Liber.

Last month the council wrote to the Craig and Sarah Rossignol to inform them that a fixed basketball stand opposite their Kilncar Crescent house was a footpath obstruction and had to be taken down immediately, or risk a $330 on-the-spot fine.

The council said the request for the hoop to be removed was motivated by "community concern" - but now says no immediate enforcement action will be undertaken.

"Last month council staff visited parts of the McCauley's Beach Estate to discuss sporting equipment, which was on council land without approval," a spokesperson said.

"Following up on the visit, the council sent a letter requesting residents to move the basketball hoops from council-owned land. The matter has been reviewed and we've advised residents that there will be no immediate enforcement action undertaken."

The order to remove the hoop had been slammed by Keira MP Ryan Park and Greens Councillor Mithra Cox.

In a letter to the Lord Mayor on Tuesday Mr Park urged the council to reconsider the move.

"I am sure it brings a great deal enjoyment to children and even adults in the area," he said.

"Encouraging children to get off the technology and out moving is something all of us should be supportive of."

Greens Councillor Mithra Cox said parents shouldn't be penalised for encouraging kids to play outdoors.

"Just because one resident may have complained about the sound of kids playing is no reason for the fun police to start threatening fines," Cr Cox said.