A MOVE to slash the number of courts at Maylands Tennis Club from 17 to nine could put an end to fundraisers for groups like the WA cancer council, says club president John Hogben.
Bayswater council staff recommend leaving the club with three acrylic and six grass courts, saving the council around $58,000 a year in maintenance costs.
The cost-cutting follows a city-wide review prompted by concerns the council was spending too much propping up clubs with ageing and expensive infrastructure. Staff concluded 17 courts were overkill for the 60-member Clarkson Road club, predominantly used for social tennis and coaching.
But Mr Hogben says the extra capacity is required for inter-club tournaments and fundraisers.
“Every year we have an open day where we get people down to have a hit and raise money for the WA cancer council, but without the extra courts we could have to cancel it.
“Last year we raised around $2000 and also have another two fundraisers throughout the year.
“We also have up to three clubs participating in inter-club tournaments. Without the 14 grass courts there will be a lot of logistical problems and we could struggle to finish the tournament in one day.”
Vice-president Bob Williams fears the cuts could “devastate the club”.
“A lot of our members are older and specifically use our club because the grass is easier on the joints,” he says.
“We also need 14 grass courts because we need to rotate them and let two or three courts ‘rest’ at a time.
“The council are just looking at weekly patronage figures rather than the bigger picture.”
The council will vote on the reduction recommendation later this month.
by STEPHEN POLLOCK
Perth Voice Interactive 
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