CONCERNS about spending pressure did not stop Cottesloe council allocating an unbudgeted $6500 for a landscape buffer between John Black Dune Park and the expanded Cottesloe Tennis Club.
“I just think these funds could be better spent on playground equipment or drinking fountains, and I think we should be more fiscally responsible,” councillor Sally Pyvis said at the meeting last month.
The council backed the Napier Street club when it asked to expand by 10 courts last year.
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READ NOWThe additions included creating a natural area management plan to revegetate the buffer between the degraded dune park and the club’s new courts.
The northern side of the buffer under council control will cost $4000 to improve, while the remaining $2500 is claimed costs incurred by the club in its portion of the buffer.
“$4500 would be spent anyway, so it’s only an extra $2500,” Cr Philip Angers said.
Chief executive Mat Humfrey said the whole cost, after consultation with bush regeneration volunteers Cottesloe Coastcare, was caused because grass and exotic species could not be used.
Councillors agreed to change the budget to finance the works.