And they’ve delivered a petition with 1271 signatures on it to council, to ensure their voice is heard.
Passionate local squash player Greg Murphy said the people had spoken.
“The recent revelation that new squash courts were not necessarily included in the indoor sports stadium to be built in Benalla, not only got the locals and people from all over Victoria and Australia riled up, but folk from all over the world have expressed their feelings,” he said.
Mr Murphy said six squash courts were promised to be built and “should definitely be included in the construction of the new indoor sports stadium”.
The petition was delivered to Benalla Rural City Council, and Mr Murphy said it demonstrated that support for these courts was overwhelming and widespread.
“Of the total number of signatures, 621 were from local people.
“The support for the Courts for Sports Project is much more widespread too, and people further afield were given the opportunity to sign up via an online petition, and sign up they did.
“The wider community registered their support for courts in Benalla, with 650 signatures on the online petition.
“Some overseas signatories, that are interested in the progress of the project and support it, were from far-flung places like India, Italy, UK, Iran, Pakistan, Uganda, New Zealand, Malaysia, the USA and even Mexico.
“Heaps of people from all over Australia took the opportunity to make sure the courts get built by signing the online petition also.
“And signatures keep pouring in. Since being lodged a further 63 handwritten signatories have been submitted.”
“So far the tally is up to 1334 signatures.
Mr Murphy said the Benalla Squash and Racquetball Association and the Benalla Squash Club, who were behind the petition, and of course all those who signed the petition, hope that the council heeds the response and the voice of the local and wider community, to build new squash and racquetball courts in Benalla.
“Benalla Rural City Council are currently forming a steering committee to work together with the project managers and council to seek community consultation and formulate what is included in this new indoor sporting stadium, so watch this space and take part in the discussion,” Mr Murphy said.
Benalla Mayor Danny Claridge confirmed that a petition to include squash courts in the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre redevelopment project was received by the council at its meeting on June 26.
“A report on the petition will be presented to a future council meeting,” Cr Claridge said.
“We look forward to engaging with a broad range of stakeholders as this exciting project progresses.”
