The Port MacDonnell community will be consulted on the removal of seven Norfolk Island pine trees standing in the way of development work.

For the Port MacDonnell Netball Club to be able to improve its current netball courts, which would first require it to redevelop the tennis courts adjacent to its clubhouse, the trees must be removed.

The club has submitted a proposal sent to Grand District Council governance officer Brittany Shelton, which said it would not redevelop the courts without the trees being first removed.

This is because the trees have been “detrimental” to the old tennis courts, with the roots of the Norfolk pines buckling the concrete of the courts and their canopy causing moss to grow, due to a lack of sunlight, the netball club claims.

“The trees are planted between the courts,” Ms Shelton said in her report on the proposal.

“Whilst the provision is intended to cover planting of trees, council has determined to include both planting and removal of trees … given the potential impact on residents or relevant stakeholders.”

The matter is now open for community consultation, with the redevelopment proposal to be made available on Council’s Your Say website.

More information can also be found at council’s principal office at 324 Commercial Street West, Mount Gambier, and at the Port MacDonnell Community Complex.

Submissions must be received by 5pm on Thursday, September 9.

It is envisaged only submissions received from Port MacDonnell community members will be considered by council at its ordinary meeting on Monday, September 20.