WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2026
locals BANK ERROR BLAMED Knox ‘silenced’ FOR RATES DOUBLE DIP Tennis courts ready for play
● Glenburn Tennis Club courts
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■ The $2.25 million Glenburn Tennis Club court reconstruction at Glen Waverley is open and ready for play. Work on the reconstructed courts, which started last October, saw the upgrading of the six synthetic grass tennis courts at the club in Chesterville Road, Glen Waverley, helping to improve ageing infrastructure at the venue. New LED lighting to meet competition standards was also installed, using cutting-edge design technology to better direct light towards the sports surface, and not out into the surrounding environment. Court fencing was replaced with new chain mesh fencing while a pathway, with seating between the upper and lower courts, was added. Tree root barriers were installed along the eastern and southern boundaries to prevent future damage. Monash Council has added the booka-court online booking system, making the venue more accessible to both members and non-members. Glenburn Tennis Club President Andy Quah said, for many years, club members and Council had been patching up the ageing venue in a Band-Aid solution. “Roots had come up through one of the courts rendering it, basically, unplayable,” he said. “Well, some members tried, but the ball would strike a root and bounce off at right angles. Which isn’t safe.” Losing the use of one of its courts meant pressure on the club’s ability to maintain its membership.
KNOX RATEPAYERS CHARGED TWICE ■ Knox Council is blaming a “bank error” for residents being charged twice for rates payments. “A number of ratepayers who pay on a nine-month direct debit cycle may have experienced a second deduction processed in bank error,” said a City of Knox representative. “We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this has caused and understand the impact unexpected account deductions can have. “Initial investigations indicate the duplicate deduction relates to a processing error by our bank.
Safeguards
“Council is working closely with them to resolve this as quickly as possible and to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place. “Duplicate deductions were refunded on Thursday 7(May 7) and will be visible in customer’s accounts shortly, depending on their bank’s processing times. “Where customers have incurred bank fees due to this?issue, we will arrange appropriate reimbursement, we are working with our bank on the best way to do this. “We are investigating the cause of this bank error and will implement any required improvements to prevent a recurrence.? “You do not need to do anything to receive your refund. If you have incurred bank fees due to this issue, we will arrange appropriate reimbursement. We are working with our bank on the best way to do this and will let you know more when confirmed.
Apology
“If this has impacted you, please register with us so we can keep you up to date as this ongoing situation progresses and let you know if there is anything you need to do. “Council sincerely apologises for this bank error. We understand the importance of reliable payment processing and maintaining community trust, and we will continue to provide updates as required. “If you are experiencing financial hardship, please call us. We are able to discuss payment plan options and also provide information on local services that are available to help. You can also visit our Community and welfare relief service providers webpage,” the City of Knox representative said.
● Kim Wells, Rowville MLA ■ Rowveille MLA Kim Wells says that local residents are concerned about having their voices and third-party review rights restored regarding local Knox City Council planning decisions on townhouses and multiunit developments. “Many are outraged by what they see as a draconian erosion of local planning oversight and a total denial of thirdparty appeal rights on planning decisions within the Rowville and Knox community,” Mr Wells said. “Since the introduction of planning amendment VC267 by the State Government in March 2025, Knox City Council have been stripped of their ability to apply local neighbourhood character policies to residential multiunit developments. “This deemed-to-comply pathway has effectively silenced my constituents, removing their third-party review rights and preventing them from challenging inappropriate developments at VCAT,” Mr Wells said.
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