$10M regional tennis facilities program open for business: Fraser

October 24 2006

$10M regional tennis facilities program open for business: Fraser

The great Queensland tradition of producing masters of the tennis court received a $10 million boost today as Sport Minister Andrew Fraser opened the Beattie Government’s Regional Tennis Facilities Program.

Mr Fraser said the four-year program would deliver a strong network of high quality tennis facilities across regional Queensland, with the Department of Local Government, Planning, Sport and Recreation contributing up to $8 million and Tennis Queensland $2 million.

“Tennis is still one of the 10 most popular sports in the State, but it has been hard hit by the closure of more than 300 courts over the past 20 years,” he said.

“The Beattie Government has already committed to 23 international-standard courts at the new State Tennis Centre at Tennyson and this funding will support many regional projects outside the south-east corner, where Tennis Queensland has identified the greatest need.”

Mr Fraser said project costs needed to be a minimum of $200,000 (GST exclusive) and meet the program’s eligibility criteria, with a maximum grant of $2.5 million per project.

“Priority will be given to projects in areas that can demonstrate a strong need and include a financial commitment from other key interest groups such as regional tennis associations and affiliates, councils and corporate partners.

“The new or upgraded centres will be required to meet community needs, particularly for player development, and provide enhanced opportunities for physical activity through local training, competition and recreational activities.

“They will also need to meet International Tennis Federation standards for court dimensions, lighting and surfaces, so they can support regional, state and national tennis events.”

Mr Fraser said the network would pave the way for a new era of tennis in the State and provide a clear pathway for emerging talent, from the grassroots to elite levels.

“This program will help develop the junior talent we need to support the high performance programs delivered through the State Tennis Centre when it opens in 2009.

“It will enable us to build on the successes of Queensland champions like Rod Laver, Roy Emerson and Pat Rafter.

“Expressions of interest will be accepted for the next four weeks, closing at the end of November.

Mr Fraser said Tennis Queensland would then conduct a rigorous assessment process based on key criteria such as need, population catchment, number and quality of existing courts, third party support and funding, commercial viability and capacity to host major events.

“That process will take about six weeks and organisations whose proposals are shortlisted will then be invited to submit detailed applications by 6 April next year.

“Funding will be provided from July 2007 and we would expect construction work to start immediately.”

For further information on the Regional Tennis Facilities Program, visit the departmental website at www.sportrec.qld.gov.au or the Tennis Queensland website at www.tennisqueensland.com.au.

Mr Fraser said projects that were not endorsed by Tennis Queensland might still be eligible for grants under other departmental funding programs, including the Major Facilities Program, Local Sport and Recreation Program and Minor Facilities Program.

For more information on how the Beattie Government is helping Queenslanders get active, contact your nearest Department of Local Government, Planning, Sport and Recreation office on 1300 656 191 or visit www.sportrec.qld.gov.au.

Media Contact: Chris Taylor, 3227 8825 or 0419 710 874