By Rowan Forster
Kooweerup Tennis Club has been fast-tracked for a six figure makeover to bring the facility up to par with rival courts across the municipality.
The State Government has served up $600,000 to build two new courts at Cochranes Park and re-surface two ageing courts with plexicushion technology – used in the Australian Open.
It comes after the club was forced to cease competition tennis due to a “woeful” lack of facilities.
Once upgrades are complete, it is believed Kooweerup’s tennis setup will rival that of most in metropolitan Melbourne.
The funding will also facilitate the development of new change rooms, lighting and a kitchenette at the club.
Construction is set to commence next week.
Coach and president Peter Grondman told the Gazette he was ecstatic with the announcement.
He detailed the club’s plight in recent years.
“We had to cancel competition tennis because we only had two courts to accommodate hundreds of people,” he said.
“It was looking grim for a long time.
“Maintenance on the court was extremely difficult – especially when you’re fighting moss.
Mr Grondman said the upgrades were well overdue.”These courts have been down for the last 20 years,” he said.
“Not only are these courts not usable – they’re dangerous.
“There’s a lot of demand for people who want to play tennis here but we simply didn’t have the facilities for them.”
Cardinia Shire councillor Ray Brown, who rallied alongside Mr Grondman for government support, believes the project will restore the Kooweerup Tennis Club to its former glory.
“They just couldn’t do competition tennis with two courts,” he said.
“The surface was also deteriorating and the poor kids would struggle to hit the ball over the net when the carpet became wet.
“I’m very confident that this tennis club will now come back stronger than ever.”
The project will also include an upgrade to the existing community meeting room which is housed beside the neighbouring Kooweerup Swimming Pool.
Member for Eastern Victoria Daniel Mulino said the funding was a win for the club and the entire Cardinia Shire municipality.
“This $600,000 in funding will double the number of tennis courts at Kooweerup which will allow the club to once again play competition tennis,” he said.
“This is a great announcement for the local community.”
It is estimated construction will be completed in about four months.
