Engineering award for tennis centre

Cairns Regional Council received a Highly Commended award for projects in $5 million to $10 million category at the Institute of Public Works Engineering Qld Division (IPWEAQ) Excellence Awards dinner.

Council’s Infrastructure Services General Manager Ross McKim said the tennis centre was a world-class facility that the region could be proud of.

“We have delivered to the community a 12-court, international-standard tennis centre that has not only brought high-standard sporting competition to Cairns but provides quality infrastructure for the use of residents,” Mr McKim said.

“We have used materials and designs consistent with the world’s top tennis facilities.

“For example, this centre is the first tennis facility in Australia, outside of a capital city, to feature a ‘plexicushion’ playing surface, which offers superior shock absorption, consistent bounce and durability.”

Mr McKim said the layout of the facility allowed for temporary grandstand seating for up to 3000 spectators, while still providing sufficient warm-up and practice courts.

The $6.3 million complex includes an upgraded clubhouse, new kiosk, pro-shop, multi-purpose rooms, offices, gym, change rooms and lighting.

Prior to construction, extensive consultation – including preparation of a draft management plan – was undertaken with experts, stakeholders and the general public.

Consultation, planning, preliminary design and sourcing of funds started in 2007.

The detailed design phase took 11 months and construction started in November 2009. The centre was officially opened in September 2010, just prior to the inaugural Cairns Tennis International.

Mayor Val Schier said the construction project demonstrated the skills of Council staff and the ability to deliver community infrastructure to the highest standard.

“As a council, we pride ourselves on the ability to provide innovative, high-quality facilities that are the envy of other local government areas,” Cr Schier said.

“In this instance, we have created a piece of sporting infrastructure that has already proven to be worthy of the world’s best tennis players and which will provide a breeding ground for the next generation of sporting talent.

“The calibre of events that can be held as a result of this infrastructure has already been acknowledged nationally.

“Congratulations to all involved in the planning and construction of the complex – this award is very much deserved.”