YARRA RANGES TENNIS PLAN JULY 2014 - 2024
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Contents
1.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Our Vision..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
2.
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 6
3.
THE IMPORTANCE OF TENNIS TO YARRA RANGES .................................................................................................................................................................. 7
4.
SNAPSHOT OF TENNIS WITHIN YARRA RANGES ...................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Tennis Facility Summary .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Range of Surfaces....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Surfaces in Yarra Ranges under Council Management .............................................................................................................................................................. 13
En tout cas (Clay/Red Porous ) ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Acrylic hard court ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Other variations including sand filled artificial grass, carpet and synthetic clay ................................................................................................................... 14
Asphalt ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Occupancy of Council owned or managed facilities .................................................................................................................................................................. 14
Tennis Facility Audit 2013 .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Facility Standards and Maintenance ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Current condition of Council owned tennis assets ................................................................................................................................................................ 18
Current Condition of Crown Land assets managed by Council.............................................................................................................................................. 19
Crown Land Assets – Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) ............................................................................................................... 19
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Private assets ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
5.
PARTICIPATION AND DEMAND .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 20
6.
SPORT STRUCTURE ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 22
Tennis Victoria ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
New Technology..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 23
The relationship with Tennis Victoria .................................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Tennis Associations .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 24
7.
CLUB SUSTAINABILITY ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 25
Committees ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 25
Cash at bank ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 26
Membership fees ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 26
Coaching..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 26
Risk ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 27
8.
OPPORTUNITIES, ISSUES AND DIRECTIONS ........................................................................................................................................................................... 28
Ongoing engagement with the Tennis Community ................................................................................................................................................................... 28
Club/Coaching support .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 28
Hierarchy of facilities ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 29
Management of Court Surface Types ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 29
Multi use courts ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 30
Phase out / Closure / Shared use ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 30
Forming Catchment based facilities........................................................................................................................................................................................... 31
MLC Hot Shots Courts ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 31
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Oversupply of courts .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 32
Montrose Terrace .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 32
Kilsyth Tennis Club ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 32
District Tennis Centre............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 32
Occupancy Arrangements .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 33
Service Arrangements for clubs on Crown Land facilities where Council is not involved ......................................................................................................... 33
Public Access .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 34
Social tennis ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 34
Neighbouring Councils ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 34
9.
ACTION PLAN ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 35
Appendix 1 – Proposed Hierarchy of Facilities .............................................................................................................................................................................. 39
Appendix 2 – Venue Specific Recommendations for facilities on Council Land or where Council is the nominated Committee of Management ..................... 40
Appendix 3 – Indicative Court Maintenance / Refurbishment / Decommissioning cost over ten years for courts on Council Land or where Council is the
nominated Committee of Management ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 46
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1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Our Vision
A tennis community that is active, dynamic, engaged, accessible and sustainable.
This report provides a strategic assessment of tennis facilities within Yarra Ranges Council. It not only focuses on those facilities directly owned by Council,
it also considers crown land and private tennis facilities. It recognises and supports the role of tennis in community building and creating active and
engaged residents. The strategy also defines Council’s role in supporting sustainable tennis participation in Yarra Ranges.
It provides a pathway forward for the continuing delivery of tennis opportunities to the community taking into consideration:
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Current and future participation rates
Trends and new program opportunities
Sustainable management and operation of Council owned or managed facilities
The need for change in the way the sport is supported
Revised management occupancy agreements
Equitable treatment of tennis with other sports supported by Council
New models of operation
A closer partnership with the peak body, Tennis Victoria / Tennis Australia
Recommendations made in this plan have been developed based on the following:
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Consultation with tennis club committees, associations and coaches
Engagement with key stakeholders including Council staff, Tennis Victoria and private providers
An audit of tennis facilities, including the development of an asset plan and inventory
Presentation of a draft report and consideration of community feedback
The action plan has been developed for a ten year period with high, medium and low priorities with delivery being subject to available resources. The plan
is due for review in 2024.
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2. INTRODUCTION
The need for a Yarra Ranges Tennis Plan was prompted by several factors including the ongoing decline in tennis club memberships, requests from clubs for
support and amalgamation and the closure of a number of clubs within the Shire.
The project involved the following key tasks:
Stage 1
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Situation Analysis / Issues Paper
Background Research and Demographic review
Physical assessment of current facilities
Stage 2
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Extensive Community/Stakeholder consultation (Tennis Victoria, Clubs, Coaches and Tennis associations)
Assessment of Neighbouring Council facilities
Identification of site and facility options
Identification of potential partners
Stage 3
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Draft report
Presentation to Forum
Community/Stakeholder feedback
Stage4
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Final Report for adoption by Council
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3. THE IMPORTANCE OF TENNIS TO YARRA RANGES
There are a range of recreation and sporting opportunities available to residents within Yarra Ranges. These opportunities provide residents with a place to
connect to their community and a way to be physically active and engaged. Work undertaken by Council in the preparation of the Community Health and
Well Being plan clearly identifies a range of significant health issues affecting our community. These include both physical and mental health. There is a
significant cost to the community both now and into the future associated with these health issues.
Tennis provides a range of activities, across seven days to varying demographic groups. It is a sport that is played by young children and well into old age
and has both male and female participants. Activities include:
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Tennis Clubs
o Places to connect with others
o Opportunity to give back to the community
Social Tennis
o Health and fitness
o Places to play and meet people
Competition Tennis
o Health and fitness
o Improved skills
Cardio Tennis
o Health and fitness
o social
MLC Hot Shots
o Active children
ACE (Accessible, Community and Equality)
o Socially Inclusive
Coaching
o Active children and adults
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4. SNAPSHOT OF TENNIS WITHIN YARRA RANGES
Tennis Facility Summary
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There are currently 34 facilities (Council, crown land and private) offering tennis opportunities to the community. The majority of these facilities are
Council owned (23), four are managed by Council as Crown Land Committee of Management under the Crown Land Reserves Act 19781. There are four
facilities directly operating under Department of Environment and Primary Industries (formerly DSE) appointed Committees of Management and three
private facilities.
The table below outlines the current distribution by Council Ward.
Ward
Club Name
Venue
No. Of Courts
Members
O’Shannassy
Warburton
Warburton Caravan
Park
Swing Bridge Reserve
Warburton Caravan
Park
65
Yarra Junction
Yarra Junction
Recreation Reserve
Gladysdale Public Hall
Woori Yallock
Recreation Reserve
Tudor Crt Rd
Hoddles Creek
Recreation Reserve
Wickhams Rd Reserve
2
4 (2 courts managed
by Warburton Tennis
Club
4
30
Y
1
4
Public access only
11
N
N
2
2
8
10
N
N
2
(22)
6
Public access only
(124)
90
N
4
111
Y
(10)
(201)
Gladysdale
Woori Yallock
Yellingbo
Hoddles Creek
Launching Place
Chandler
Seville
Monbulk
Seville Recreation
Reserve
Monbulk Recreation
Reserve
Coaching
Program
Y
N
Y
1
The principal legislation dealing with the reservation and management of Crown lands in Victoria is the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978. Committees appointed
under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 manage their reserve on behalf of the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, and have responsibility and
authority to manage, improve, maintain and control their reserve.
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Ward
Club Name
Venue
No. Of Courts
Members
Billanook
Mount Evelyn
Mountainvale
Birmingham Rd
Hereford Rd
Chirnside
Chirnside Park Country
Club
Public Court
Chirnside Park Country
Club
Village Green Reserve
4
4 (Indoor)
(8)
6
60
Commercial business
(60)
100
Selby
Belgrave Heights
Belgrave
The Patch
Minak Reserve
Central Park
Borthwick Park
The Patch Hall
Melba
Manchester Heights
Lilydale
Lakeside (BJ Allatt)
Brice Avenue Reserve
Anderson St
Hull Rd
Ryrie
Steels Creek
Healesville
Steels Creek Rd
Queens Park
Don Rd Reserve
Halley Supple Reserve
McKenzie Reserve
Gruyere Recreation
Reserve
No club
(100)
60
60
90
40
(250)
100
120
Private / coaching
(220)
70
180
N
Lyster
1
(7)
4
5
4
1
(14)
6
8
2
(16)
2
6
4
4
6
2
18
69
Public Access only
Y
Y
N
(24)
(343)
Coldstream
Yarra Glen
Gruyere
Coaching
Program
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
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Ward
Club Name
Venue
No. Of Courts
Members
Streeton
Kalorama / Mt
Dandenong
Ferny Creek
Kalorama Reserve
3
20
Coaching
Program
Y
Ferny Creek Recreation
Reserve
Upwey Recreation
Reserve
Upwey South
Recreation Reserve
5
150
Y
5
50
Y
6
80
Y
(19)
7
(300)
86
Y
4
20
7
8
(28)
147
200
40
(346)
1944
Upwey Tecoma
Upwey South
Walling
Kilsyth
Montrose Terrace
Montrose
Mooroolbark
TOTAL
Kilsyth Recreation
Reserve
Keith Hume Fraser
Reserve
Montrose Reserve
Kiloran Park
N (Coach to
commence in
2014)
Y
N
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In addition to the facilities identified in the above table there are a number of tennis facilities that have folded and/or courts are in varying states of
disrepair.
Ward
Club
Venue
No. Of Courts
Court Condition
Ownership
O’Shannassy
Warburton East
Warburton East
Reserve
Wesburn Park
Gilderoy Reserve
Morrisons Reserve
Wandin East
Recreation Reserve
Wandin North
Recreation Reserve
Silvan Recreation
Reserve
Dixons Creek Reserve
Ferny Creek Recreation
Reserve
Keith Hume Fraser
Reserve
1
Unusable
Council
1
1
2
2
Unusable
Unusable
Used for Netball
Suitable for use
Council as COM
Crown
Council
Council
2
Used for Netball
Council
Wesburn
Gilderoy
Billanook
Chandler
Wandin East
Wandin North
Silvan
Ryrie
Streeton
Dixons Creek
Ferny Creek
Walling
Montrose Terrace
TOTAL
4
Council
0
2
Now a playground
Very Poor
Council
Crown
2
Unusable
Very Poor
Council
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Range of Surfaces
The 147 courts provided within Yarra Ranges offer a variety of surfaces in a range of conditions. Tennis Australia recommends that court surfaces be
evaluated against the following criteria:
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Usability/functionality
Meets member needs
Tennis Australia Player development surface
Maintenance Obligations
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Environmental Sustainability
Capital costs
Replacement Costs
Tennis Victoria can provide advice and provides a Court Surface Selection Matrix tool in excel format to assist in the court surface selection process. Tennis
Australia has a defined court surface policy. It is based on the International Tennis Federation classification system. (www.itftennis.com/technical)
Surfaces in Yarra Ranges under Council Management
En tout cas (Clay/Red Porous )
There are 72 courts of this surface type; 64 under Council ownership and 8 as Council as Crown Land Committee of Management. Key features associated
with this surface:
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Permeable surface designed to allow water to drain vertically down through the court facilitating play soon after rain
Sustainability of these courts with their heavy dependence on water resources impacts on their condition and viability (the watering cycle on a 18m x
36m tennis court may consume well over 1000 litres of water per day in warmer months. In winter the courts will be watered a lot less as the rain will
keep the courts damp and in good playing condition.)
Medium-soft shock absorption for players which is important in minimising injury
Acrylic hard court
There are 34 courts, 24 under Council ownership, and 10 with Council as Crown Land Committee of Management. Key features associated with this
surface:
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Three types of surfaces to maintain, non-cushioned, liquid application and mat laid cushion (slightly different maintenance requirements depending on
surface type)
Need recoating every 7 to 10 years
More expensive to construct
Medium hard surface for player comfort unless cushioned, then medium – soft shock absorption for players
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Other variations including sand filled artificial grass, carpet and synthetic clay
There are 12 courts, 8 under Council ownership and, 4 with Council as Crown Land Committee of Management. Key features associated with these surface
types:
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Construction methods uses tufted synthetic carpet laid on base of either concrete, asphalt or crushed rock
It is cost effective surface with efficient drainage and can be played upon when damp
Surface needs to be regularly groomed and sand particles rejuvenated
Should be resurfaced every 10 to 12 years, which is mid range compared with other surface life spans
Medium – soft shock absorption for players
Asphalt
There are three courts under Council ownership with this surface. Key features associated with this surface type:
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Long term durability for public access tennis (i.e. non competition)
Low maintenance
Hard surface for player comfort and injury prevention
Occupancy of Council owned or managed facilities
Council requires clubs that use Council owned or managed tennis facilities to enter into a lease agreement. The preferred term is 5 years, with a review at
the end of each the period. Standard lease conditions require clubs to fully maintain the courts2.
All leases further stipulate the following pavilion / club house maintenance responsibilities:
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2
Keep the Premises and the Tenant's Property clean and free from rubbish, store all rubbish in proper containers and have it regularly removed;
Keep the Premises in the same condition as it was in at the date the Tenant first entered occupation of the Premises (fair wear and tear excepted)
including repairing or replacing anything in the Premises (including all furnishings and floor coverings) which are damaged, worn or destroyed with
items of at least the same quality;
Paint and where appropriate paper any parts of the Premises previously painted or papered wherever reasonably required by the Council;
Maintain in working order all plumbing, drains, pipes and sewers exclusively servicing the Premises;
Maintenance Schedule For Recreation Leases
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Pay the costs (if any) for the removal of waste and sewerage from the Premises;
Maintain any gardens in the Premises in good condition well watered and free of weeds;
Treat in a proper and professional manner (including polishing or varnishing as appropriate) all surfaces of the Premises (including wood, tile and metal
surfaces) with the appropriate materials approved by the Council when reasonably required by the Council;
Repair all defective lights, fluorescent tubes, windows, doors and locks in or exclusively servicing the Premises;
Make good any damage caused to any adjacent property by the Tenant;
Take all reasonable measures to ensure that any fair wear and tear to the Premises does not cause any loss or damage to the Premises, the building on
the Land, or any person; and
Give the Council prompt written notice of any material damage to the Premises or anything likely to be a risk to the Premises or any person in the
Premises.
The Tenant must observe and comply with the Building Maintenance Policy.
A standard starting fee of $50 per court applies for each year. There are a range of anomalies (mainly historical) with these leases including varying terms
of tenure to that outlined above. Fees can also vary. Some of the fee variations have been made in response to club requests - hardship issues and some
allow for CPI based increases over the term of the lease.
Tennis Facility Audit 2013
As part of this project all tennis facilities that are publically accessible in Yarra Ranges were inspected. This included facilities that are not the responsibility
of Council. (e.g. Chirnside Park Country Club, Ferny Creek Tennis Club) The data obtained from this audit have been used to assist in the development of
this plan. The information following is a summary of the findings.
Facility Standards and Maintenance
Clubrooms are designed to support tennis club use only. The majority consist of kitchenettes, toilets and a social area. The modest size of many clubrooms
reduces the Club’s ability to hire out the facility to generate revenue. Facilities are well maintained and family friendly and there is obvious pride in these
spaces. Unlike many other sports, Tennis Clubs do not have extensive bar and catering facilities and therefore do not rely on income generated from these
activities. It does mean that clubs have less financial capacity but this has not diminished their focus on community health and well being.
A number of clubs also provide outdoor spaces to cater for family friendly activity. Adequate storage space for court, coaching and maintenance equipment
is an issue for many clubs.
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Floodlighting
Court lighting is provided at the majority of tennis facilities and is essential for the continuation of the sport and optimisation of the available facilities. A
variety of lighting is in place from the older style tower corner lighting models to the more modern lower level side lighting. Flood lights should meet
Australian Standards as defined at the time of installation. An audit of lighting, similar to that recently undertaken for sports fields will be recommended as
part of this report to ensure adequacy and safety of fixtures and fittings as well as appropriate luminance.
The provision and maintenance of lights is currently a club responsibility. A set of pole mounted lights to service 2 courts would cost in the vicinity of
$46,200 plus GST3 which is an expensive item for most clubs. Access to change globes can also be difficult and expensive as in many cases travelling towers
are required.
Fencing
A variety of fencing is in place across facilities. There are 21 facilities where the fences require attention. The preferred fence type has a top and bottom rail
to prevent bulging in the mesh and is either black or green coloured. Much of the current tennis fencing within Yarra Ranges is not of this style which in
part, contributes to the current poor condition of fencing at facilities. Tennis Victoria recommends a height of 3.6m wherever possible. Australian Standard
AS1725.2 Tennis Court Fencing – Commercial recommends a height of between 3.0m and 3.6m.4 A Standard club court fence 3.6m H, black, top and
bottom rail would cost $145 plus GST per lineal metre. An average single court has about a 100m perimeter. To replace the fencing at the 21 facilities
identified will cost in excess of $300,000.
Shade
Tennis courts in Yarra Ranges do not tend to provide shade structures, other than through the surrounding landscape. (i.e. trees) Covered seating or the
provision of spectator seating areas is also limited. The provision of shade structures should be considered in future upgrades of major facilities.
Court Maintenance
Clubs are responsible for the maintenance of courts within leased and licensed areas. This is stipulated in the Building Maintenance Policy. “Elements
appurtenant to function (eg. tennis court, play ground etc.) Full Maintenance.”5
3
Aste Tennis Courts Pty Ltd May 2103
Tennis Facility Planning Guide, Sport and Recreation Victoria & Tennis Victoria
5
Yarra Ranges Building Maintenance Policy
4
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Many courts are located with nearby overhanging trees which results in ongoing issues of leaf litter and root damage to courts. Poor drainage is another
factor effecting court maintenance. If courts are not properly and regularly maintained it effects the longevity of the surface as well as creating risk
management issues for player safety and court playability. Clubs are required to take out public liability insurance to the value of $20M and to also
reimburse Council’s building Insurance costs. “The Tenant must pay to the Council within 14 days of demand, the cost of any insurance premium to insure
the Premises against damage or destruction.”6 This is not enforced.
Court Renewal
Current agreements with clubs are silent on the issue of court renewal. This needs to be addressed. Court assets (owned or managed by Council as
Committee of Management) must be appropriately overseen by Council staff. Provision must be made for the cyclical renewal by surface type in
accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines taking into consideration use.
Construction, refurbishment and maintenance costs for court by surface
Surface
Construction*
Refurbishment
En tout Cas
$100,000 plus GST for 2 courts
Re-build surface every 10 years
approximately depending upon use,
$14,000 to $18,000 plus GST
Synthetic Grass
$110,000 plus GST for 2 courts on
Dependent upon initial product used
concrete base
and usage, $16,500 to $20,000 every
$90,000 plus GST for 2 courts on
8 to 15 years
crushed rock base
Acrylic Painted Court (no rubber, on Construction including fence
Resurface every 5 to 10 years $8,000
concrete base)
$68,000
to $10,000 plus GST
Maintenance
Clean off and top dress 1 to 2 times
per year, $1800 plus GST
Service 4 times per year, $250 per
service plus chemicals and sand if
required
Clean court surface and repaint lines
once per year
Tennis Court Construction, Refurbishment and Maintenance Costs7
*Costs are current day figures and have made no allowances for poor access, bulk earth works, site restrictions, service relocation or repair, access
reinstatement, power and water required on site. Price does include fencing, nets and posts.
6
7
Yarra Ranges Standard Lease Agreement
Prices based on information supplied by Aste Tennis Courts Pty Ltd www.aste.com.au May 2013
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Disused courts
As mentioned previously there are a number of facilities that are no longer operating, these include courts and in some cases pavilions.
Where appropriate, Council has transitioned courts for netball use to offset the growing demand for those facilities which are operating successfully. There
are a number of courts and club rooms that currently don’t have an identified future use, or the prospect of one, and are in decline. A number of these are
safety hazards and/or “eyesores”. There is an opportunity via the tennis plan to determine what should occur to decommissioned facilities on Council land,
or Crown land where Council is Committee of Management, and an opportunity to play an advocacy role for those on Crown land where Council has no
responsibility.
Car parking
There is a variety of car parks available to support tennis facilities across Yarra Ranges ranging from sealed to unsealed and “on road”. Some tennis club
parking is shared with other users as part of the overall recreation precinct. The majority of Clubs advise that there is generally sufficient car parking to
support the clubs however Council officers have been dealing with a request from Steels Creek Tennis and Community Centre to provide off road parking to
address safety. In addition there has been ongoing correspondence from the Lilydale Tennis club about access to car parking at Anderson Street. The
standard and maintenance of unsealed car parks remains an issue to be addressed. It is also not clear who has responsibility for car park maintenance
when car parks fall outside leased areas. This is a broader issue for Council’s sporting facilities.
Current condition of Council owned tennis assets
 24 facilities available for use
 104 courts, 22 clubrooms (2 shared with other uses)
Asset
Courts
Clubrooms
Lighting
Fencing
Drainage
8
Condition
 11 excellent, 36 good, 32 in fair condition, 25 courts in failed/poor condition,
 Asbestos audits have identified presence, or likely presence of asbestos in 12 clubrooms (this is being managed)
 majority (15) rated fair condition
 Visually assessed in day light hours and generally rated as good (17 facilities) however this assessment did not include checks
on compliance to Australian Standards nor were LUX8 levels assessed.
 17 facilities require work
 13 facilities effected by drainage issues ranging from minor to significant
The LUX levels refer to a measurement of light intensity: Tennis Australia Outdoor Court Lighting
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Asset data has previously been ineffectively compiled and managed for tennis facilities. This project has resulted in current, up to date and accurate
information being collated and made available to a range of Council departments.
Current Condition of Crown Land assets managed by Council
 4 Facilities available for use
 19 courts, 4 clubrooms
Asset
Courts
Clubrooms
Lighting
Fencing
Drainage
Condition
 5 excellent, 8 good, 4 fair, 2 poor
 Asbestos audits have identified presence, or likely presence of asbestos in 3 clubrooms (this is being managed)
 All 4 rated fair condition
 Visually assessed in day light hours and rated from excellent to fair to good however this assessment did not include checks
on compliance to Australian Standards nor were LUX levels assessed.
 Work required at all sites
 3 facilities effected by drainage issues ranging from minor to significant
Crown Land Assets – Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI)
 4 Facilities available for use
 12 courts, 4 clubrooms
Asset
Courts
Clubrooms
Lighting
Fencing
Drainage
Condition
 2 excellent, 8 good, 2 fair
 All 4 rated fair condition
 Visually assessed in day light hours and rated from excellent to fair to good however this assessment did not include checks
on compliance to Australian Standards nor were LUX levels assessed.
 Work required at all sites
 1 facility effected by drainage minor issues
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DEPI advises that the responsibility for the tennis assets rests with the community appointed committees of management. It is apparent, after discussion
with clubs and reviewing the financial statements, that these committees do not have the financial resources to maintain tennis courts to a reasonable
standard into the future. Clubs operating on these facilities are in a more challenging position than those in Council owned facilities, or where Council is
Committee of Management, as there is generally no additional support available to clubs to meet maintenance costs. Given the importance of these
facilities to the community, further consideration needs to be given to what role, if any, Council could provide. There are also a number of disused courts on
DEPI land that have become “eyesores” and Council should be advocating for their removal and site reinstatement.
Private assets
Mountainvale is a commercial indoor tennis centre based in Mount Evelyn comprising four courts. There are 4 courts on offer available for use. The
business is currently on the market for sale.
Chirnside Park Country Club is the major provider of tennis within Chirnside Park. It has a very successful junior program with a membership of over 100. If
this facility was to close consideration would need to be given to what is within reasonable access for this community. There is also a private 2 court
“coaching only” facility, Lakeside Tennis, located in Lilydale.
5. PARTICIPATION AND DEMAND
Yarra Ranges has 27 active clubs operating, providing a range of tennis opportunities from competition to social tennis. There are approximately 1944
people playing tennis as club members. The majority of the Shire’s tennis clubs reported a steady decline in membership over the past five years. A
number of these clubs did report that membership appears to have stabilised in the last 12 months.
There are 9 tennis coaching businesses operating throughout the municipality. They offer lessons and a number offer MLC Hot Shots Tennis Program
(Tennis Australia program targeting juniors) as well as Cardio Tennis (a tennis based fitness program). Programs such as Cardio Tennis have performed well
in the last few years. Tennis Victoria’s MLC Hot Shots program has proven popular at schools and assists with developing interest in coaching programs. It
does not however appear to have translated into increased junior club membership.
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Junior participation
Over 1500 children participate in tennis coaching lessons per week within Yarra Ranges with the majority of these aged under 15. Club membership data
demonstrates that whilst the participation of young people is relatively strong in lessons it does not translate into club membership or competitive tennis.
Clubs also indicated that one of the main challenges facing the future of tennis was to retain junior members and to transition them to seniors. There is a
high drop off rate from around the age of 15 when young people get jobs or are more intensely involved in study. These players are not transitioning back
into the sport as young adults.
Tennis is not the only sport experiencing this trend. Anecdotal evidence suggests that junior cricket and to a lesser extent junior football is experiencing the
same issues. (Yarra Ranges has evidence of this particularly in the Upper Yarra Corridor). Suggested reasons for the drop off include parents being time
poor (the average competitive tennis game, including travel, can take up to five hours), as well as travel distance and competing sports which are more
locally based and have shorter match times. (e.g. basketball, soccer). Some sports have now introduced more flexible competition practices to ensure
strong participation. This includes scheduling games on different days/evenings, modified rules, and timed competition. Council in partnership with Tennis
Victoria does have the opportunity to guide and assist clubs and associations to do this. Some potential opportunities include timed junior matches and
MLC Hot Shots club or inter club competition.
Research
ERASS (Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey commissioned by the Australian Sports Commission and State and Territory Departments of Sport and
Recreation) most recent data (2010) indicates that 6.8 percent of the population participate in tennis on a regular basis. This is made up of 3.4 percent
playing competitively and 3.4 percent playing socially. This compares similarly for competition football, cricket and soccer.
The Future of Australian Sport report9, released in April 2013 identifies that participation rates for many organised sports have held constant or declined, it
identified that the participation rate (at least oncer per year) in tennis had dropped by 2.4 percent during the period 2001-2010.
9
The future of Australian Sport, Australian Sports Commission and CSIRO, April 2013)
21 | P a g e
6. SPORT STRUCTURE
Tennis Victoria
Tennis Victoria is the peak body for all affiliated clubs, centres and associations across the state. Tennis Victoria has 900 affiliated clubs, associations and
commercial centres, 400 located in Metropolitan Melbourne. There are 34 Metropolitan Associations, and 11 country regions broken into 100 country
Associations.10 There are also 36,000 registered Hot Shots players.
Tennis Victoria has five Community Tennis Officers serving the Metropolitan area by geographic catchments and two for Regional Victoria. Tennis Victoria,
by their own admission note that they are under resourced when compared to other sports (e.g. Football, Soccer) to provide club support however they
note that the number of staff employed has been increasing over the last few years.
Tennis Victoria’s new Strategic Plan to 2016 has five focus areas:





Supporting Grass Roots Tennis – Enhancing Capability.”
Participation – More people playing more often
Competition and pathways
Places to Play – facilities and their management
Government Relations
Tennis Victoria recognises Local Government as a key stakeholder and places a strong emphasis on Government Relations and Facilities Planning. This
includes a focus on Places to Play, MLC Hot Shots tennis for children and Cardio Tennis for adults/young adults. They have also recently reviewed the
affiliation model for clubs, associations and commercial centres. From July 1 2014, clubs will pay one single fee to affiliate with Tennis Victoria. This fee will
be based on the number of tennis courts at each club rather than the old system of an affiliation fee plus $30 payment per member. The vast majority of
clubs are said to be better off under this new system. Registered participants will be covered for personal accident insurance, be eligible to play in
sanctioned competitions and tournaments, receive communications from Tennis Victoria and access Australian Open pre-sale tickets. Players can be
registered through the free My Tennis software.
10
Tennis Victoria website www.tennis.com.au/vic/about-us
22 | P a g e
Tennis Victoria has recently commenced work to document a number of management models for tennis facilities. This is based on the realisation that the
not for profit community club management is not working universally across facilities for a number of reasons including lack of volunteer support, decline in
operational capacity or financial shortfalls.
Tennis Victoria’s objective is to ensure community access to more venues in partnership with local government. They have identified four principles that
underpin healthy, vibrant tennis venues that effectively service their communities. These are accessibility, sustainability, community benefit and
accountability. Further information will be provided to local government as the work progresses.
New Technology
At the recently held Tennis Victoria Local Government Forum information was provided on a pilot scheme underway in the Australian Capital Territory
(A.C.T.), “online booking and remote gate access”. The system is not dissimilar in principle to online ticketing. The major difference is that the technology
links to tennis facilities facilitating gate access. The pilot is based on a services provided to five Council venues in New South Wales by City Community
Tennis.
“Click on one of the five locations to book tennis courts, children’s classes, adult coaching, cardio tennis, social tennis and more. Our experienced and
qualified coaches help people of all ages and abilities to learn progress and have fun. We also offer yoga, meditation and a Baby ‘n Me fitness class
at the Surry Hills centre. Book and pay for your tennis court or class online in real time 24/7 – even on short notice right outside the tennis court by
using your web enabled phone or tablet! We will SMS you your own unique PIN to access the court. Your PIN also activates the lights – making the
courts a little greener and saving energy when lighting is not needed.”11
The figures provided about increased use of facilities and revenue was significant as a result of the introduction of this technology. The A.C.T. modelling
works in partnership with clubs and as Yarra Ranges begins to renew its tennis facilities Council should be reviewing the A.C.T. pilot and considering the
introduction of this technology.
The relationship with Tennis Victoria
There is scepticism about the value of Tennis Victoria amongst the Yarra Ranges Tennis Community from within the Clubs and by some coaches. The
feedback was that Tennis Victoria has a strong focus on the programs (e.g. MLC Hot Shots and Cardio Tennis) and emerging players with less focus on
competition structure and supporting clubs and associations at a grass roots level. A number of Yarra Ranges clubs are not affiliated with Tennis Victoria
and are sourcing their player insurance from brokers.
11
http://www.citycommunitytennis.com.au
23 | P a g e
There has been an ongoing discussion with Tennis Victoria key personnel in the preparation of this strategy. Tennis Victoria has demonstrated a willingness
to hear the issues. They have also revised their Strategic Plan to recognise the need to support grass roots tennis and are going through a reform process
for affiliation. Council can play a significant role in supporting the clubs by working in partnership with Tennis Victoria to progressively address the issues
raised in this report. It will take commitment from Tennis Victoria and a partnership with Council to create sustainable tennis participation in Yarra Ranges.
Tennis Associations
There are 10 Tennis Associations that offer competition opportunities to Yarra Ranges. These are:










Eastern Region Tennis Inc
Lilydale and District Night Tennis
Ferntree Gully and District Ladies Wednesday Tennis Association
Mountain Area Ladies Tuesday Tennis Association
Knox District Night Tennis Association
Metro Masters
Waverley Tennis Association
Tennis Victoria Pennant
Dandenong and District Tennis Association
Berwick and District Tennis Association
The majority of these associations are run by volunteer committees. They are experiencing the same issues as clubs with only a few people being prepared
to run the association and to take on the responsibility to lead the association into the future. Two associations do employ a paid coordinator. This is
possibly the future direction for associations.
Council, in partnership with Tennis Victoria, has the opportunity to address the competition structure to make it more viable for Yarra Ranges Clubs. In
discussions with Tennis Victoria it was stated that having this many associations operating was unusual and not necessarily an effective way to schedule,
manage and operate.
Clubs indicate that they face challenges in working with Associations as follows:

Competition scheduling with no allowances made to minimise court time or to address travelling time
24 | P a g e




Differing rules and regulations between associations
Preferred court surfaces for scheduling of finals resulting in some clubs being ineligible to host finals
Competition fees and return of income to clubs for use of facilities being set by Associations without club input as to actual costs
A lack of willingness to update competitions to meet present day community expectations.
For the future of grass roots competition participation and success of the sport it is quite apparent that competitive tennis needs a complete overhaul.
Local government, as a key stakeholder and owner of assets, could play a strong advocacy role to ensure that this occurs. This advocacy role should partner
a facilitating role with Tennis Victoria.
7. CLUB SUSTAINABILITY
Committees
Like many other sports and community activities there are ongoing challenges to secure and operate volunteer club based committees. It is apparent that
the management of many clubs is down to a small core group of individuals with general reluctance by club members to take on a committee role. The
committees managing tennis clubs within Yarra Ranges vary from very organised and experienced to those that are struggling. A number of committees
place heavy reliance on older members, many of whom would like to step back but are in fear that if they do so the club will not survive.
Tennis Victoria does provide some support to clubs, including the template for business planning. In addition, Council runs a club development training
program that tennis clubs can participate in. The committees that are performing well tend to have either worked with Tennis Victoria (on request) or have
done some form of forward planning for their club.
Committees are the common way in which tennis has been supported however it is not the only option. In New South Wales there has been a strong shift
away from the club model to facilities operated as businesses or by contractors. (Not dissimilar to the Aquatic and Leisure Centre model in Yarra Ranges).
In Victoria there are a number of facilities running to this model including Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club (Private) and Cardinia Council Regional Tennis Facility
(YMCA). Yarra Ranges does have one facility running to a business model. (Chirnside Park Country Club) This study does not recommend complete
transition to this model currently but it may become a consideration into the future. Tennis Victoria is currently conducting a 12 month project into
reviewing management models. The outcomes of this project will be a topic for discussion between Council and Tennis Victoria.
25 | P a g e
Cash at bank
As part of the initial engagement clubs were asked about their financial position. Most were forthcoming. Clubs tend to operate with annual balances of
$2,000 to $8,000. There are a number of exceptions, those with low membership numbers (less than 20) operate with $500 or less. Five clubs have money
invested in term deposits with balances of between $5,000 and $45,000. The bank balances indicate that clubs are not financially in a position to do much
more than basic maintenance of facilities and are certainly struggling to meet lease/licence obligations.
Membership fees
Clubs provided information on their membership categories and fees. The average adult membership for a year is senior $100.90, junior $66 and Family
$221.40. This makes tennis one of the more affordable sports in the Yarra Ranges. (e.g. An adult club member can play a game of tennis for $1.94 per
week.) The lowest adult membership is $40 per annum, juniors $35, family $101.50. The highest adult membership is $140 per annum, juniors $100 and
family $286.
There are a range of other membership categories offered by different clubs. These include student, social, concession, veterans, “couples” and night.
There are other costs not included in membership fees by most clubs; this includes “ball fees” and the cost of uniforms.
Tennis membership fees are for a 12 month period whereas many other sports offered in Yarra Ranges are seasonal. Fees for a number of other sports
operating within Yarra Ranges were collected for comparative purposes. The indicative data collected shows that, on average, other sports are charging
double compared to tennis. For example Football membership covers a six month period and fees range from $180 to $300, netball averages between $125
and $170 for six months and cricket from $50 to $200.
Tennis Clubs are reluctant to increase fees for fear that this will drive members away. This is a common response from clubs across Victoria and was raised
in discussion with adjoining municipalities. The value of a tennis membership multiplied by the number of club members is a clear indication that clubs are
generating limited income to support their day to day activities and in many instances it is insufficient to cover many of their operating costs.
Coaching
In the initial community engagement phase of developing the strategy it was recognised that a number of people derived their living from tennis coaching
within Yarra Ranges. Nine coaching businesses were identified and the opportunity for coaches to offer their contribution to the study was made. The
following observations apply to tennis coaching in Yarra Ranges:


There is variation in capacity and business skills of coaches
Challenges exist between some clubs and coaches particularly around formal versus informal agreements
26 | P a g e





There is lack of clarity around what constitutes coaching, for example does it include “value add” programs such as MLC Hot Shots, Cardio Tennis and
team selection
There are a variety of financial arrangements between clubs and coaches. In some cases no money is exchanged but the coach does court upkeep.
Coaches can experience delays getting decisions from club committees in a professional and timely manner
Whilst there is reasonable participation in coaching this is not translating into club memberships which can result in a point of contention between
coach and club committee
Most coaches operate across clubs to generate sufficient business to make a living
It is apparent that a successful tennis model requires a strong, well performing committee supported by a strong well performing coach.
Risk
There are significant issues facing tennis clubs in Yarra Ranges which potentially put at risk the future viability of the sport. These include:






Lack of volunteer support to keep clubs and committees functioning resulting in the loss of tennis within certain communities
Facilities continuing to degrade due to club inability to raise sufficient funds to continue operating
Risk of personal injury due to poor court surfaces and/or maintenance practices exposing Council to potential insurance claims (e.g. Yarra Glen courts 5
and 6, Hoddles Creek, Yellingbo)
The need to garner greater support from Tennis Victoria to support tennis at a community level, this includes the need to look at competition tennis,
grants for facility improvements, greater support for tennis clubs and the need to “adjust the game” to meet today’s community expectations. (time
for matches etc)
Limited financial capacity of some clubs
Dropping memberships
27 | P a g e
8. OPPORTUNITIES, ISSUES AND DIRECTIONS
Ensuring a viable tennis community and sustainable tennis participation for the Yarra Ranges requires a variety of approaches from diversifying, boosting,
amalgamating and phasing out of clubs.
Ongoing engagement with the Tennis Community
One of the most welcomed and successful outcomes from the development of the Tennis Plan was the level of collaboration and engagement with the
tennis community and the positive was in which that was received. An opportunity exists build on that success through the creation of a Tennis Reference
Group. The group could have a range of roles including:



Advice and feedback on the Implementation Plan
Building capacity within the tennis community through input into the design and promotion of volunteer development programs and club forums.
Assist in the development of a regional approach to tennis including, training opportunities and forums and further work on issues such as junior
retention, competition structure and club support.
Recreation Services should work in partnership with Tennis Victoria to establish the group. This will require the development of a terms of reference and
agreement on structure. At a minimum this should include representation from clubs, coaches, associations, private operators, Tennis Victoria and Council.
Club/Coaching support
It is recognised that a number of clubs often access the same coach. There can be tensions with this arrangement for a number of reasons including some
clubs feeling disadvantaged, differential expectations on the coach from each club and considerable volunteer time taken up with overseeing the coaching
relationship. An opportunity exists with support from Council and Tennis Victoria to investigate this further for the benefit of club and coach.
Clubs want to be more resilient. In addition to being able to attend club development activities conducted by Council the opportunity exists to conduct
some specific tennis focussed events. This would occur under Tennis Victoria’s club development role and provide a focus on management/business
planning and more specific club based activities such as securing sponsorship, junior retention strategies and having a committee replacement strategy.
28 | P a g e
Hierarchy of facilities
Council has successfully instituted a hierarchy of facilities framework for playgrounds and for sports reserves. This categorises the grounds in terms of
standard of facility and level of use and links each ground to certain playing surfaces and maintenance regimes. Similar consideration needs to be given to
tennis facilities, to effectively manage the ongoing provision, management and operation into the future. The hierarchy developed should be based on the
Tennis Australia model12 which will support and enhance connections to the peak body for funding and support. Accordingly it is recommended that the
framework outlines at Appendix 1 be adopted. The hierarchy provides for:





A planned approach to future tennis facilities infrastructure and management practices in Australia
Evidence Based (Tennis facility census 2006 and consumer research)
A guide to assist decision makers in infrastructure provision
Operationally more sustainable facilities
A linked pathway for tennis and community development
Given that Council is dealing with a large number of existing facilities, a transition plan will be required which will involve reviewing existing facilities within
Yarra Ranges against the hierarchy and developing long term strategies for moving toward the desired mix of facilities based on advice, feedback and
support from all stakeholders including Tennis Victoria’s Places to Play Team.
Management of Court Surface Types
There are a range of court surfaces installed across the Shire. There are considerable costs involved in the ongoing maintenance and renewal of courts.
Court surfaces are judged both in terms of ongoing asset maintenance and also from a playability perspective. Players with the potential to move to the
elite level do require access to International Tennis Federation surfaces. There is a degree of division amongst players, clubs, coaches and Tennis Victoria as
to the preferred surfaces.
Council needs to consider mix of surfaces it requires into the future. Whilst it is recognised that a variety of surfaces is required there are some key
selection criteria for Council to follow:


12
Capital costs
Maintenance requirements and cost
Tennis 2020: Facility Development and Framework for Australian Tennis
29 | P a g e


Environmental Sustainability (i.e. use of water, lighting type)
Playing surface suitable for community tennis
Consideration should also be given to consolidating court maintenance contracts for Council owned or managed facilities to ensure consistent, adequate
and appropriate maintenance of courts as well as the opportunity to benefit from economies of scale.
Court Surface
Speed of court
En tout case
(Red Porous)
Non-cushioned
acrylic
Cushioned
acrylic
Sand filled
artificial grass
Synthetic Clay
Slow
Height of
bounce
Medium
Topspin
Slice
Yes
Medium-high
Trueness of
bounce
Almost
consistent
Consistent
Yes
Footing –
sliding/firm
Sliding
Shock
absorption
Medium-soft
Variable
Yes
Yes
Firm
Medium-hard
Variable
Medium-high
Consistent
Yes
Yes
Firm
Medium-soft
Medium-fast
Medium-high
Consistent
Little
Yes
Firm
Medium-soft
Medium-fast
Medium-high
Consistent
Little
Yes
Partial Slide
Medium-soft
Multi use courts
An opportunity exists to multi mark tennis courts to support other sports, primarily basketball and netball. This has successfully occurred at a number of
facilities within Yarra Ranges including Yarra Junction, Woori Yallock and at the public facility in Chirnside Park. There is some resistance to this from peak
bodies, competition committees and clubs (e.g. change adverse, not comfortable with sharing surfaces etc). What it does provide for is opportunity to
support the ongoing viability and access to a facility that may otherwise need to close.
Phase out / Closure / Shared use
There are a range of facilities within the Shire that have extremely low membership and utilisation. It would be possible to consolidate these memberships
to support a more sustainable combined club or a number of small clubs using one venue and phase out some the physical facilities no longer required.
There are also some facilities and/or a number of courts within a facility that are surplus to current and predicted requirements; these should be considered
for immediate closure or remodelling for other sports.
30 | P a g e
It is important that discussions are held with affected clubs and members to explain the rationale for these decisions and the opportunities to support their
ongoing participation in tennis.
Facilities recommended to be phased out for tennis as surfaces become unplayable or unsafe include:


Hoddles Creek (2 en tout cas courts, small pavilion in poor condition, club membership of 10)
Yellingbo (2 en tout cas courts, no pavilion, club membership of 8)
Facilities recommended for transition to shared use


Woori Yallock (4 acrylic hard courts, pavilion, club membership of 11 - 2 courts transition to netball, dual marked for tennis, close 2 courts)
Coldstream (4 en tout cas courts, club membership of 18 - transition to 2 netball courts with 1 court dual marked for 2 tennis courts)
Facilities recommended for closure


Montrose Terrace, courts 5 and 6
Yarra Glen, courts 5 & 6 unless converted to MLC Hot Shots
Forming Catchment based facilities
To cater for the consolidation of tennis facilities in the Upper Yarra catchment area over time it is recommended that Seville Recreation Reserve should
become a Local Tennis Centre. Seville Recreation Reserve has club rooms and 6 courts. (4 en tous cas, 2 hard court) Work is required to bring the court
surfaces up to a satisfactory standard. Seville Tennis Club is based at the Reserve and has 28 members. The clubs being phased out could be given the
option of becoming tenants in common at Seville or simply joining the Seville Tennis Club.
MLC Hot Shots Courts
To support ongoing junior participation in tennis it is recommended that discussion occurs with Yarra Junction Tennis Club to introduce MLC Hot Shots
courts. In the short term this could be achieved by setting up the courts with temporary equipment and packing down at the end of each session. Over
time a decision may be made to construct purpose built courts. Yarra Junction provides a catchment opportunity for a range of local primary schools. The
sports coordinator for the district has expressed interest in this concept.
Another opportunity exists at Yarra Glen. The club is experiencing a growth in junior participants and currently courts 5 and 6 are unplayable and require
complete reconstruction. The club and club coach have requested that Council investigate the feasibility of safely transferring these courts to MLC Hot
31 | P a g e
Shots. It will be recommended that this is investigated subject to funding, the courts being safe to play on and funding being made available by the club
and Tennis Victoria.
Oversupply of courts
Based on current and projected tennis participation there is an over supply of tennis facilities in Lilydale, Mount Evelyn, Montrose, Kilsyth, Mooroolbark and
Chirnside Park.
Montrose Terrace13
It is recommended that Council immediately closes 2 courts at the Montrose Terrace Tennis Club (Keith Hume Fraser Reserve) The facility has 6 courts and a
club house, 2 courts are in unplayable condition. The location of the facility is bordering a biodiversity offset site. Discussion with Council staff suggests
that these 2 courts would be suited to potential inclusion in the bio diversity zone.
The club has advised that it has 20 members and is endeavouring to rebuild. A coach will be commencing in January 2014. It will be recommended that
four courts be retained and maintained by the club at no cost to Council14 over the next 3 years. Council will work with the club to monitor numbers over
this time.
Kilsyth Tennis Club
The tennis facility located at Kilsyth Reserve is recommended to be phased out in the future. The current facility includes 7 courts and a club house (in poor
condition). The club has a membership of 86. The Kilsyth Tennis Club could relocate to Kiloran Park District Tennis Centre. It will also be recommended
that two public access courts be retained at Kilsyth.
District Tennis Centre
It is recommended that a District Tennis Centre be created at Kiloran Park, Mooroolbark. This facility could be a base for several clubs. Kiloran Park is
currently home to the Mooroolbark Tennis Club, a 40 member, 8 court facility. The Mooroolbark Tennis Club committee have approached Council and
other clubs seeking to amalgamate to remain viable.
13
Council would still adhere to costs associated with the current lease but would not invest any additional funds
32 | P a g e
Council would need to renew/upgrade the court infrastructure and surfaces in accordance with the facility audit, this should occur prior to any clubs
relocating. Further discussions are also required to determine capital works to be undertaken as part of the formation of a district tennis centre.
There are three opportunities that arise for the management of Kiloran Park Tennis Facility including:



Entering into a contract with a professional coach to operate the facility, providing incentives for the building of the business (this is a common model in
N.S.W.)
Expanding the Aquatic Facilities contract to take over management of the District Tennis Centre which is co located with the Kilsyth Centenary Pool.
(similar to the Cardinia Council approach for its Regional Tennis Facility with its Aquatic and Leisure Centre contractor)
The tenant club or clubs continue to run the facility under a lease arrangement as a separate or newly amalgamated club. Before discussions around
amalgamations can be progressed, further work is required to determine a preferred management model including forming new club regulations and
rules.
Occupancy Arrangements
The conditions identified in Council’s current lease and licence provisions need review. This study identifies that clubs do not have the financial capacity to
fully maintain the assets under the occupancy agreement and there is no agreed position on court and other asset renewal. If this is not addressed it will
result in the continued deterioration of facilities. There are also some ongoing challenges around clubs providing public hire access to courts. Introduction
of new technologies as mentioned earlier in this report may be the most suitable way to address the public hire issue.
Council Officers are currently reviewing fees and charges for sports fields and pavilions. Fees associated with tennis facilities should also be reviewed to
ensure equity in the management and support of Council’s recreation facilities. Any work undertaken on fees should involve engagement with the tennis
community.
Service Arrangements for clubs on Crown Land facilities where Council is not involved
Viable clubs on Crown Land are providing for local community tennis needs. They are facing the same issues as clubs located on land managed or owned by
Council with little or no support from State Government. If these clubs did not exist there would be a potential expectation for Council to provide facilities.
As such, it is suggested that Council funds should be made available to provide grants to support “targeted” court maintenance and renewal as part of the
annual community grants program. The provision of grants would also assist these clubs to secure Tennis Australia funding.
33 | P a g e
Public Access
There are four facilities within Yarra Ranges that operate on free public access. These courts appear to be well supported and used within their local
communities. A number of these courts should continue to be provided throughout the Shire supporting the aims of Council’s Well Being Plan with the
potential addition of public access sites at Wickhams Road, Launching Place and Kilsyth Reserve.
Social tennis
In a number of rural communities the tennis club or tennis courts are the only or core recreation facility in town. It is apparent in both talking to clubs,
Council community services staff and broader community groups that these facilities play a broader and important community role, both as a community
meeting place and as a venue to play tennis. These facilities should be maintained.
Neighbouring Councils
Informal discussions have been held with neighbouring Councils in relation to tennis. Manningham, Knox and Cardinia have specific strategies in a place for
tennis. The City of Casey is seeking a grant to undertake a Tennis Strategy and Maroondah Council has decided to re-enter into leases for its 10 Council
facilities and 1 crown land facility. Maroondah is also closing the four courts associated with the Croydon Aquatic and Leisure Centre. They are open to
working collaboratively with Yarra Ranges if the need arises. There was some interest by the Councils contacted to work collaboratively in an advocacy role
to address some of the perceived shortcomings affecting tennis into the future, particularly the need for Tennis Victoria to take on a stronger leadership
role for the sport in the areas of tennis associations, competition structure, support for clubs and greater support for community “grass roots” tennis.
34 | P a g e
9. ACTION PLAN
Item
Management
Hierarchy of
facilities
Site specific
Technology
Action
Tennis facilities under Council ownership or control should be managed
under a hierarchy of facilities framework. The Tennis Australia model
will form the basis. Several sites have been identified as being a
potential district or local tennis centre. Further work is required to
undertake a complete assessment of facilities.
Timeframe
High
Medium
(1 – 3 (4 – 7 yrs)
yrs)
X
X
Low
(8 – 10
yrs)
Further information is to be provided to clubs about the purpose and
benefits of a hierarchical model. The outcomes of these discussions will
be included in the transition plan.
X
Recreation Services to oversee the implementation of the site specific
recommendations contained in Appendix 2
X
X
X
Recreation Services to encourage clubs to raise site specific issues, this
should occur at least annually. Issues would be considered, and where
appropriate, referred to a list for action
X
X
X
Additional items will be referred to the list in Appendix 2 following on
from the lighting, fencing, car park and drainage audits.
X
X
X
X
X
Further work should be undertaken by Council to support the
introduction of court management technology. This could be through a
pilot program across one or more clubs.
Further information to be made available to clubs about the technology
available to support club operations and access to facilities.
X
X
35 | P a g e
Item
Action
Time
High
(1 – 3
yrs)
X
Management con’t
Club/coaching
relationships
Recreation Services in partnership with Tennis Victoria to work with
clubs to consider how they could work more effectively together when
sharing a coach
Occupancy
Lease and Licence
Agreement
Ensure that agreements make specific reference to Tennis Court surface
maintenance and renewal requirements that clearly outline tenant and
Council responsibilities. Also ensure that agreements make provision for
public hire.
X
Fees and Charges
Fees are to be reviewed in consultation with clubs and in accordance
with the model utilised for other sports reserves (i.e. football, cricket,
soccer, netball) to ensure equity in support from Council.
X
Implement new fee arrangements
Club support
Court Infrastructure
Court Surfaces
Recreation Services staff will be the key liaison and contact for tennis
clubs for:
 Asset maintenance and renewal issues
 Club development and support
Parks & Bushland, Recreation Services and Facilities Management
Executive Officers resolve the process and responsibility for oversight of
tennis court assets. This includes:
 Ensuring courts and supporting infrastructure are formally audited
every two years
 That courts are maintained in accordance with the standards
established in any lease, licence or other tenancy agreement
Medium
(4 – 7
yrs)
X
Item
Low
(8 – 10
yrs)
X
X
36 | P a g e
Item
Action
Time
High
(1 – 3
yrs)
Medium
(4 – 7
yrs)
X
X
X
Work with the Recreation Service Team, Tennis Victoria and local clubs
to identify and develop the preferred ongoing surface type by hierarchy
of facility.
X
X
X
Implement preferred tennis court surfaces as per the developed
program
Undertake an audit of all tennis court lighting to ensure compliance to
Australian Standards.
(New court lighting must be the low level side lighting style wherever
possible.)
X
Council to develop a ten year program to assess and address all tennis
court fencing issues.
X
X
X

Low
(8 – 10
yrs)
Investigating the potential to outsource court maintenance to get
value for money and an agreed maintenance standard
Develop a ten year program to bring existing courts up to an acceptable
standard by addressing maintenance or surface renewal (Appendix 2).
This program should include cost recovery options:
 Funding opportunities from Tennis Australia
 Funding Opportunities from Sport and Recreation Victoria
 Funding Opportunities from Bendigo Community Bank
 Club contribution
Court Infrastructure
Court lighting
Court fencing
Implement fencing program.
X
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Item
Support for Non
Council owned or
managed facilities
Financial assistance
Structure and support
for Tennis
Tennis Victoria
Action
Time
High
(1 – 3
yrs)
X
Medium
(4 – 7
yrs)
X
X
Yarra Ranges Council to work collaboratively with Tennis Victoria to
support initiatives and programs to improve community access to and
participation in tennis. This should include exploring new technologies
to support community access.
X
X
X
Recreation Service to continue to monitor participation trends for tennis
in the Shire and make recommendations for facilities accordingly.
X
X
X
Recreation Services, in partnership with Tennis Victoria, establish a
Tennis Reference Group comprising representatives from the Yarra
Ranges Tennis Community.
X
X
Recreation Services to explore the opportunity to institute an annual
pool of Council funding to support Tennis Clubs operating independently
on Crown land to assist with the annual court maintenance and/or
renewal costs as part of Council’s Community Grants Program.
Yarra Ranges Council to partner with other LGA’s to advocate for Tennis
Victoria to:
 Revise the structure of competition tennis
 Revise the role and operation of Tennis Associations
 Provide more targeted support for community/social tennis
including clubs and coaching programs
Low
(8 – 10
yrs)
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Appendix 1 – Proposed Hierarchy of Facilities
Description
8+ courts
Suitable for Interclub tournaments
Potential High performance training feeder
Sustainable tennis development objectives
Sustainable Community Health and Well being
objectives
Grass roots development
Proposed Location/s
Kiloran Park – Mooroolbark
Potential to also consider a centre at
Lilydale
Local Tennis Centre
4+ courts
Suitable for Interclub tournaments
Potential High performance training feeder
Sustainable tennis development objectives
Grass roots development
Sustainable Community Health and Well being
objectives
Seville Recreation Reserve
Queens Park, Healesville
Belgrave Heights
Club
2+ courts
Tennis Engagement opportunities
Health and Social Objectives
Community Development Objectives
1+ courts
Publically accessible
Health and Social Objectives
Community Development Objectives
Club sites as listed in Appendix 2
District Tennis Centre
Community / Public Access
Sites as listed in Appendix 2
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Appendix 2 – Venue Specific Recommendations for facilities on Council Land or where Council is the
nominated Committee of Management
Facility / Club
Recommendations
Belgrave
Continue to support club – viable
facility
Pavilion review toilets and change
facilities
Meetings to be held with
Coldstream Community to
transition courts for netball, one
court to be dual marked for 2
tennis courts
Dismantle court and fencing
Court surface to be cleaned to
allow community public access
Use of facility to be monitored for
2 years to determine long term
future
Meeting to be held with
Healesville Tennis Club to
determine whether club
continues to manage courts
Possible opportunity to surface in
asphalt and make available as
public use
Belgrave Heights
Coldstream
East Warburton
Gruyere
Healesville (Don Road
Sporting Complex)
Priority
High
Medium Low
1–3
4–7
8 – 10
years years
years
Who
Recreation Services
X
X
Recreation Services in partnership with
Major Projects
Recreation Services
X
X
X
Recreation Services / Parks and Bushlands
Recreation Services / Parks and Bushlands
X
Recreation Services
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Facility / Club
Recommendations
Healesville (Queens Park)
Continue to support club – viable
facility
Facility to be phased out at the
end of the courts safe, useable life
span
Facility to then be demolished (3 –
5 years)
Monitor use over next 3 years
1 court to be multi marked
Transition facility to District
Tennis Centre. Kilsyth and
Mooroolbark Tennis Clubs to
merge subject to further
discussion with Council
Club to relocate to District Tennis
Facility
Two courts to remain and be
available for public/community
use
Facility to be made available for
public/community use and
monitored for 2 years
Continue to support club – viable
facility
Consider developing as a District
Tennis Centre
Hoddles Creek
Kalorama/Mt Dandenong
Kiloran Park / Mooroolbark
Kilsyth
Wickhams Road / Launching
Place
Lilydale
Priority
High
1–3
years
Who
Medium Low
4–7
8 – 10
years
years
Recreation Services
X
X
Recreation Services
X
X
Recreation Services
X
Recreation Services
X
Recreation Services
X
X
Recreation Services
Recreation Services
X
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Facility / Club
Recommendations
Manchester Heights
Continue to support club – viable
facility
Continue to support club – viable
facility
Continue to support club – viable
facility
Two courts to be closed
Four courts to be maintained in
accordance with the current lease
agreement.
Membership numbers to be
monitored for three years
No additional Council funding to
be made available for this period.
Reference to this facility as being
suitable for tennis to cease
Work with the State Government
to change the reservation and for
Council to be appointed at the
Crown Land Committee of
Management
Continue to support club – viable
facility
Continue to support club – viable
facility
Monbulk
Montrose
Montrose Terrace
Morrisons Reserve (Mt
Evelyn)
Mt Evelyn15
Selby
15
Priority
High
1–3
years
Who
Medium Low
4–7
8 – 10
years
years
Recreation Services
Recreation Services
Recreation Services
X
Recreation Services / Parks and Bushlands
X
Recreation Services
X
Governance
Recreation Services
Recreation Services
Currently Council has no official status but is maintaining (State Government Road Reserve)
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Facility / Club
Recommendations
Seville
Seville Tennis Club to operate as a
local tennis centre supporting the
Upper Yarra Corridor
Woori Yallock Tennis Club,
Yellingbo Tennis Club and Hoddles
Creek Tennis Club to be able to
book facilities for tennis
Reference to this facility as being
suitable for tennis to cease
Clubrooms continue to operate as
Football Umpires change facility
Future use of courts to be
determined
Continue to support club – viable
facility
Continue to support club – viable
facility
Continue to support club – viable
facility
Discussions to be held with
Warburton Tennis Club to make 2
courts available for
public/community use
Remaining 2 courts to be
dismantled
Silvan
Steels Creek
Upwey South
Upwey Tecoma
Warburton (Caravan &
Camping Ground)
Priority
High
1–3
years
X
Who
Medium Low
4–7
8 – 10
years
years
X
Recreation Services
Recreation Services
Recreation Services
Recreation Services
Recreation Services
X
Recreation Services / Facilities Management
/ Parks and Bushlands
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Facility / Club
Recommendations
Wandin East
Seek alternative use for club
rooms – possibly Wandin / Silvan
Field Day Committee
Courts to be demolished
Dismantle tennis facility and
reinstate site
Tennis Club to option to relocate
to use Seville Local Tennis Centre
Two courts to transition to multi
use netball/tennis
Investigate whether courts 5 and
6 can be safely transitioned for
MLC Hot Shots with costs to be
shared by Tennis Victoria, Council
and the club
Change and toilet facilities
required to support tennis and
netball
Explore opportunity to offer
specific Hot Shots tennis (small
courts) with Club and Your Serve
Tennis (Coach)
Establish maintenance program
Continue to offer as
community/public facility
Wesburn Park
Woori Yallock
Yarra Glen
Yarra Junction
Village Green Reserve
(Chirnside Park)
Priority
High
1–3
years
Who
Medium Low
4–7
8 – 10
years
years
X
Recreation Services /Parks and Bushlands
X
Recreation Services / Parks and Bushlands
X
Recreation Services
X
Recreation Services
X
Recreation Services
X
X
Recreation Services / Parks and Bushlands
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Facility / Club
Recommendations
Yellingbo
Facility to be phased out at the
end of the courts safe, useable life
span
Facility to then be demolished (3 –
5 years)
Priority
High
1–3
years
X
Who
Medium Low
4–7
8 – 10
years
years
Recreation Services / Parks and Bushlands
X
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Appendix 3 – Indicative Court Maintenance / Refurbishment / Decommissioning cost over ten years for
courts on Council Land or where Council is the nominated Committee of Management
This table was developed to provide an estimate of the expenditure that is required on tennis courts over the next ten years. It is not based on site specific
conditions. Formal quotes will still be required and are likely to be higher than the figures in this table due to actual on the ground condition and site access
constraints. What the table does demonstrate is the significant costs facing clubs to maintain court surfaces as well as the renewal costs facing Council to
maintain our facilities to an acceptable standard.16
Clubs that operate on Crown land not managed by Council are not included in this table however they would be required to meet both maintenance and
renewal costs.
Facility/Club
Courts x Surface
Works Required
Belgrave
4 x en tout cas
Maintenance x 4
Belgrave Heights
3 x plexi cushion
2 x en tout cas
1 x asphalt
4 x en tout cas
Maintenance x 3
Renewal x 2
Chirnside Park Public
Coldstream
Gruyere
Healesville (Don Road
Sporting Complex) –
assuming no change in
current arrangements
Healesville (Queens Park)
Hoddles Creek
16
2 x plexi pave
4 x en tout cas
4 x synthetic
2 x acrylic hard court
2 x en tout cas
Estimated Cost
Club
Council
39,600
Total
39,600
23,340
62,940
39,600
1,500
80,000
Decommission 2, transition 2
to netball (with dual marking
for tennis
Maintenance x 2
Renewal x 2
4 x maintenance
2 x renewal
Decommission
8,000
35,640
22,000
1,500
80,000
30,000
75,240
39,600
30,000
52,000
22,000
10,000
10,000
Prices based on information supplied by Aste Tennis Courts Pty Ltd www.aste.com.au May 2013 and Tennis Victoria June 2013
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Facility/Club
Courts x Surface
Kalorama/Mt Dandenong
3 x en tout cas
Kilsyth
5 x en tout cas
2 x synthetic grass
2 x asphalt
Launching Place (Wickhams
Reserve)
Lilydale Tennis Club
Manchester Heights Tennis
Club
Monbulk Tennis Club
Montrose Tennis Club
Montrose Terrace
Kiloran Park (Mooroolbark
Tennis Club)
(no change in court surface)
Selby Tennis Club
Seville Tennis Club
4 x synthetic grass
4 x Acrylic hard court
6 x en tout cas
4 x en tout cas
4 x red porous
3 x poly clay
6 x en tout cas
8 x en tout cas
Works Required
Maintenance x 2
Multi purpose x 1
Decommission x 5
Renewal x 2
4 x maintenance
4 x renewal
5 x maintenance
1 x renewal
2 x maintenance
2 x renewal
7 x maintenance
Decommission x 2
Renewal x 8
Estimated Cost
Club
Council
19,800
5,000
51,700
88,000
1,500
23,000
88,000
57,420
Total
24,800
139,700
1,500
111,000
77,220
19,800
35,640
75,240
39,600
39,600
20,000
39,600
73,260
10,000
59,400
49,600
132,660
22,000
39,600
44,000
4 x en tout cas
4 x en tout cas
2 x acrylic
4 x maintenance
2 x maintenance, 2 x renewal
2 x renewal
39,600
22,000
Steels Creek
The Patch
Upwey South
2 x synthetic grass
1 x en tout cas
6 x en tout cas
2 x maintenance
Renew
6 x maintenance
11,000
7,920
59,400
Upwey Tecoma
5 x en tout cas
2 x maintenance
3 x renewal
43,560
59,600
19,800
11,000
27,720
59,400
83,160
39,600
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Facility/Club
Courts x Surface
Warburton (Caravan park)
4 x acrylic hard court
Woori Yallock
4 x acrylic hard court
Yarra Glen
Yarra Junction
Yellingbo
3 x en tout cas
3 x acrylic hard court
4 x acrylic hard court
2 x en tout cas
Works Required
2 x maintenance
2 x decommission
2 x 1 netball (dual marked)
2 x decommission
3 x maintenance
1 x renewal
2 x transitioned for hot shots
2 x renewal
2 x decommission
Estimated Cost
Club
Council
1,000
10,000
Total
11,000
80,000
80,00017
27,760
98,160
70,400
To be
determined
4,000
$712,660
22,000
10,000
26,000
10,000
$799,800
$1,512,460
17
Council has an application before Sport and Recreation Victoria for $133,000 under the Country Football Netball Scheme for court, clubroom improvements and
landscaping. If successful this would result in a cost to Council to $53,000 for the total project
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