Welchman in vow to lift tennis

DIVISION 6 candidate Shaelee Welchman has pledged to invest $300,000 in upgrading a Southport tennis complex if elected.

Mrs Welchman yesterday revealed an agreement involving Tennis Gold Coast would see Queens Park Tennis Centre developed into a “regional tennis facility” through a $1.3 million upgrade.

She said it was part of a plan to boost tourism and events in the precinct.

“It will allow major events to be held here and also attract additional funding to support the club financially,” she said, adding the upgrade would maintain the centre amid Southport development.

“Our population’s going to double over the next 20 years so these facilities are going to be so important as support for the community but also as entertainment.

“It’s important to have public land protected for these types of facilities. There’s plenty of private land which is undeveloped, so focus it in those particular areas.”

The upgrade would allow the centre to improve its 10 courts, as well as lighting, drainage, parking, fencing and retaining walls.

Discussions were also underway on securing two additional courts, which would see the complex classed as a regional centre.

Tennis Gold Coast’s Mike Ford said the upgrade was more than a decade in the making.

“This centre needs an upgrade. Our players deserve an upgrade,” he said. “There are big tournaments on at the Brisbane Tennis Centre. There’s no reason why those players shouldn’t be using here as a training base.”

Mrs Welchman has been endorsed by retiring Division 6 councillor Dawn Crichlow as her preferred successor.