Tennis is set to be an even bigger hit in the Shire with the construction of three new multi-sport courts at the Eltham Tennis Club in Andrew Park.
The $1.4 million project is being delivered by Nillumbik Shire Council in partnership with the Victorian Government and is being funded with a grant from the Growing Suburbs Fund through the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.
Three new multi-sport courts will be constructed in addition to the seven already at the club.
The new all-abilities courts will be used for tennis and futsal. Mayor Karen Egan said the project was a great boost for sport in the Shire.
"Our residents already participate in sports such as tennis at a higher rate than the Melbourne average and this will only help increase access to sport, improving the health and wellbeing of our community," Cr Egan said.
"Importantly, these courts will be for people of all abilities, providing more opportunities for people with a disability."
The Eltham Tennis Club has more than 400 members with 80 junior members.
"Prior to COVID-19, the club was forced to hire external courts out of the Shire including Warrandyte and East Doncaster for its junior competition on Saturday mornings," Cr Egan said.
"Access to quality local facilities like this will encourage more of our young people to take up sports such as tennis and futsal and help the club increase its membership."
Edendale Ward Councillor John Dumaresq said the club was a great part of the Nillumbik community.
"I am pleased that Nillumbik Shire has received a substantial grant towards an upgrade to the club's facilities," Cr Dumaresq said.
"On behalf of the community I would like to thank the State Government and Eltham MP Vicki Ward for their continued support of sport in the Shire."
Work is expected to start early in the new financial year with the new courts anticipated to be open for play in early 2021.
