Newly formed tennis club opens in Cairns following $2.9 million upgrade

The completion of a $2.9 million upgrade of Lions Park at Earlville by Cairns Regional Council saw the official opening of newly formed Henley Street Tennis Club open on 9th December.

The upgrade includes the construction of four new synthetic grass tennis courts, lighting to allow for night use, and a 34-bay carpark.

The upgrades have allowed for the merger of the Earlville Tennis Club with the Woree Tennis Club, which was impacted by the much-needed upgrade of the intersection at Rigg St and Windarra St in Woree.

Mayor Terry James said that the merger was a good outcome for both clubs and shared “as a result of the upgrades, the Henley Street Tennis Club has a total of eight tennis courts available.

“As well as providing members with improved facilities, with eight courts now available it means for more opportunities for the club to host more and higher-level tournaments.”

Councillor Cathy Zeiger, who’s division included the Woree Tennis Club, said that while relocating the club had been challenging, the result was a “grand slam” for local tennis players.

“While the journey has been a challenge, especially for Woree Tennis Club, the officers have handled it incredibly well,” Cr Zeiger said.

“They worked diligently with both the Woree and Earlville Tennis Clubs, as well as Tennis Queensland, to achieve this outcome.

“It is great to see both clubs have decided to reform as a new club, with members of both clubs on the board of the new club.

“Using a tennis term, this is a grand slam for local players with the merger of the clubs meaning enhanced facilities and greater competition due to the new international-sized court.”

In November, Council endorsed a 10-year lease agreement with the Henley Street Tennis Club.