The 25th Ulladulla Seniors tennis tournament was successfully held at the weekend, taking full advantage of the recent instalment of 32 floodlight poles and energy efficient LED lighting by Shoalhaven City Council.
The Ulladulla Tennis Centre in Warden Street hosts a seniors tournament every February where around 200 players aged from 30 to 90 from all around NSW, ACT, Victoria and further afield converge on the district for the annual Summer Games Seniors Tennis Tournament.
Beginning in 1999, the popular tournament, appeals to many due to the friendships, camaraderie and good times that the competition brings.
The major lighting upgrade elevates the 12-court facility to the competition standard of 350 lux (illuminance), capable of hosting high-speed play.
While the tournament is an annual event, organisers say the new floodlights meant the club was able to accept more entries this year.
“This project has seen the Ulladulla Tennis Club have the best competition lighting standard available and will help it maintain its aim to be the premier tennis complex on the south coast,” said Pauline McIlveen of Milton Ulladulla District Tennis Association.
The $750,000 Ulladulla Tennis Court – Lighting project was jointly funded by the Australian Government and Shoalhaven City Council. Australian Government funding of $517,685 was provided through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program, which is designed to support Councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects.
“The lighting upgrade means the Milton Ulladulla District Tennis Association can grant more entries to popular competitions with play continuing into the night, while new twilight events are also planned,” said Shoalhaven Mayor, Amanda Findley.
“Upgraded facilities also provides our passionate locals a fantastic home for competitions or a social hit-out, all year round,” she said.
The replacement of old, yellow lighting with LED lighting means the complex now meets the strict criteria required to host club competition and commercial tournaments.
Benefits of the newly installed LED lighting include:
- a longer lifespan;
- greater energy efficiency (consuming very low amounts of power);
- better (white) lighting quality and light uniformity.
“The Ulladulla Tennis Complex adds to an already vibrant community on the South Coast. It is fantastic to be able to provide funding to upgrade a space that will be so beneficial to Ulladulla and the surrounding areas,” said Federal Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips.
“Regional sport is something the Albanese government is proud to contribute to. This new lighting project will keep people active and healthy. It will allow the Milton Ulladulla District Tennis Association to host national competitions and it will bring players and visitors to the wonderful South Coast.”
