🎾 IDJTA Major Project Update: September 2026
We are committed to keeping our players, families, and community members informed about the progress of our major court modernization project. Backed by a $780,000 Government Election Commitment, this project ensures the Ipswich & District Junior Tennis Association can provide top-tier, updated facilities for our local junior players.
📊 Project Status Update
- Current Phase: Pre-Construction & Council Negotiation
- Total Project Budget: $780,000 (Fully funded by State Government; $0 cost to local ratepayers)
- Revised Timeline: Construction was scheduled to break ground during the September school holidays, but is currently delayed pending Council administrative clearance.
📈 Milestone Summary & Administrative Delays
While our Project Control Group (PCG) and project management team at TQ Court Tech have successfully completed the construction tender review and secured Building Approval (BA), physical work on-site is currently paused.
Why has construction been delayed?
- The Council Roadblock: Instead of providing a standard Permission to Build letter, Ipswich City Council administration has requested that our volunteer-run club sign a complex 25-page comercial contract Consent Agreement.
- Our Concerns: IDJTA leadership has declined to sign this document because it introduces unviable future financial liabilities (estimated at $1.5 million to $2 million for long-term replacement costs) and conflicts with our existing 10-year club lease.
- Escalation to the Mayor: Our President, Matthew White, has formally escalated this matter to Mayor Teresa Harding and local Councillors to request a proportionate, straightforward approval process so we do not risk losing our state grant funding. The Mayor’s office has confirmed they are actively reviewing the matter with relevant council officers to find a path forward.
💰 Financial Tracker
To ensure total transparency with our members and funding partners, here is a look at our current development expenditures:
- Invested to Date:$22,382
- Geotechnical Reports, Site Surveys, Engineering Plans, Building Certification and proportion of the Project Management fee.
- Remaining Forecast Budget:$764,293
- This remains securely allocated for the upcoming major construction and post-construction improvements once council permission is granted.
📋 What’s Happening Next?
| Target Phase | Status / Next Step |
|---|---|
| Council Clearance | Awaiting Action: Awaiting a simplified Permission to Build letter or a mutually agreeable path forward from Ipswich City Council. |
| Contractor Selection | Ready: The preferred construction contractor will be finalized by the PCG the moment council approval is secured. |
| Construction Start | Delayed: Originally slated for 18 September 2026, a new start date for Stage 1 will be set as soon as the administrative delay is resolved. |
| Project Completion | Targeted: Final completion across all 8 courts must occur well before the June 2027 grant deadline. |