Lessee of the Bathurst Tennis Centre Andrew Mitton doesn’t believe in counting chickens before they hatch, but said if council signs off on the funding it would make a huge difference to attracting significant tennis tournaments to the city. 

“It was a real relief to see we made the budget,” he said.

“Fingers crossed.”

Mr Mitton said considering it is more than 50 years old, the current clubhouse was not only starting to look a bit tired, but Bathurst was starting to be overlooked for big events because the clubhouse was not up to standard.

He said a number of things needed to be updated at the tennis centre, but the clubhouse was the priority. 

Mr Mitton said if a smaller amount money was agreed to by council, the club would look at extending and refurbishing.

However, the whole $500,000 would pave the way for a new clubhouse.

Mr Mitton said Bathurst used to host five national competitions a year and now that number was down to three. 

He said the inadequate clubhouse was part of the reason for that. 

Mr Mitton said the facilities were constantly needing repair and there was a requirement for more shade for spectators.

“To run a national tournament we need to have a meeting room and a tournament control centre. There is also no disabled access,” Mr Mitton said. “If people come to Bathurst for a tournament and enjoy it, then they’ll want to come back.

“It’s those repeat visitors we want.”

Mr Mitton said a tournament last weekend attracted 300 competitors. Only 11 of those were local.

“That’s four nights accommodation for each of those 300 people,” Mr Mitton said. 

Cr Graeme Hanger, who has a heavy involvement in junior sport in the region, said he would support the proposal. 

Cr Hanger said sport was great for tourism and for Bathurst, however, in order to attract the big competitions, there needed to be great facilities.

“A higher standard of competition is attracted if you have good facilities,” he said.