Premier's journal - January 2009
New tennis centre marks new era for Queensland tennis
Young tennis hopefuls will benefit from new regional tennis facilities.
A new era in Queensland tennis has begun.
The brand new, world-class Queensland Tennis Centre is now open and hosting the first pro tournament Brisbane has seen in 30 years.
The Brisbane International got underway on Sunday, 4 January and some of the game’s biggest names - Novak Djokovic, Ana Ivanovic, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Queensland’s own Sam Stosur – are in Brisbane to play the inaugural event.
With talent like this I know the finals on centre court in Pat Rafter Arena - appropriately named after one of our best – will showcase some sensational tennis.
The new Tennis Centre really is a jewel in the crown for the game here in Queensland.
With the $9 million we are already investing in new regional tennis facilities in Toowoomba, Rockhampton, Mount Isa, Townsville and Cairns, the state facility will help inspire and develop our young tennis hopefuls.
But importantly, the courts will also be available to everyday Queenslanders who love a hit.
Queensland has a long and proud tennis history - producing greats like John Newcombe, Ashley Cooper, Evonne Goolagong-Cawley, Wendy Turnbull, Ken Rosewall and Pat Rafter – and now the game’s future in Queensland will be just as bright.
Happy 150th birthday Queensland!
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2009 will be packed with hundreds of community activities and events that Queenslanders can enjoy and participate in.
This year Queensland celebrates 150 years of independence from New South Wales.
2009 – our Q150 year – is about celebrating our people, our places and our stories, and what a celebration it will be!
This year will be packed with hundreds of community activities and events that Queenslanders can enjoy and participate in.
There is something for everyone – an historic Q150 Steam Train that will wind its way through the state from April to August from as far north as Cairns, west to Mount Isa and south to Stanthorpe.
And the Q150 entertainment shed will hit the road in June, entertaining Queenslanders with headline acts and showcasing local talent in places like Augathella, Cherbourg, Rockhampton and Townsville.
And that’s just the beginning – more than 500 community activities and more than 90 legacy infrastructure projects will mark our commemoration of all things Queensland.
Queensland has come a long way in 150 years, and this celebration will see us ponder our past and look ahead to the Queensland we want our children and our children’s children to live in.
It’s time to get excited. So gear up, get ready and come celebrate our state.
Last updated Monday, June 01, 2009
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