Part 2: Size no barrier for Ravensbourne community

The cost of building sporting facilities can sometimes prove daunting, particularly for smaller communities with limited resources, but Ravensbourne Sporting Association sought assistance from the Queensland Government, receiving a grant of $69,000 under the Minor Facilities Program 2004.

The community can now lay claim to Australia's most scenic tennis site and is already considering new projects to build on its success.

Association President Andrew Somervaille explains the progression from idea to reality...
Why was this project needed?
What were the key objectives?
What were some of the challenges you faced?
What was the key to the project's success?
What role did SRQ play in this project?
What has the project meant for Ravensbourne?
Want to know more?


Why was this project needed?

Ravensbourne is a great place to live, but being so small, there was little in the way of sporting facilities.  In fact, when we first started thinking about this project in 2002, the closest sports field and tennis court was at a district school 20 kilometres away.

What were the key objectives?

We wanted a sport that would bring the community together and allow the broadest possible participation.  It also had to be affordable.

Tennis was a logical choice because it is such a social game and can be played by so many people, from children to seniors.  The facilities are relatively inexpensive to maintain and we also had a potential site where courts had existed in the past.

What were some of the challenges you faced?

The first task was to establish a legally incorporated body which could apply for funding assistance.  A small working group was formed at a community meeting in February 2003 and that eventually developed into the management committee of the Ravensbourne Sporting Association.

The next challenge was gaining local government permission to use the proposed site and build the new courts, but the Crows Nest Shire Council was very supportive.  It
approved the project in record time and also put up the balance of $36,000, which was pivotal in securing the $69,000 grant from SRQ.

The other major challenge was preparing the project specifications.  The association contacted Tennis Queensland, which sent up a couple of technical experts to help with the planning process and subsequent evaluation of tenders.  Tennis Queensland also helped manage the project.

What was the key to the project's success?

Definitely community involvement.  In the early stages, we discussed the project with a lot of people to gauge the level of interest.  Once it became clear there was plenty of enthusiasm, we went out and collected signatures of support to present to the council and other interested agencies.  That was in December 2002.

A public meeting was held in February 2003 as the first step to forming the association.  Further meetings were held as the project gained momentum.  Initial membership fees were kept to an absolute minimum - just $5 a year - to encourage the maximum possible community involvement.

Members, residents, neighbouring property owners and other interested groups were kept informed of what was happening every step of the way to keep them in the loop and maintain good will among all the stakeholders.

What role did SRQ play in this project?

SRQ provided professional support, feedback and advice throughout the process.  In the first instance, the local office provided information about the Minor Facilities Program and explained the criteria for securing a grant.

After the grant was approved, SRQ officers provided practical advice about the tendering process which helped keep costs down and minimise delays.

Once the project was nearing completion, the local office provided advice on financial acquittal requirements.

What has the project meant for Ravensbourne?

The new courts are getting plenty of use and bringing people together.  This is the only publicly accessible sporting facility in the immediate town area, so it is fulfilling an important role in providing local residents with the opportunity to socialise, get active and enjoy some friendly competition in a convenient location.

The association is now considering new projects to cater for other sport and recreation activities like boules.

It has also been suggested that the reserve could be further developed as a stopover camp for the national horse trail, which passes through Ravensbourne.

The site is centrally located just off the main road and has the potential to become a local focal point and meeting place as further facilities are established.

Want to know more?

For further information about the Ravensbourne Sporting Association project, contact Mr Andrew Somervaille at andrew.somervaille@bigpond.com.  For details about the Minor Facilities Program click here or contact SRQ.