community services · Woollahra Municipal Council
Tennis Nation wins Lyne Park tender despite 1,058-signature petition
Woollahra Council approved an initial 10-year lease for Tennis Nation by Rod Fahey to operate the Rose Bay centre, including at least $1,966,345 in capital works over three years.
Tennis Nation by Rod Fahey will take over the Lyne Park Tennis Centre at 550 New South Head Road, Rose Bay, after Woollahra Council approved an initial 10-year lease despite a 1,058-signature petition opposing the tender.
The lease includes two possible five-year renewals. Tennis will remain the centre’s primary use, while some existing community bookings and staff are expected to be retained where possible.
The operator must commit at least $1,966,345, excluding GST, to capital works during the first three years. Tennis Nation will also contribute $130,000, excluding GST, towards demolishing the disused toilet block and building an additional multi-sport court, subject to approvals.
The petition, tabled by Councillor Witt, called on Council to reject the Tennis Nation tender, keep the centre in local hands and negotiate with the existing operators and community about its future. It was referred to the relevant Council department for consideration and ordered to lie on the table for 14 days.
An amendment proposing negotiations with the existing operator was lost before the lease was approved.
The new arrangement changes the supplier responsible for managing a major Rose Bay recreational facility used for tennis and other community bookings. The planned multi-sport court adds to the site’s facilities, but the work is subject to the required approvals.
The lease and planned Lyne Park works will now progress following the tender decision.
Reference minutes
Woollahra Municipal Council, Ordinary Council Meeting, 22 June 2026.
Key facts from the minutes
- Tennis Nation by Rod Fahey was approved as the Lyne Park Tennis Centre operator.
- The initial lease term is 10 years, with two possible five-year renewals.
- The operator’s capital commitment is at least $1,966,345 excluding GST over the first three years.
- Tennis Nation will contribute $130,000 excluding GST towards a new multi-sport court and demolition of a disused toilet block, subject to approvals.
- A petition opposing the tender and seeking negotiations with the existing operator had 1,058 signatures.
- The centre is at 550 New South Head Road, Rose Bay.
Why it matters
- Rose Bay’s Lyne Park Tennis Centre will have a new long-term operator and planned additional sporting infrastructure, despite a petition with 1,058 signatures calling for negotiations with the existing operator.