Local sporting clubs and community groups welcome the official completion of lighting upgrades at the Longwarry and Thorpdale recreation reserves with a ceremonial 'flick of the switch' celebration held at the Longwarry facility on Friday.
Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Cr Michael Leaney, together with State Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing MP officially turned on new oval lighting with members of the Longwarry Football and Netball Club ahead of the Under 10's football game against Longwarry and Neerim District.
A recent audit into both facilities found the average lux levels were below the preferred guidelines for training and competing on the fields. With the support of the State Government, Council has completed a range of upgrades including:
In Longwarry:
- The construction of 4 new 25 metre light towers.
- Installation of light fittings and associated infrastructure to each tower to obtain a minimum average of 100 lux.
- A power upgrade to the reserve.
In Thorpdale:
- The construction of 4 new 28 metre light towers.
- Installation of light fittings and associated infrastructure to each tower to obtain a minimum average of 100 lux.
- Power upgrades to the reserve (which were completed the year prior so that these works were able to proceed).
Former President and current joint Treasurer of the Longwarry Football Club, Steven Tuit spoke of what this project meant for the club.
"These lights will benefit nine football teams ranging from Auskick to Seniors including our inaugural girls' team, which I have no doubt will lead into a senior female team in no time. The lights will also benefit our cricket club that has 7 teams, including a female only team and enable them to train longer and play some games under lights".
Annie Heyden of the Longwarry Junior Football Club also spoke of the upgrades saying "it's a promising future for our club now being able to host league games of a night is something that the whole club and community will benefit from."
The $405,543 Longwarry and Thorpdale Recreation Reserves lighting upgrades project was made possible by a $250,000 grant from the Victorian Government's Sport and Recreation Victoria's Community Facilities Fund and a $155,000 contribution by Council.
This project forms part of a Shire-wide program by Council to undertake lighting improvements at sporting grounds to bring them up to equal standard with other Council facilities.
Quote attributable to Mayor Cr Michael Leaney
"We're thrilled to complete these upgrades at both facilities that will now ensure the local sporting clubs and spectators can enjoy games with maximum visibility.
These works follow other recent lighting upgrades at the Darnum and Hallora Recreation Reserves, and underscore Council's commitment to supporting participation and involvement in sports at a grassroots level."
Image: New light towers at Longwarry Recreation Reserve
Image: PRG Members join Harriet Shing MP and Mayor Michael Leaney to turn on the lights.
Image: Longwarry Junior Football club
Image: Mayor Michael Leaney, Annie Heyden of the Longwarry Junior Football Club and Harriet Shing MP.
Image: Under 10's football game against Longwarry and Neerim District.
