The lights are shining bright at Jindabyne's JJ Connors Oval in time for the 2025 rugby union and rugby league seasons - thanks to $170,000 from the Albanese Government.
Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain joined the Jindabyne Bushpigs Rugby Union Club on Thursday evening to flick the switch on the new LED lighting system, and to mark the delivery of her 2022 election commitment.
The upgraded lights replace ageing infrastructure that did not meet Australian Standards for ball sports, and means that Jindabyne sporting clubs no longer need to train and compete in low-light conditions.
Extending the use of this busy oval into the evening will be a major boost for the Jindabyne Bushpig's summer touch football competitions, for training throughout the peak rugby union and league seasons, and for player safety throughout the year.
This significantly enhanced lighting was delivered in partnership with Snowy Monaro Regional Council and the Jindabyne Bushpigs - and was something the Jindabyne community had long campaigned for.
The upgrades were fully funded by the Albanese Government, with $90,000 under the Investing in our Communities Program, and a further $80,000 under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
Quotes attributable to Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain:
"From the Bushpigs, the Snowy River Bears, and the Jindabyne Tigers - JJ Connors Oval is the heart of sport in Jindabyne, which is why I'm proud to have delivered this lighting upgrade for our community.
"We want to see the Bushbigs take out a fourth consecutive premiership, the Bears to get back to back titles, and for the number of kids and adults playing across codes to continue growing - which is exactly what upgrading this much-loved ground will support.
"These upgraded lights will improve player safety throughout the year - particularly during the main footy season when rain and snow is a fixture, but also for the summer touch comp, which continues to draw bigger numbers.
"I want to thank all the volunteers who worked tremendously hard to campaign for this project - something I've delivered for our community, as part of my commitment to investing in Jindabyne's local priority projects."
Quotes attributable to Snowy Monaro Shire Council Mayor, Chris Hanna:
"We're really excited to see the new lighting at JJ Connors Oval all finished and ready for the footy season. This upgrade is going to make a big difference to all our local sporting clubs and codes through autumn and winter.
"It's always so great to partner with Kristy McBain to deliver these important projects for our growing region, and Council wants to give a huge thanks to the Jindabyne Bushpigs for all their work to deliver this upgrade at the oval. Our community deserves high-quality sport and recreation facilities and we're really grateful to Minister McBain for her continued support that makes these grassroots initiatives possible."
