Local sporting clubs and community groups are welcoming the official completion of lighting upgrades at the Longwarry recreation reserve with a ceremonial ‘flick of the switch’ celebration held at the facility.
Baw Baw Shire mayor Michael Leaney and State Eastern Victoria MP Harriet Shing 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 the facility found the average lux levels were below the preferred guidelines for training and competing on the field.
With support of the Victorian Government, council has completed a range of upgrades in Longwarry including the construction of four new 25 metre light towers, with light fittings and associated infrastructure to to obtain a minimum average of 100 lux, as well as a power upgrade to the reserve.
Longwarry Football Club treasurer Steven Tuit said the lighting upgrade was a huge benefit to club members.
“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,“ Mr Tuit said.
“The lights will also benefit our cricket club that has seven teams, including a female only team and enable them to train longer and play some games under lights.“
Funding was also provided to upgrade the Thorpdale recreation reserve.
Baw Baw Shire Cr Leaney said he was proud to see the projects completed.
“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,“ Cr Leaney said.
“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.”
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.
The 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.
