Local sports clubs and community groups welcome the official completion of lighting upgrades at Longwarry and Thorpdale Recreation Reserves with a ceremonial ‘flick the switch’ celebration held on Friday at the installation of Longwarry.
The Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Cr Michael Leaney, along with Eastern Victoria State Member Harriet Shing MP officially lit a new oval light with members of the Longwarry Football and Netball Club ahead of the under 18 football match of 10 years against Longwarry and Neerim District.
A recent audit at both facilities found that average lux levels were below preferred guidelines for training and competition on the pitches. With the support of the state government, the Council has carried out a series of upgrades, including:
In Longwarry:
- The construction of 4 new lighting towers of 25 meters.
- Installation of lighting fixtures and associated infrastructure at each tower to achieve a minimum average of 100 lux.
- A rise in power of the reserve.
In Thorpdale:
- The construction of 4 new lighting towers of 28 meters.
- Installation of lighting fixtures and associated infrastructure at each tower to achieve a minimum average of 100 lux.
- Improvements to the reserve’s power supply (which were completed the previous year so that this work could continue).
Former chairman and current co-treasurer of Longwarry Football Club, Steven Tuit spoke about what this project meant for the club.
“These lights will benefit nine football teams ranging from Askick to Seniors, including our first women’s team, which I have no doubt will lead to a senior women’s team in no time. The lights will also benefit our cricket club which has 7 teams, including an all-female team, and will allow them to train longer and play a few matches under the lights”.
Longwarry Junior Football Club’s Annie Heyden also spoke about the upgrades saying “it’s a bright future for our club, now being able to run one night league games is something the whole club and the community will benefit.”
The $405,543 Longwarry and Thorpdale Recreation Reserves Lighting Improvement 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 from Council.
This project is part of a County-wide program by the Council to undertake lighting upgrades to the sports grounds to bring them up to par with other Council facilities.
Citation attributable to Mayor Cr Michael Leaney
“We are delighted to complete these improvements to both facilities which will now allow local sports clubs and spectators to enjoy matches with maximum visibility.
This work follows other recent lighting upgrades at the Darnum and Hallora Recreation Reserves, and underlines the Council’s commitment to supporting participation and involvement in sports at the local level.
Image: New light towers at Longwarry Recreation Reserve
Image: PRG members join MP Harriet Shing and Mayor Michael Leaney to turn on the lights.
Image: Longwarry Junior Football Club
Image: Mayor Michael Leaney, Annie Heyden of Longwarry Junior Football Club and MP Harriet Shing.
Image: Under 10 football match against Longwarry and Neerim District.
