Kempsey Shire Council has completed a project to install and upgrade floodlighting at local sports fields to allow night-time training and competitions for local rugby league, soccer, cricket and AFL clubs.
Using the latest technology, the sports field lighting can be turned on or off remotely via a smartphone app by Council and approved sporting clubs.
The $1.62 million project to light up sports fields at Verge and Eden streets, Jim Stirling Oval and South West Rocks sports complex has been funded by the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund (SCCF) and ClubGRANTS program, with contributions from Kempsey Shire Council, Football NSW and AFL NSW/ACT.
Under the project, four 25m lighting towers were installed on Jim Stirling Oval to enable night training and games for AFL and cricket. The fields previously had no lighting to cater for night-time events. Lighting has been upgraded at the Verge/Eden Street complex and South West Rocks playing fields for soccer, rugby league, AFL and cricket.
Kempsey Shire Mayor, Liz Campbell, said the lighting would benefit hundreds of local sports users.
“The new lighting has already increased usage of the fields for local sports and I’m sure will increase player participation now and into the future,” she said.
“This project is in line with Council’s vision of making our outdoor spaces inclusive and accessible while supporting an active lifestyle.”
Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey congratulated Council on the delivery of the floodlights project.
“The completion of this project is a good example of a successful collaboration between local and state governments and sporting groups to deliver a positive outcome for the community,” Ms Pavey said.
Council’s Coordinator Civic Services Katy Rogan, Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey, Kempsey Shire Mayor Liz Campbell and Council General Manager Craig Milburn using a smartphone app to turn the new lights on at Verge and Eden Street playing fields.
Some of the new floodlighting at the Verge and Eden Street playing fields. Lights have also been upgraded at Jim Stirling Oval, South Kempsey and at South West Rocks.
