More Darwin sports teams will be able to play and train in the cool of the evening with local business ESPEC Electricians winning the contract to design and construct lights at Gardens Oval, Bagot Oval and Nightcliff Oval.
The works are funded through the Territory Labor Government’s Urban Lights Program, which is supporting jobs and better community sports facilities.
Installing lights at the ovals will increase their usability, making evening fixtures and training possible and providing more opportunities for juniors and females to get involved in sports.
The works, being delivered in conjunction with City of Darwin, will begin in early in the new year across the three facilities.
As noted by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss:
“Investing in our sporting facilities is an investment in our communities. Sport plays a huge role in the lives of many Territorians, and projects like this will help us grow participation.
“Installing lights on our most popular ovals mean sporting clubs are no longer restricted to play and train in daylight hours, which are typically short up here in the north.
“Lights on our ovals mean training and fixtures can also be scheduled in the cooler hours, away from the heat of the day, which is great news for everyone, especially our junior players.”
As noted by Member for Nightcliff, Natasha Fyles:
“Investing in the Territory’s sporting assets is important as they build vibrant and healthy communities, boost the economy and create local jobs.
“I know my local electorate will very much enjoy this new addition to their community; more local kids can train in the cooler evenings and it’s a huge win for the reigning NTFL Premiers, the Nightcliff Tigers who can now continue to grow their junior participation base.”
As noted by Darwin Lord Mayor, Kon Vatskalis:
“This is a significant project and a reflection on how two levels of government working together can to produce great outcomes for our community.
“Community consultation has shown the Darwin community is overwhelmingly supportive of the project, with 94% of survey respondents backing the project, enabling sports training and matches to be played at cooler times of the day and provide opportunities for increased participation.”
