New sports lighting at eight reserves across Greater Geelong will allow for sporting clubs to extend playing and training times and will improve safety for players and community members.
Council has selected Power Street Electrics to carry out the works at:
- Burdoo Reserve in Grovedale;
- Evans Reserve in Norlane;
- Osborne Reserve in North Geelong;
- St Albans Reserve in Thomson;
- St Leonards Reserve in St Leonards;
- Winter Reserve in Belmont;
- Portarlington Reserve in Portarlington; and
- Queens Park in Highton.
The new lights will support clubs in attracting more members and expanding their leagues, as they try to meet significant growth, particularly in women and children's sports programs.
The project is worth more than $2.03 million (excluding GST) and has come in under budget.
Funding has been secured through the Victorian Government's Sport and Recreation Victoria (SRV) Community Sport Stimulus Infrastructure Program for Burdoo Reserve, Evans Reserve, Osborne Reserve, St Albans Reserve, St Leonards Reserve and Winter Reserve. New lights have recently been installed at Grinter Reserve in Newcomb through this SRV program.
The Portarlington Reserve project is funded by the Australian Government through the Community Development Grants Program.
Council was proud to allocate $550,000 in funding for the Queens Park project from the 2020-21 Budget.
Work is expected to start early next month, following consultation with SRV and representatives from clubs at each reserve during the project design phase.
Power Street Electrics was awarded this contract based on previous experience, expertise and value for money.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stephanie Asher said the reserves were selected because they were identified as needing upgraded lighting for improved training and game availability.
The new lights will make a big difference in being able to safely train and exercise during the cooler months of the year.These upgrades will provide a welcome boost to these clubs which have had interrupted seasons during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Councillor Ron Nelson, Chair, Sport portfolio said the new lights will improve the community's options for sport and recreation activity.
Council was thrilled to fund the Queen's Park lighting project in last year's budget and appreciates the funding from the Victorian and Australian governments to get this project off the ground.Congratulations to Power Street Electrics for its successful tender application, we look forward to seeing the end result for these reserves.
