Greater Shepparton City Council is thrilled to announce the completion of the Tatura Park Western Oval Lighting Project, a significant investment in local sports infrastructure that will boost participation, accessibility, and sustainability.
In Summary
- The Tatura Park Western Oval Lighting Project is now complete, delivering state-of-the-art 100-lux LED sports floodlighting to the oval.
- Four 30-metre light poles were installed as part of the upgrade, improving training and match opportunities for the Tatura Football Netball Club and other local users.
- The $289,200 project was jointly funded by the Victorian Government, Greater Shepparton City Council, and the Tatura Football Netball Club.
- The lighting upgrade supports junior and women's football, enhances community use, and positions the oval to host major events in the region.
The new lighting was officially opened today by Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, alongside Member for Northern Victoria and Minister for Regional Development, the Hon Jaclyn Symes.
The lighting upgrade was identified as a priority within the Tatura Sports, Events and Community Precinct Master Plan. The upgrade involved four 30-metre light poles installed along the oval, each equipped with 100-lux LED sports floodlighting, vastly improving training conditions for the Tatura Football Netball Club and other facility users.
Funded by the Victorian Government, through the Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund, along with Council and the Tatura Football Netball Club, the improved lighting addresses previous inadequacies, delivering high-quality illumination suited to AFL training during winter.
"It is fantastic to see the completed lights now in operation, with the Tatura Football Netball Club enjoying their first night game under the new lights on Anzac Day," Cr Sali said.
"The upgraded lights directly support junior football scheduling and strengthens the opportunities for women's and girls' football. We look forward to all user groups making the most of the upgraded lighting at the facility."
The lighting contract, worth $289,200, was awarded to DeAraugo and Lea Electrical Contractors Pty Ltd, with the upgrade being completed around training and facility usage to ensure minimal disruptions to user groups.
Cr Sali acknowledged the collaborative efforts in achieving this milestone, thanking the Victorian Government and the Tatura Football Netball Club for their contribution.
"Back in 2020, I spoke to the Tatura Football Netball Club and it was identified that the main oval lights were not up to standard with other Goulburn Valley League facilities. It is fantastic to have now resolved this and delivered on an important community project through the power of patience and team work," he said.
"This significant investment transforms the oval into a multipurpose field, enabling a wider range of activities and attracting major events to Greater Shepparton. The upgraded lights not only enhance our community's facilities but also promote increased engagement, health, and economic opportunities for the people of Tatura and surrounding areas."
Cr Rod Schubert, Midland Ward, said he was pleased to see the new lights now in operation.
"The upgraded lighting is the outcome of great collaboration between Council, the Tatura Football Netball Club and the Victorian Government. They are a fantastic addition to the community, ensuring the facilities in Tatura are up to standard with other facilities across the region," he said.
Tatura Football Netball Club President, Quinton Langlands, thanked Council for their commitment in upgrading the lights and improving the facilities for the club.
"The new lights greatly improve our training abilities and allow us to host Goulburn Valley League night matches, including our first one on Anzac Day. They are a great addition to the facilities in Tatura and open up many more opportunities for our club, through men's, women's and junior football," he said.
