Bangalow Sports Fields lighting upgrade gets underway

Published on 02 February 2024

The upgrade of lighting at the Bangalow sports fields gets underway next week.

There will be no access to the car park at the bottom of the playing fields, near Jeff Schneider Oval, while this work takes place. 

There will also be limited access to the path and some of the playing fields for the duration of the project, which is expected to be finished by mid to late March, depending on the weather.

The $795,000 upgrade, funded by the NSW Government’s Essential Community Sports Assets program, comes as the existing lights on timber poles come to the end of their working life.

Malcolm Robertson, Manager Open Spaces and Facilities, said the existing lights need replacing and while they have served the community well, much better technology is available.

“The new lights will be energy-efficient LEDs and while the poles will be approximately five to seven metres taller, they will be sleek and designed to reduce light spill,” Mr Robertson said.

“Not only will we save money on electricity, to the tune of around $35,000 a year, but the maintenance and upkeep of the new light poles will be much less.

“This means less of an impact on neighbouring properties, as well as on any wildlife in the area, and it will improve safety for people using the fields and the nearby shared path,” he said.

NSW Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper, said projects like these show the NSW Government’s commitment to providing critical infrastructure upgrades in communities that need them most.

“Sporting facilities play an important role in community cohesion, making sure people have a place to participate in sport and encouraging our communities to be healthy and active.

“Projects like these ensure that the sports fields will better meet the needs of the community well into the future," Minister Kampe said.

Improved lighting for evening activities was identified as a key priority in feedback on the Bangalow Sports Fields Masterplan.