WHITTLESEA CITY COUNCIL, VIC. — Community sport is set for a boost, with the City of Whittlesea completing a major sports lighting upgrade at Mill Park Lakes Recreation Reserve.
The project replaces the ageing metal halide system with modern 100-lux LED lighting designed to meet community sport and training standards.
The new lighting improves visibility for players, umpires, coaches and spectators and will provide local clubs greater flexibility for training, night fixtures, pre-season activities and community events.
The upgraded lighting will also reduce energy consumption, lower maintenance costs and cut carbon emissions.
“This upgrade will make the reserve safer and more accessible, supporting our local clubs and encouraging participation, particularly among women and girls,” Whittlesea City Mayor, Cr Lawrie Cox, said.
The project included four new 30-metre light towers, improved electrical infrastructure and user-friendly controls, creating a safer and higher-quality playing environment.
Sport plays an important role in the South Morang community, with football and cricket participation continuing to grow, particularly among juniors and women.
The South Morang Football Netball Club and South Morang Cricket Club have a combined total of 924 participants, and the new lighting will bolster the club’s opportunity to continue to grow participation rates.
The project also improves access and inclusion, in line with the Victorian Government’s Fair Access Policy Roadmap and Council’s Fair Access Policy, by helping to remove barriers for women and girls.
“By investing in modern, high-quality facilities, we’re creating spaces where our community can be active, connected and included,” Mayor Cox said.
Funding includes $157,000 from the Victorian Government’s 2024-25 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund, a $96,000 investment from the City of Whittlesea, and $9,000 from the South Morang Football Netball Club.
“We thank the Victorian Government and our local clubs for their partnership in delivering this important project,” Mayor Cox said.
