New lights are shining bright at Nita MCGrath Courts, Dubbo, following the installation of eight (8) new light poles and an upgrade to the existing lights, as part of Dubbo Regional Council’s (DRC) capital works renewal program. The $142,000 project is both a timely and welcome improvement to the local netball courts.
Mayor of the Dubbo Region Councillor Ben Shields said improving the lighting at Nita MCGrath Courts will extend the use of these popular courts.
“The eight new light poles with 200lux lighting will provide Dubbo Netball Association the ability to extend training and playing times with the potential to organise night games. The new lighting system is highly energy efficient using latest LED technology that is expected to use around one third of the power demand of the previous sports lighting system,” Councillor Shields said.
“There is no denying netball is one of Dubbo’s most popular sports, with the courts at capacity most weeks. The Dubbo Netball Association has funded some major infrastructure themselves to improve the site, such as the car park, club house and the shade area. It is great that Council could make this significant investment to support and expand the sport in our region.”
Dubbo Netball Association President Karen Weekes said the lighting upgrade was very much welcomed by the Association.
“Dubbo Netball Association commenced training under COVID-19 restrictions on Monday 22 June 2020, enjoying the newly lit courts. The new lights provide a great benefit to our association and our local clubs,” said Ms Weekes.
“The additional capacity they provide will allow more teams to train at night, especially during COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings. They also offer us the more flexibility to run our competitions during summer and winter,” she said.
Previously three courts at the courts operated lighting that was due for an upgrade, limiting the use of the site. Dubbo Regional Council engaged local contractors, O’Brien Electrical Dubbo Pty Ltd for the supply and installation of the new sports lighting.
Image: Mayor of the Dubbo Region, Councillor Ben Shields, DRC’s Acting Director of Liveability Ian McAlister and Kylie McKeown from Dubbo Netball Association at Nita McGrath Netball Courts.
Source: DRC