Bright lights reach northern suburbs

GEELONG’S sports lighting boom has made its way to the northern suburbs of Geelong with two more venues officially unveiling new lighting systems.

Norlane’s Evans Reserve, home of the Corio Bay Cobras, and Osborne Reserve, home of the North Geelong Magpies, are the latest in a long line of sports precincts to expand their hours of operation with the instalment of new LED lighting.

City councillor Kylie Grzybek was in attendance for the opening of Evans Reserve’s lighting unveiling, which she believes will have dramatic effects in building female participation in soccer.

“The lighting will cater for the dramatic rise in female participation in the sport, while also assist the club in building its depth throughout the men’s teams,” Cr Grzybek said.

“The installation of new lighting at Evans Reserve is in line with Football Victoria’s Effective Lighting Guidelines and supports the ability to maximise the use of the facility.”

Brownbill Ward councillor Eddy Kontelj attended Osborne Park’s lighting opening noting how much of an affect the lights will have on the North Geelong Magpies.

“The improved lighting will now extend the hours in which the club can run activities, and this is bound to further promote social cohesion as it offers increased opportunities for people to meet, form relationships and become connected,” Cr Kontelj said.

“In addition, the new lighting will make the facilities even safer to use due to the improved visibility. We consider this extremely important.

“North Geelong aims to drive junior development and, naturally, with growth among juniors comes increased involvement of parents who will also benefit from the opportunity to meet together.”

Member for Lara John Eren was at both openings and said the Victorian Government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program, responsible for Geelong’s lighting revamp, will fast-track community sports infrastructure projects across the state.

“It’s great to see 42 projects across the state that are benefiting from this program,” Mr Eren said.

“These projects are expected to create 600 local jobs and I’m so proud that North Geelong Football and Cricket Club and the Corio Bay Sports Club, are benefitting from this funding.

“It’s great that they will have lights that give them the opportunity to build participation in the northern suburbs.”