Light tower issues at Quay Oval affecting local sports teams

TORQUAY residents are expressing frustration over ongoing issues with the light tower at Quay Oval, which has been out of action for several months due to complications related to phone antennas installed on the structure.

Local resident Paul West has been trying to get the light tower repaired for more than two months.

“The tower is the one the phone antennas have been installed on,” Mr West said.

“It was out of action from the end of last year to now and also two years ago for several months after the antenna was commissioned.”

Mr West and his wife are not against the antenna tower, acknowledging its benefits to the community.

“It benefits a large number of people in the community.

But it’s disappointing that it is clearly affecting the operation of the light tower,” he said.

Mr West said he raised maintenance notifications to the Surf Coast Shire, which responded by saying they are working with the telco and electrical contractor.

“But as yet, no date for repairs has been provided,” Mr West said.

The light tower issue is affecting a large number of sports teams that use the oval.

“There are a large number of junior and senior teams that use the oval, especially women’s teams,” Mr West said.

Mr West said he is seeking to highlight the need for prompt repairs to ensure the community can fully utilise the oval facilities.

Surf Coast Shire general manager Damian Waight said the Quay Oval light towers were inspected before the start of the 2024 football season and globes replaced on three of the four light towers making them operational again.

“The fourth tower was unable to be repaired due to a faulty cable between the base of the tower and the lights, and not a light globe issue as first suspected,” Mr Waight said.

“We are working hard with Telstra and actively seeking timeframes to get repairs to the cable completed as quickly as possible.”