Lights for Woopi!

Installation of six sports lights with associated works including removal of existing poles, luminaires and cabling on the two southern fields; replacement with new 25m poles, 100 lux luminaires with the potential for 200 lux load and e-switch digital switching.

The Clive Joass Sports Park is the home of the Woolgoolga Football club which operates throughout the year. They have significant numbers of players (800 in the winter season and over 1000 in summer), with a high proportion of female participation. The Club itself has successfully sourced funding to build shade structures, two change rooms, and a clubroom. However, they have not been able to replace the lighting which does not meet the Australian Standard for community level. Given the club’s high level of commitment to the grounds, and further potential for use by the cricket club, and the high residential growth and increasing demand in the Woolgoolga area, this project is considered a high priority, and will meet the LRCI Program criteria without difficulty.

Regarding the utilisation of Clive Joass Sports Park, football and cricket are popular team sports involving thousands of local and visiting players and spectators. The facilities are also important for the increasing number of female participants in these sports. If the project proceeds the installation of Australian Standard lighting will facilitate games in the evening through the year.

The promotion of sport, particularly amongst teenagers and women is a priority for physical health and other benefits such as confidence, self-esteem, team-work, communication, social skills, leadership, goal-setting and resilience. Woolgoolga is one of the three highly populated planning precincts which have the highest proportion of residents aged under 25 years (28%). As such, it is important to maintain appropriate district facilities in good order.