Event celebrates Goldfields Rec Reserve's new lights

Published on 01 August 2024

Official celebration - 6pm on Friday 2 August at Goldfields Recreation Reserve

Beaufort’s sporting clubs are now training under Australian-standard sports lighting thanks to an upgrade of the lights and electrical system at the Goldfields Recreation Reserve oval.

The project was a significant undertaking and included a full electrical system upgrade, completed by Powercor, to enable the power capacity for upgraded lighting.

Pyrenees Mayor Cr Robert Vance said the new system and lights meet Australian standards and means that local clubs can train at the oval throughout the year in improved conditions.

The lighting upgrade was supported by the Victorian Government’s Local Sport Infrastructure Fund Community Sports Lighting program, and the Commonwealth Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, which funded the electrical system upgrade. The Mayor thanked everyone involved in the project including both levels of government and Powercor.

Cr Vance said many other regional and rural community ovals are facing the same dilemma as the Goldfields Recreation Reserve, with current electrical supply infrastructure not adequate to run lights that meet Australian standards.

“Completion of the lighting upgrade is a fantastic result for user groups in coordinating sport and community events in coming years,” Cr Vance said.

“Many sporting grounds around Victoria, including local grounds at Avoca, Natte Yallock, Carngham-Snake Valley, Lexton and Waubra will need the same electrical system upgrade before upgrading their lighting.

“We’d like to see the Victorian Government help our local grounds with funding to not only upgrade the lighting, but to also upgrade electrical systems.”

Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said:

“We’re really pleased to support this important project with funding from the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. Whether it’s the Little Athletics or the Football Club, I’ve no doubt this upgrade will be well received and be of real benefit to the community.

“Across the country and right here in Beaufort we’re partnering with State and Local Governments to deliver the infrastructure and facilities local communities deserve.”

State Member for Ripon, Martha Haylett MP, said:

“The Beaufort Crows are at the heart of our community and this lighting upgrade will encourage even more locals to join the club and get active. The new lights won’t just make our local sporting events better, but they’ll also shine a light on the much-loved Beaufort Annual Show and other festivals too.”