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Harriet Shing announces Longwarry and Thorpdale Recreation Reserves lighting upgrade funded by Baw Baw Council and State government

Local sporting clubs and community groups welcome the official completion of lighting upgrades at the Longwarry and Thorpdale recreation reserves with a ceremonial 'flick of the switch' celebration held at the Longwarry facility on Friday.

By news@gippsland - 20th June 2022 - Back to News

Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Cr Michael Leaney, together with state Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing MP officially turned on new oval lighting with members of the Longwarry Football and Netball Club ahead of the Under 10's football game against Longwarry and Neerim District.

Longwarry and Thorpdale project by the council is to undertake lighting improvements at sporting grounds to bring them up to equal standard with other council facilities

Completed upgrades

A recent audit into both facilities found the average lux levels were below the preferred guidelines for training and competing on the fields. With the support of the state government, the council has completed a range of upgrades.

Longwarry

• The construction of 4 new 25 metre light towers
• Installation of light fittings and associated infrastructure to each tower to obtain a minimum average of 100 lux
• Power upgrade to the reserve

Thorpdale

• Construction of 4 new 28 metre light towers
• Installation of light fittings and associated infrastructure to each tower to obtain a minimum average of 100 lux
• Power upgrades to the reserve (which were completed the year prior so that these works were able to proceed)

Former President and current joint Treasurer of the Longwarry Football Club, Steven Tuit spoke of what this project meant for the club. "These lights will benefit nine football teams ranging from Auskick to Seniors including our inaugural girls' team, which I have no doubt will lead into a senior female team in no time. The lights will also benefit our cricket club that has 7 teams, including a female only team and enable them to train longer and play some games under lights".

Participation and involvement

Annie Heyden of the Longwarry Junior Football Club also spoke of the upgrades saying "It's a promising future for our club now being able to host league games at night is something that the whole club and community will benefit from."

The $405,543 Longwarry and Thorpdale Recreation Reserves lighting upgrades project was made possible by a $250,000 grant from the Victorian government's Sport and Recreation Victoria's Community Facilities Fund and a $155,000 contribution by Council.

Mayor Cr Michael Leaney said, "We're thrilled to complete these upgrades at both facilities that will now ensure the local sporting clubs and spectators can enjoy games with maximum visibility. These works follow other recent lighting upgrades at the Darnum and Hallora Recreation Reserves, and underscore council's commitment to supporting participation and involvement in sports at a grassroots level."

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Latrobe City Council has released its draft Streetscape Strategy for public feedback, aiming to enhance town aesthetics, accessibility, and sustainability through improved design, maintenance, and consistent public amenities.
• Latrobe City allocates $7.3M surplus to key community infrastructure and improvement projects
  Latrobe City Council's $7.3 million surplus will fund key community projects, infrastructure upgrades, and maintenance, with $3.4 million reserved to leverage future State and Federal funding partnerships.
• Tim Bull trashes misused Treasurer’s Advance as Allan government wastes $9M on costly failed camping trial
  The Allan government spent $9 million in emergency funds on a failed free-camping trial, creating "ghost bookings" and hurting local businesses, prompting Nationals MP Tim Bull to condemn the misuse and demand accountability.
• West Gippsland CMA hosts free sustainable farming workshops with local landcare groups from September 2025 to March 2026
  West Gippsland CMA is hosting free farm field days September - March, showcasing sustainable agriculture, carbon farming, and local expertise. Workshops cover soil health, biodiversity, biofertilizers, and agribusiness opportunities.
• Darren Chester welcomes $2.7M investment in cutting-edge MRI technology at Bairnsdale Regional Health Service
  A $2.7 million upgrade at Bairnsdale Regional Health Service includes Australia's first MRI unit of its kind, improving diagnosis accuracy, patient comfort, and access to affordable, high-quality local healthcare.
• Martin Cameron blasts Labor over Tyers bridge blunder, says government failed truckies and ignored safety warnings
  Martin Cameron has criticised Labor after revelations the Tyers bridge weight limit remained at 30 tonnes months after upgrades, accusing the government of negligence and failing regional Victorians.
• Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to support local artisans, makers, and small businesses this holiday season
  Federal Member Darren Chester encourages Gippslanders to shop local this Christmas, supporting artisans, makers, and small businesses like Emporium 3844, boosting the regional economy and celebrating community talent.
• David Littleproud urges Australians to support local farmers amid rising imported food and supermarket pressures
  Nationals Leader David Littleproud urges Australians to buy local food as farmers face soaring costs, supermarket pressures, and rising imports, warning inaction threatens food security and the future of Australian agriculture.
• Darren Chester delivers $3000 grant to Rosedale Historical Society for eco-friendly heating upgrade and safety improvements
  Darren Chester delivered a $3000 Volunteer Grant to Rosedale Historical Society, funding eco-friendly heating upgrades that improve safety and sustainability while supporting volunteers and preserving the district's heritage for future generations.
• Cape Paterson Traffic Plan adopted to improve safety through community-driven road and pedestrian upgrades
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted the Cape Paterson Traffic Management Plan, developed with strong community input to improve safety through speed reductions, traffic calming, better intersections, and pedestrian-cyclist connectivity.
• Danny O'Brien praises Gippsland community's generosity supporting Foster Kids after ram raid destroyed Christmas gifts
  Danny O'Brien praised Gippsland's generosity after a ram raid devastated A Better Life For Foster Kids, urging continued support through toy donations, PJ Day participation, and community involvement to brighten children's lives.
• Bass Coast Christmas Giving Trees set up to support local families in need this festive season
  Bass Coast Shire Council’s Christmas Giving Trees are collecting gifts, gift cards, and food to support local families, with donations accepted at Customer Service Centres until early December.
• Join the conversation and help shape South Gippsland and other council projects, programs and initiatives
  Join the conversation this spring! Share your ideas on South Gippsland's future through community consultations, including Pre-Prep, Draft Plans, Governance Rules, and the 2026/27 Budget.
• South Gippsland Eat, Drink Play Festival celebrates local food, drinks, live music, kids' activities, and outdoor fun and other updates
  Eat Drink Play Gippsland returns this spring at Leongatha Railway Precinct, showcasing regional food, drink, and live music. With daytime tastings, evening entertainment, and kids' activities, it's a family-friendly celebration of Gippsland.