Northern Beaches Council will accelerate its sportsfield lighting program, meaning that up to 26 local sportsfields across 13 locations can expect new or upgraded lighting by June 2020, pending community consultation.

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said the changes adopted to Council’s Sportsfield Strategy would see its sportsfield lighting program completed two years ahead of schedule.

“Upgraded sportsfield lighting will mean greater training capacity for the thousands of local residents who participate in outdoor sports.

“We are committed to encouraging outdoor active play in the community wherever we can,” Mayor Regan said.

Upgrades are planned for St Matthews Farm in Cromer, Dee Why Oval, North Narrabeen Reserve, Old Reub Hudson and Denzil Joyce ovals in North Curl Curl, Forestville Park, LM Graham Reserve in Manly, Newport Oval, Plateau Park in Collaroy Plateau and Beacon Hill Oval.

A range of new lighting systems are proposed for a selection of other reserves across the Northern Beaches but will be subject to community consultation.

Acceleration of the lighting program will be made possible by reprioritising the focus of staff and implementing cost-saving initiatives. A larger lighting contract will be tendered, and collaboration with the Manly Warringah Football Association will see them jointly fund the proposed lighting systems at Tania Park and Tristram Reserve should it go ahead.

The community can ‘have their say’ at northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au until Sunday 25 March about the proposed lighting system at Tristram Reserve. Consultation for the other four proposed lighting system installations will be undertaken in the mid-2018.