Northern Beaches Council is excited to announce it has secured a significant grant from the New South Wales Rugby League Infrastructure Investment Fund to deliver a lighting upgrade at Lionel Watts Reserve, Frenchs Forest. 

The funding is the first stage of the NSWRL’s Infrastructure Investment Fund that was announced last year and is part of the broader NSWRL New State Strategic Plan to invest in community Rugby League.

The project will see $40,000 in funding from the NSW Rugby League, with Council contributing an additional $50,000, enabling the replacement of outdated lighting at Field 1 with 12 new energy-efficient LED floodlights at Lionel Watts Reserve.

The upgrade is set to benefit not only the Belrose Eagles Rugby League but also the many other sporting and recreation groups who call Lionel Watts home as well as all the locals who love to have a kick around.

Mayor Sue Heins said the new lighting would be a tremendous boost for both the club and the community. “Lionel Watts Reserve is such a vibrant and well-loved space at the heart of Frenchs Forest. By upgrading to energy-efficient LED lighting, we are making the Reserve safer and more welcoming for everyone whether it’s local sports clubs training and competing or families and residents enjoying the park.”

“This is a great example of Council working in partnership with sporting groups to deliver real infrastructure benefits. Modern, sustainable lighting helps our clubs grow and thrive, boosts participation across all ages and backgrounds and supports our sustainability goals by reducing power use and costs.”

“We’re committed to supporting healthy, active lifestyles and ensuring facilities like Lionel Watts can continue to be enjoyed by the whole community long into the future.” Mayor Heins said.

“The NSWRL looks forward to continuing to make a positive contribution to grassroots football and I welcome all further submissions when the next round officially opens in 2026.” NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden said.

To ensure the lights deliver high quality lighting without additional impacts on residents the new lights will be fully compliant with the latest Australian Standards for football and obtrusive lighting. The lights are also compliant with Dark Skies and Federal Government Guidelines for the Protection of the Environment from Artificial Light. Work is scheduled to be undertaken in early 2026.