Construction has begun at Mill Park Lakes Recreation Reserve, delivering sports lighting upgrades.
The $434,000 upgrades will replace the existing lighting system with modern 100-lux LED lights that meet AFL Victoria and cricket standards.
South Morang Football Netball Club chairman Gary Kallinikos said the lighting upgrade will be “huge for the club”.
“This will give us the opportunity to train more at night-time and will improve safety by removing the dark areas in the pockets of the ground,” Mr Kallinikos said.
The funding includes $250,000 from the Victorian government and a $10,000 contribution from the South Morang Football Netball Club.
Mr Kallinikos said the club’s rapidly expanding women’s and junior programs had made it difficult to hold training and games on the main oval.
“It will also allow us to play more of our home games here at home instead of away because the lights will give us the opportunity to play Friday night games.”
According to the council, the upgrades will also reduce energy consumption, lower maintenance costs, and cut carbon emissions.
Whittlesea mayor Lawrie Cox said the project will make the reserve safer and more accessible.
“When different levels of government work together, the community really benefits,” Cr Cox said.
“It’s a significant investment in our local sporting facilities, and I’m excited to see the benefits when the lights are switched on in 2026.”
