Harrow lights plan

West Wimmera Shire Council will apply for funding to upgrade lighting at Harrow Recreation Reserve oval.

The council has agreed to apply for $250,000 from the State Government’s ‘local sports infrastructure’ funding.

The application will seek to upgrade lighting at the reserve to meet required standards for footballers to train under lights.

The project would include replacing existing lighting poles and running a new electrical circuit from the main switchboard to the new poles.

The council would contribute about $30,000 towards the project, if its grant application is successful, while Harrow Recreation Reserve’s committee would also contribute money towards the project.

Mayor Tim Meyer said the lighting upgrade would improve the quality of play for the football club and offer a safer environment for people using the facilities.

“The current lights do not meet AFL standards and do not give out enough light to cover the entire ground, which can make nighttime training sessions very difficult,” he said.

This upgrade will complement a series of significant upgrades to the reserve in recent years, including construction of a $1.2-million changeroom facility in 2019.

Court upgrades

The council is also upgrading Harrow netball and tennis courts.

The project, worth $985,000, has included demolishing the old non-compliant and unsafe courts and constructing two new netball courts and three new tennis courts.

The council has also applied for funding worth $250,000 from the State Government’s ‘Country Football Netball Funding Program 2023-24’ to upgrade lighting at Kaniva Recreation Reserve oval.

The council, at its September meeting, had identified Kaniva as the priority of a list of five, including Harrow, for the funding application.

“West Wimmera Shire Council remains committed to fostering community engagement and investing in projects that enhance the wellbeing of its residents,” Cr Meyer said.

“The proposed lighting upgrade at the Harrow Recreation Reserve oval aligns with this commitment and demonstrates the council’s dedication to providing top-notch facilities for both sporting and community events.”

People wanting more information can go to westwimmera. vic.gov.au/council/majorprojects or phone the projects team on 13 99 72.