Bright future for local netball

Netball games can now be played under lights at the Langford Netball Complex thanks to the completion of a $190,000 LED lighting project by the City of Gosnells.

The City, along with the State Government and Southern Districts Netball Association (SDNA), funded the state-of-the-art lighting project to install energy and cost-saving LED lighting to eight previously unlit courts.

Mayor David Goode said that until now, games could not be played at night, as the facility’s remaining 14 courts were fitted with training-standard lights.

“Having match-grade lighting on these eight courts creates many more game opportunities for the thousands of local netballers who play here throughout the year.

“The Langford Netball Complex is a great contributor to the City, being our most used active facility, so it’s particularly pleasing that the City has been able to complete this upgrade,” the Mayor said.

“Ongoing costs with LED lighting are a fraction of the cost of standard globes and there are many benefits – LEDs have a longer life, produce instant light, are extremely energy efficient and affordable to run.

“A City-wide review of floodlighting is currently underway and with significant reductions in the initial price of LEDs, conversions to LED lighting are expected to occur at more sports facilities throughout the City in the coming years.”

The project cost is not yet finalised but is expected to be a three-way split, with the City, State Government and SDNA each contributing $63,333.

SDNA Administrator Nicky Prothero said the Association was extremely proud to be involved in providing such great facilities for its members, in conjunction with the City of Gosnells.

“The provision of new LED lighting to eight more courts, 22 in total, enhances opportunities for club training nights, development of players, coaching and umpiring programs and to be able to expand night competitions.”

The project included installation of four break-back poles to allow for easier light replacement, LED floodlights and electrical switchboard upgrades.