Mayor Jack Dempsey says the future shines bright for Salter Oval after he checked in on the progress of a new lighting upgrade project.
The impressive structures are towering over the sporting grounds, which are home to rugby league and cricket.
The new LED lights are not only much brighter and more energy efficient, thanks to their modern design, they also meet Australian standards for obtrusive light spillage to minimise impacts on nearby residents and motorists.
Mayor Dempsey said it opened up a world of opportunities for the popular sporting venue.
“We’re already seeing increased interest in Salter Oval from the NRL through the Bulldogs who have locked in a Bundaberg home game for premiership points this year,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“These improvements could help attract other high calibre rugby league and cricket matches, but why stop there? We could have interest from any number of sporting codes.
“With this new light installation the sky’s the limit!”
The lighting project has been led by Bundaberg Regional Council with a $430,000 commitment over two years, with funding support delivered from an election commitment by the Queensland Government of $100,000 in addition to $20,000 from Cricket Queensland and $10,000 from Central Queensland Rugby League.
Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith said the upgrades to Salter Oval further staked Bundaberg’s place as the sporting capital of the Wide Bay.
“This is another step towards ensuring Bundaberg’s place on the map for major sporting events in Queensland,” Mr Smith said.
“To attract the best events and share in the revenue that such events bring into local communities we need to invest in the best facilities.”
It’s one of a number of recent improvements made to Salter Oval, with internal fencing upgrades set to take place this year.
Work has been underway to install and test the new lights at Salter Oval in recent days.
“We look forward to being able to officially turn on the lights soon and see great local and high level competition played under lights at the wonderful venue,” Mayor Dempsey said.
