City lux out in bid for park lights

Geraldton’s bid to get 500-lux elite standard lighting installed at Wonthella Park has struck another financial hurdle.

It was hoped an approach to new Minister for Sport and Recreation Mia Davies to review Geraldton’s case for elite standard lighting at the City’s major sport venue might prove positive.

But it has again fallen short of the mark with the minister echoing the stance of her predecessor, Terry Waldron.

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney wrote to Ms Davies urging her to review the case for increasing the Department of Sport and Recreation’s contribution to allow 500-lux lighting at Wonthella to go ahead.

But she said the department could not meet the cost of their contribution to the project to install 500-lux lights because the Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund (CSRFF) provides funding support for community-level infrastructure with the aim of increasing physical activity and not for elite standard competition.

And further, as the recommended lighting level for amateur club competition for football is 100-lux, the funding for the 300/250-lux lighting is suitable for community level football to be played in the evening.

Ms Davies said in Geraldton’s instance, the entire funding gap for provision to an elite standard (of lighting) would need to be funded from an alternative source.

To date, the campaign has significant financial commitments from the Mid West Development Commission, the AFL and City of Greater Geraldton.

Minister Davies’ decision is a disappointment to all those who have been working to achieve 500-lux lighting since 2008.

Those involved with the planning are frustrated, especially since other WA regional centres — Albany, Bunbury, Broome and Port Hedland — have sporting venues with elite lighting already installed.

Mr Blayney said he would continue to fight for 500-lux lighting at Wonthella.

“All I am asking is Geraldton take its place with other regional centres such as Bunbury and Albany in having an oval with 500-lux lighting, ” he said.