Investment in Sports Lighting gives Northern Territory clubs more flexibility

The Northern Territory Government is investing $2.9 million to light Marrara Cricket Ground #1 and Palmerston CDU Oval #2 to create greater flexibility by enabling clubs to escape the heat of the day to train or play at night.

Installing lights at Marrara and Palmerston is part of the State Government’s continued investment in oval lights across the NT which means more Territorians can play their chosen sport in the cooler evenings.

The lighting upgrades at Palmerston CDU Oval #2 will allow year round evening use for cricket and football with local cricket played in the dry and NTFL in the wet season.

Commenting on the installations, Northern Territory Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss advised "the ... Government is continuing to invest in infrastructure projects in partnership with sporting organisations to improve amenities, support community sport and create jobs for locals.

“Having the ability to train, watch and play games at night, away from the heat of the day is a huge win for cricket and footy loving Territorians.

“Families now want flexible fixtures to suit increasingly busy lifestyles, with traditional Saturday and Sunday day matches not always convenient. Mid-week and weekend night fixtures will soon be possible, growing participation and encouraging more women, girls and juniors to stay active.

Tony Sievers, Northern Territory Assistant Minister for Sport added "the Northern Territory continues to produce top sportspeople across many different sports, and we continue to invest in our sporting facilities to support the development of these future champions."

Northern Territory Cricket Chief Executive Joel Morrison noted "these lighting projects are a significant development for cricket in the north and I thank Minister Moss for her commitment to investing in the infrastructure required to support our local cricket community.

“This also follows the NT Government’s recent investment in lights at Gardens Oval, meaning there are now cricket venues with sufficient lighting across Darwin, the northern suburbs and Palmerston for the very first time.

“Thanks to the NT Government and Sport Australia, NT Cricket can now provide flexible match fixturing for our local community, cater for the growth our women’s and junior playing numbers, and capitalise on the enormous opportunity to build Darwin into a winter playing and training hub for Australian cricket.”

This funding is in addition to the $500,000 awarded by the Federal Government in December last year.