Lightning strikes cause outdoor lights failure at Broome Recreational and Aquatic Centre

Broome Recreational and Aquatic Centre (BRAC) has advised its staff have been able to initiate a temporary fix to bring lighting back to the outdoor sports fields, following damage caused by recent lightning strikes.

The lighting at Father McMahon Sports Field, Haynes Oval and Nipper Roe Sports Field suffered a failure that was traced back to lightning strikes in March, which resulted in multiple components being damaged beyond repair.

The lighting outage has had an impact on users of the sports fields, including the Broome Touch Association, Broome Soccer Association, and football teams undertaking pre-season training.

Shire of Broome President Desiree Male said several factors have led to delays in completing repairs to the lights, including the need to investigate how the damage occurred and for insurance claims to be processed.

“We have also had to source parts from interstate and overseas, which puts us at the mercy of transport deliveries and delays.”

Male said a temporary fix was in place at Father McMahon Sports Field and Haynes Oval through the installation of a manual override switch, which will allow the fields to be used to come extent.

“It is a different story with the Nipper Roe Sports Field lighting because of the nature of the newer LED System installed. Further investigation is continuing there.”

Male acknowledged the impact the lighting outage has had on users of the sports fields and shared “I would like thank everyone for their patience and to assure everyone that the Shire is doing everything to have the lights up and running as soon as possible.”

Tennis lighting upgrade
Meanwhile, work on the tennis lighting upgrade, funded by the Shire and the State Government’s Club Night Light Program is expected to commence on 15th May.

The work contractor has informed BRAC staff that light fittings which have been on order are expected to arrive in Broome during the next fortnight, which allow work to finally commence. The rest of the materials have been in Broome for some time.

The work will result in disruption to night time tennis for up to two weeks as the existing fittings, poles and cabling will be replaced. It is anticipated the work will be completed and the lights operational by the first week in June.

There will be also times that there is disruption to general court use during the day, with affected times to be confirmed once the work starts.

This may include shuffling the junior courts so the weekly coaching program in daylight hours will not be affected. Nigh time social matches may also be rescheduled to daylight hours on weekends so people still get to play. 

Image. Credit: Broome Recreational and Aquatic Centre