Northern Territory invests in sport lighting

A collaboration between the Roper Gulf Regional Council and Northern Territory Government Department of Tourism, Sport and Culture has benefitted the communities of Barunga and Ngukurr with a multi-million dollar oval lighting upgrade in the Roper Gulf region.

The $2.35 million investment has funded lights at Barunga, oval upgrades at Robinson River and new multi-purpose courts in Borroloola.

Local contractor, All Regions Electrical, installed the lights at Ngukurr and Barunga.

Advising that the lighting is a welcome development which will not only benefit the sporting teams in the region, but a wide range of community and civic events, Roper Gulf Regional Council Mayor, Judy MacFarlane stated "having proper oval lighting means our local teams can continue to train safely at night, which we hope will encourage more people to take part in sport and recreation activities.

“As a Council we want to encourage a strong sports culture because we know it can have so many health and social benefits within our remote communities.

“The new lighting will also be a great contribution to our ‘Light Up the Dark Spot Program’, in place to help keep members of the community safe.”

The lighting upgrades are being funded by the Northern Territory Government, with Roper Gulf Regional Council managing delivery of the project with Territory contractors.

Mayor MacFarlane added that it’s a sound investment which will also deliver economic benefits to the communities and wider region, commenting "good lighting means we can look at new opportunities to host community functions on the ovals, and further develop existing events such as the Barunga Festival and Yugul Mangi Festival.

Northern Territory Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss advised “the oval at Barunga can now be used during day and night for football games as well as other sporting activities and events that will contribute to positive outcomes for everyone in the community.

“Our Government worked in collaboration with the Roper Gulf Regional Council to ensure the project was in line with its key priorities and community expectations.”

The Oval lights in Barunga are now completed and were officially opened at the Barunga Festival last weekend by Northern Territory Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Member for Arnhem, Selena Uibo

Minister Uibo concluded “Barunga community members have long been lobbying for the installation of lights to provide more opportunity for sporting activities and other community events and I am pleased the Territory Labor Government has been able to deliver this project for them.

“The project has been completed just in time for the iconic Barunga Festival and will bring a new element to an event that attracts thousands of local and interstate visitors each year.”

Images: The first night AFL game on the Barunga Oval (top) and Northern Territory Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Member for Arnhem, Selena Uibo turning on the lights with Roper Gulf Regional Council Deputy Mayor Helen Lee (below).