26 October 2018

The Donnelly Fields flood lights were switched on for their first official use at the start of touch football season on Wednesday, 24 October 2018.

The $770,000 lighting project was fully-funded by Gunnedah Shire Council after the need for lighting at Donnelly Fields was identified in Council’s Community Strategic Plan and the Riverine Landscape Masterplan.

Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the lights have made a significant improvement to the fields and will give Gunnedah the opportunity to attract large sporting carnivals.

“It was great to see the lights in use for the first time, with the entire fields full of touch football players, flooded by light,” Cr Chaffey said.

“We are now able to accommodate the needs of current sporting groups that play sport in the evenings, but it also opens up opportunities for more to make use of the facility.

“As a Shire that prides itself on a strong sporting community, the lighting upgrades give Gunnedah the chance to host better events with the premier facilities.”

The lights currently have a capacity of 100 lux with provisions to upgrade to 200 lux level and LED should this be desired in the future. The lights are operated and monitored by mobile phone, making them easy and safe to use.

Since the upgrade, Little Athletics and Gunnedah Touch have relocated permanently; AFL, North West Women’s Sevens Representative Rugby Union, Junior Cricket, Junior Rugby Union and the local schools are also taking advantage of the upgraded fields.

To book Donnelly Fields, please contact Gunnedah Shire Council on (02) 6740 2100, email council@infogunnedah.com.au or visit Council’s Administration Building at 63 Elgin St, Gunnedah.

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council and the Gunnedah Touch Football Association under the new flood lights.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.