THE future looks bright at the Harris Street Reserve after work on a $305,000 lighting upgrade began yesterday.
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The Warrnambool City Council has teamed up with the Warrnambool Wolves Football Club and state government to redevelop the sportsground with six new 25-metre lighting towers.
The lights will replace older towers and provide conditions suitable for training and competition, with a layout reconfiguration to meet Australian standards.
The upgrade is expected to be completed by May.
According to Wolves president Carlos Del Rio, it will add an extra dimension to soccer in the region.
“It will allow us to run multiple night programs and involve more people in the game,” he said.
“We worked closely with everyone involved and it’s great to see our hard work come to fruition.”
Warrnambool City mayor Michael Neoh said the redevelopment would strengthen the city’s stake in one of Australia’s most popular participation sports.
“More access to a key recreation reserve will increase the opportunity for people to get involved in sport at a time that suits them,” Cr Neoh said.
“It also builds on the diversity of sporting offerings in Warrnambool.
“The Wolves have provided a lion’s share of funding for the project.
“The club has pretty much built itself from the ground up and I would like to acknowledge club stalwart John McMillan for his effort in building a culture of self-help to build the clubrooms and lights.”
Council will keep the reserve’s user groups informed as works progress, as some disruptions are expected during construction.
The project was funded with $125,000 from Warrnambool City Council, $100,000 from the Department of Sport and Recreation, $50,000 from the Warrnambool Wolves Football Club, $25,000 from the A. L. Lane Foundation and $5000 from the Ern Hartley Foundation.
j.pech@fairfaxmedia.com.au