Dubbo Regional Council announce the completion of $683,206 sporting lights

A major investment in sports field infrastructure is set to result in more local games. Here’s what it means for local sports groups.

The installation of new lights installed at John McGrath Fields. Photo: Dubbo Touch Association

A $680k injection into local sporting infrastructure in the state’s central west will see a major boost to the number of touch football games played every week in Dubbo.

The John McGrath Fields have welcomed eight new sporting light poles, valued at $683,206, which will see the additional of six fields to be lit for competitions and multi-use purposes overnight.

Dubbo Touch Association vice president Neil Webster said he has been pleading with state governments for a decade, advocating for more lights on the fields.

“Having nine fields will give us more flexibility in running our competitions,” Mr Webster said.

The vice president said the association is often at “max capacity” with 27 teams in four timeslots during the winter season and ensures the lights will “attract more players”.

Dubbo Touch Association vice president Neil Webster.

“We know teams don’t like playing late in the evening so we’ll be able to provide games at an earlier timeslot which I think will also improve the number of teams we get during winter,” he said.

“The lights are for the community - it’s not just for touch footy, but all different sports use the field for training, like soccer, cricket and school sports.

“It gives Dubbo more flexibility and provides more training venues during the week - not only will touch benefit but other sports as well.”

Mr Webster hopes the lights will operate from next month.

Dubbo mayor Mathew Dickerson said local sports groups have been overwhelmed with interest from potential players.

“One of the great advantages of living in a regional location such as Dubbo is that you’ve got the ability to play a whole range of different sports - but too many people want to play those sports,” he said.

Dubbo Mayor Mathew Dickerson announcing the installation of the lights at John McGrath Fields.

“We need the ability to play at night-time as well.

“This gives us the ability to have more people in our community playing sports which is fantastic.”

Touch footy player Luke Ryan said the additional infrastructure was “great” for the teams as there is “more opportunity for friendly competition”.

Mr Ryan said he plays on Wednesday nights and is looking forward to more brightness on the field during the winter evenings.