Cricket NSW attracts opposition to install 50m light poles to boost late night events

Residents are lighting up over plans to install 50m light poles at a new elite cricket facility in Sydney over concerns such as ‘light pollution’, impacts on property prices and nocturnal wildlife.

A plan to light up Sydney’s multimillion dollar cricket centre of excellence with 50m tall light poles has sparked backlash from locals with some homeowners fearing the lights could cause ‘light pollution’, drive down property prices and impact nocturnal wildlife.

Cricket NSW has released plans to illuminate the recently opened Cricket Central facility at Sydney Olympic Park with four large light masts that would enable sport to be played as late as 10pm.

Along with four mast lights, Cricket NSW also wants to add eight new lighting poles standing up to 12m tall that would be placed on top of existing cricket nets at the site.

Cricket NSW says the lights would enable sport to be played later at night and would “unlock new opportunities” for cricketers.

But some locals have argued the lighting poles at the $60m facility could have “negative effects on health and quality of life” of residents and lead to “reduced value of properties”.

A concept image of the new light poles.

“The area across the river from the cricket centre is residential zoning and the proposed lighting will affect all residents by forced exposure to bright lights,” one resident said in a submission to the plans.

“It will change the atmosphere and enjoyment of the area along the river.”

Resident Jason Smart also raised concerns over the height of the lighting poles which he said would “tower above any structure in the area”.

The proposal has generated opposition from some residents.

“The 50m towers will be twice as high as any trees or other buildings or anything in the area,” he said in a submission.

“They will be seen from kilometres in almost every direction.”

Cricket NSW, in its plans for the lights, said the masts needed to be at least 47m high to ensure the pitch met international cricket standards.

A concept image of the new light poles as seen from the Parramatta River.

“The installation of sports lighting will future-proof the facility and enhance its utility (and) advance in Cricket NSW’s ambition to innovate and lead Australian cricket,” the plans stated.

“Given the prevalence of night fixtures, an inability to service this requirement presents a real and present issue for elite and pre-elite users.”

Cricket NSW estimates the outdoor lighting could boost the number of training hours at the facility from 900 hours per year to more than 1500.

The plans are currently being sponsored by the NSW Department of Planning.