Highfields Sport and Rec Park left in dark after electrical cable theft

One of Toowoomba’s biggest sport facilities is now a daytime only venue, after the theft of key infrastructure. Here’s what we know about the spate of alleged thefts across the Garden City.

Switchboards at the Kearneys Spring Sports Complex were recently damaged. Picture: Toowoomba Regional Council

Thieves targeting electrical wiring have plunged one of Toowoomba’s biggest sports facilities into darkness.

Sections of Highfields Sport and Recreation Park are out of operation at night after cable was stolen from the grounds.

Kearneys Spring Sports Complex was also the subject of another attempted theft, with damage to switchboards occurring at both Toowoomba Regional Council facilities.

Council staff are still assessing the damage, and there is no definitive time frame on when night time activities will be able to resume in Highfields.

“There was cabling stolen at Highfields Sport and Recreation Park affecting lighting on two rectangle fields and the overlaying oval field,” councillor Tim McMahon said.

Highfields Sport and Rec Park.

“The damage to the switchboard is still under assessment at that location so we have no time frame for when these fields can be used again at night-time.

“At Kearneys Spring Park the impacts were less, and all the lighting is working.

“The damage to the switchboard is superficial but will still mean repairs have to be taken.”

Mr McMahon said while the council maintained insurance for infrastructure damage, the price the community paid was greater.

“Although council maintains insurance for damage to infrastructure, the cost of the damage is not yet known and ultimately the community pays for managing these issues as well as a direct impact on residents that can’t train at these sporting fields at night,” he said.

“If anyone witnesses any suspicious activity at Council sporting fields, please report it to our Customer Service Team on 131 872 or police if you think there is a theft in progress.

“As always, it is important that people report suspicious activity but do not engage with anyone they think might be doing the wrong thing.

“We want everyone to stay safe.”