ACCELERATION OF SPORTSFIELD LIGHTING PROGRAM
Council resolved on 28 November 2017 to request a short report on the sportsfield lighting program included in Council’s Sportsfield Strategy, including planning, resourcing and budget issues that need to be considered to bring forward the lighting program for all fields. The Sportsfield Strategy included delivery of all lighting projects by June 2022. Options have been reviewed to accelerate the program. There are opportunities to bring forward a large number of projects in order to deliver the program by June 2020, two years ahead of schedule. Opportunities include efficiencies through tendering a larger lighting contract which for example enables the renewal of Dee Why Oval in 2017/18. In addition Council has been collaborating with sporting user groups and has reached agreement with the Manly Warringah Football Association to share the funding of the proposed lighting system at Tania Park, Balgowlah Heights, bringing it forward from 2020/2021 to 2018/2019. The program cannot be accelerated greatly beyond this due to the lead time required for consultation and design for new lights. If there are savings in the 2018/2019 lighting tender Council can look to bring forward Beacon Hill Oval field one into the 2018/2019 financial year and will advance investigations and design work for that site to cover that eventuality. The 2018/2019 lighting program is being accelerated through commencing planning and investigations early, enabling community engagement to commence for these projects before July 2018 and delivery in time for the 2019 winter sports season. It is not expected acceleration of this program will incur additional costs over the forward works program.
Cr Regan / Cr Heins That:
A. Council endorse the Sportsfield lighting program under the Northern Beaches Sportsground Strategy be accelerated as outlined in this report and Council’s Capital Works Program be planned accordingly.
B. Should Tristram Road not go ahead, that Newport and Beacon Hill Oval or other high priorities be given consideration to replace it.
VOTING FOR: Unanimous
CARRIED
