New energy-efficient lighting at the Bangalow sports fields was given the thumbs up yesterday by NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery and State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin.

Ms Saffin joined Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye at the sports fields to inspect the new light poles, which are designed to reduce light spill and will also shave around $35,000 a year off the energy bill.

“The sports fields have a special place in the hearts of many Bangalow residents, and I know these new lights will be much appreciated by sporting clubs, players and the loads of people who line the sidelines to watch,” Mayor Ndiaye said.

“Improved lighting for evening activities was identified as a key priority in the feedback we received when we did the Bangalow Sports Fields Masterplan several years ago so it’s great that we have been able to deliver this project,” she said.

Ms Saffin said the NSW Government proudly supported this recovery project, which would benefit more than a dozen user groups within the Bangalow community for many years to come.

“Our investment in new, more energy-efficient lighting will enhance visibility and safety for participants in nighttime training and sporting events, and for other community gatherings,” Ms Saffin said.

“The Sport Infrastructure Recovery Fund, under which this lighting replacement and upgrade was administered, was designed to upgrade sport facilities to be more resilient to future extreme climate events and natural disasters.

“I congratulate new Byron Shire Mayor Cr Sarah Ndiaye and her council on delivering sports infrastructure that keeps local residents healthy, active and connected.”

The $795,000 upgrade was possible thanks to a grant from the NSW Government’s Essential Community Sports Assets program.

The program delivers on the NSW Government’s commitment to provide modern infrastructure that builds flood resilience into local sport facilities.