Sporting clubs in Evans Head will have greater opportunities to train and compete after a major lighting upgrade at Stan Payne Oval was completed.
The project, supported by a $200,000 NSW Government grant and more than $200,000 from Richmond Valley Council, will allow local sporting groups to make greater use of the precinct during evenings and in low-visibility conditions.
The upgrade includes 41 new floodlights and four 32-metre galvanised steel lighting poles, improving visibility and safety across all playing fields.
The improvements will benefit local rugby league, rugby union, touch football and cricket clubs, while also supporting community recreation and events.
State Nationals MP for Clarence Richie Williamson joined representatives from local sporting groups, Richmond Valley Council Deputy Mayor Stephen Morrissey and general manager Vaughan Macdonald earlier this week to mark the project’s completion.
“This is a fantastic outcome for Evans Head and it was great to be onsite to see the completed works and hear directly from the sporting groups who will benefit,” Williamson said.
“Stan Payne Oval is such an important community sporting precinct, and the new lighting will give local clubs greater flexibility to train and play in the evenings, while providing a safer and better environment for players and spectators.
“I was pleased to be able to secure $200,000 towards this important project through the NSW Government, and I thank the Minister for Sport, Stephen Kamper, for supporting the funding.
“I also want to acknowledge Richmond Valley Council for its significant contribution and for its ongoing commitment to investing in the Evans Head community. It is great to see the NSW Government and Council working together to deliver an outcome that will have a lasting benefit for local sport.”
Richmond Valley Council Deputy Mayor Stephen Morrissey said the improvements would make a significant difference for local sporting clubs and the wider community.
“The difference these new lights make is outstanding and it’s fantastic to see Stan Payne Oval looking this good,” Morrissey said.
“The improved lighting gives local clubs much greater flexibility for evening training and games, while providing a safer and better playing environment.”
The project forms part of the Stan Payne Oval Master Plan, adopted by Richmond Valley Council in 2023, which aims to improve sporting and recreational facilities for the Evans Head community.
The completed upgrade is expected to support greater participation in local sport by providing clubs with more flexibility to schedule training sessions, matches and community activities.
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