The communities of Barunga and Ngukurr will benefit from a multi-million dollar oval lighting upgrade in the Roper Gulf region, thanks to a collaboration between the local Council and Northern Territory Government Department of Tourism, Sport and Culture.
The $1.45 million investment will upgrade the oval lights at the Barunga and Ngukurr community ovals, with $650,000 and $800,000 allocated to each of the respective projects.
Roper Gulf Mayor, Judy MacFarlane, says it’s a welcome development which will not only benefit the sporting teams in the region, but a wide range of community and civic events.
“Having proper oval lighting means our local teams can continue to train safely at night, which we hope will encourage more people to take part in sport and recreation activities,” she said.
“As a Council we want to encourage a strong sports culture because we know it can have so many health and social benefits within our remote communities.
“The new lighting will also be a great contribution to our ‘Light Up the Dark Spot Program’, in place to help keep members of the community safe.”
The lighting upgrades are being funded by the Northern Territory Government, with Roper Gulf Regional Council managing delivery of the project with Territory contractors.
Mayor MacFarlane says it’s a sound investment which will also deliver economic benefits to the communities and wider region.
“Good lighting means we can look at new opportunities to host community functions on the ovals, and further develop existing events such as the Barunga Festival and Yugul Mangi Festival,” she said.
“On behalf of Council and the Roper Gulf Region, I would like to thank the Northern Territory Government’s Department of Tourism, Sport and Culture for supporting these important local projects.”
The Oval lights in Barunga are now completed and were officially opened at the Barunga Festival last weekend by Honourable Selena Uibo.
Quotes from Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss:
“Participation in sport creates healthier, happier, more resilient communities and that’s why the Territory Labor Government has invested millions of dollars in upgrading sporting infrastructure in remote areas across the NT.
“The oval at Barunga can now be used during day and night for football games as well as other sporting activities and events that will contribute to positive outcomes for everyone in the community.
“Our Government worked in collaboration with the Roper Gulf Regional Council to ensure the project was in line with its key priorities and community expectations.”
Quotes from Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Member for Arnhem, Selena Uibo:
“It is wonderful to join the residents of Barunga to officially switch the oval lights on tonight and to stay and watch the community’s first after-dark footy match.
“Barunga community members have long been lobbying for the installation of lights to provide more opportunity for sporting activities and other community events and I am pleased the Territory Labor Government has been able to deliver this project for them.
“The project has been completed just in time for the iconic Barunga Festival and will bring a new element to an event that attracts thousands of local and interstate visitors each year.”
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