The new John Davis OAM Stadium at the Orange Regional Sporting Precinct will have 1400 lux lighting.
The decision was made at the July 7 Council meeting. Council had resolved in June to consult with the community on lighting options.
Council sought feedback on two options: 500 lux lighting, which would meet current local sporting needs, or 1400 lux lighting, which would support broadcast-requirements for night games.
Lux levels measure the amount of light falling on a surface. Higher lux means brighter lighting. The 1400 lux option is expected to cost ratepayers an additional $1.97 million.
Orange City Council staff conducted two weeks of community engagement from June 10 to 24.
The process included an online survey, supported by a series of face-to-face sessions held across locations including local sporting facilities, Orange City Library, Orange City Centre and the Orange Farmers Markets.
Of the more than 3000 survey responses received, 77.7 per cent of votes supported the 1400-lux lighting option, while 22.3 per cent supported the 500-lux option. Out of the total respondents, 93.4 per cent reported living within the Orange local government area.
Orange Mayor Tony Mileto thanked everyone who took the time to share their views.
“We wanted to make sure the community had a genuine opportunity to have its say on the lighting options, and the response showed just how much people care about this facility,” Cr Mileto said.
“It’s a great example of community consultation working as it should, listening to residents, considering different perspectives and arriving at a result that reflects the preferences of our community.”
The tender to install the lighting was awarded to Zauner Constructions.
The Orange Regional Sporting Precinct is supported by $74.5 million in government funding – $59.5 million from the NSW Government and $15 million from the Australian Government’s Growing Regions Program.
