Significant lighting upgrades at Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve are now completed, ready to enhance the facility’s usability and safety for after-dark activities.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council mayor Cr Dom Bonanno, State Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas MP and user group representatives were among those at the reserve last Friday evening to officially mark the project’s completion, which saw three new 30-metre light towers built – and an existing mobile phone tower utilised for a lighting add-on – across a three-month construction period.

This project was made possible through a collaborative funding effort including a $200,000 grant from the Victorian Government’s Country Football and Netball Program, a $10,000 contribution from the Riddells Creek Football Netball Club, a $40,000 contribution from the site’s mobile phone tower lease funds, and the council’s own $158,892 allocation.

“The upgraded lighting at Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve is a fantastic outcome for our community. It not only enhances the experience for local sporting clubs but also provides a safer and more accessible space for evening and night events and activities,” Cr Bonanno said.

“We thank the Victorian Government and the user groups for their collaboration and support in bringing this project to fruition. The upgraded lighting is now operational and in use by all reserve patrons.”

The new LED lighting meets current standards, providing improved visibility for evening training sessions, night matches, and community events. The upgrade benefits multiple user groups including the Riddells Creek Football Netball Club, Riddells Creek Junior Football Netball Club, and Riddell Cricket Club.

Users of the Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve will soon benefit from some better lighting thanks to a funding partnership between Macedon Ranges Shire Council, the state government and the community.

The Victorian Government’s announcment last week of a successful $200,000 grant application by the council, plus a $50,000 contribution from Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve Consultative Committee, will support the council’s budget contribution towards LED lighting upgrades in line with current standards.

The government funding comes through Sport and Recreation Victoria’s Country Football and Netball Program which, in partnership with the AFL, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria, assists regional sporting bodies to upgrade and develop facilities.

Mayor Annette Death says the council is proud to have collaborated on a positive outcome for the reserve’s many user groups that include the Riddell Football Netball Club, Riddells Creek Junior Football Netball Club and Riddell Cricket Club.

“Better lighting will make such a big difference at this ground and opens up so many more opportunities for user groups with the potential for night matches, a better night-time training experience and other events,” she said.

“I’d like to thank the Victorian Government for its support in collaborating with Council and the community to help make this important upgrade a reality for the community.”

Following last week’s confirmation of the funding, the council will now work to build on earlier cost estimates to progress with designs, tender out and award work to the successful construction company to complete the upgrades.

The council says it will also continue to work closely with user groups throughout the process with the timeline for the project yet to be confirmed.