Critical upgrade to oval after concerns for player safety
Major lighting upgrades are now complete at the oval and BIC reserve to enhance safety, boost energy efficiency, and allow greater access.
The oval's outdated lighting infrastructure has been transformed to a modern 200 Lux LED system, with a capacity for future upgrades to 500 Lux.
With four new floodlight towers in place, the oval will now be able to cater for a broader range of uses while dramatically reducing maintenance and operating costs.
The Swan Districts Football Club has long called for better lighting, saying in 2021 the then-lighting was worse than a junior football club's and medical staff had raised concerns about it.
The $1.4 million project was jointly funded by the Federal Government, State Government, Swan Districts Football Club, Town of Bassendean and WA football.
Bassendean mayor Kathryn Hamilton said the project was a win for both local sport and for the wider Bassendean community.
'Better lighting means more people can enjoy using the oval safely after dark. It also opens the door to a greater range of community activities, events and gatherings in our town centre,' she said.
In addition to the lighting, stage one of the BIC Reserve Masterplan is also now complete.
This includes the installation of two new energy-efficient towers, new public toilets, bench seating, exercise equipment, and the planting of mature native trees to provide additional shade.
The new LED lighting are designed to 50 Lux, ensuring lighting for both evening and morning use.
The lights will operate between 5.30am to 7am and again from 5.30pm to 9pm to support the summer Bassendean markets, social sports, dog walking and general use of the area.
Newly installed fitness equipment include 12 stations that target different muscle groups, with senior-friendly options such a shoulder mobility wheel, body twist and dexterity builder.
Cr Hamilton said BIC Reserve holds a special place in the heart of the community.
'These works create an inclusive space that encourages an active lifestyle for all ages, with affordable and accessible facilities that support physical health, mental wellbeing, and social connection,' she said.
Future improvements include a unified path network and a potential for a sound stage and performance area, which are subject to further funding.
Hasluck MHR Tania Lawrence said the community will now able to enjoy and reap the benefits of the increased lighting at Steel Blue Oval.
'I'm happy to see this delivered, so local teams can benefit from improvements to safety during evening practice,' she said.
The State Government also provided the Town of Bassendean with $55,394 for upgraded lighting at Ashfield Reserve and $570,000 for Jubilee Reserve.
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3 days ago
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Critical upgrade to oval after concerns for player safety
A lighting upgrade at Bassendean Oval is expected to open up new opportunities at the ground. Major lighting upgrades are now complete at the oval and BIC reserve to enhance safety, boost energy efficiency, and allow greater access. The oval's outdated lighting infrastructure has been transformed to a modern 200 Lux LED system, with a capacity for future upgrades to 500 Lux. With four new floodlight towers in place, the oval will now be able to cater for a broader range of uses while dramatically reducing maintenance and operating costs. The Swan Districts Football Club has long called for better lighting, saying in 2021 the then-lighting was worse than a junior football club's and medical staff had raised concerns about it. The $1.4 million project was jointly funded by the Federal Government, State Government, Swan Districts Football Club, Town of Bassendean and WA football. Bassendean mayor Kathryn Hamilton said the project was a win for both local sport and for the wider Bassendean community. 'Better lighting means more people can enjoy using the oval safely after dark. It also opens the door to a greater range of community activities, events and gatherings in our town centre,' she said. In addition to the lighting, stage one of the BIC Reserve Masterplan is also now complete. This includes the installation of two new energy-efficient towers, new public toilets, bench seating, exercise equipment, and the planting of mature native trees to provide additional shade. The new LED lighting are designed to 50 Lux, ensuring lighting for both evening and morning use. The lights will operate between 5.30am to 7am and again from 5.30pm to 9pm to support the summer Bassendean markets, social sports, dog walking and general use of the area. Newly installed fitness equipment include 12 stations that target different muscle groups, with senior-friendly options such a shoulder mobility wheel, body twist and dexterity builder. Cr Hamilton said BIC Reserve holds a special place in the heart of the community. 'These works create an inclusive space that encourages an active lifestyle for all ages, with affordable and accessible facilities that support physical health, mental wellbeing, and social connection,' she said. Future improvements include a unified path network and a potential for a sound stage and performance area, which are subject to further funding. Hasluck MHR Tania Lawrence said the community will now able to enjoy and reap the benefits of the increased lighting at Steel Blue Oval. 'I'm happy to see this delivered, so local teams can benefit from improvements to safety during evening practice,' she said. The State Government also provided the Town of Bassendean with $55,394 for upgraded lighting at Ashfield Reserve and $570,000 for Jubilee Reserve.
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