Kingston Oval Sports Lighting Upgrade

Community Information

Investing in Kingston Oval

A Development Application has been submitted to upgrade the existing sports lighting at Kingston Oval.

The current lighting system has been in operation for many years and is reaching the end of its service life. The proposed upgrade will replace the existing lighting with a modern LED sports lighting system that provides improved energy efficiency, enhanced lighting performance and intelligent lighting controls while reducing unnecessary light spill beyond the playing area.

While the Development Application relates specifically to the sports lighting upgrade, it also forms part of a broader investment in Kingston Oval. Separate to the Development Application, the oval will also be upgraded with a premium Santa Ana Couch playing surface and a new irrigation system. These improvements will provide a more resilient, visually appealing and professional-quality sporting surface, enhancing the overall amenity and long-term performance of the facility for players, sporting clubs and the wider community.

Together, these improvements represent a significant investment in Kingston Oval, ensuring it continues to support local sport and community use well into the future.

A Carefully Designed Lighting Solution

The lighting design has been prepared by specialist sports lighting designers in accordance with the relevant Australian Standards for sports lighting and outdoor lighting.

The proposal includes:

• Replacement of existing floodlights with modern high-efficiency LED luminaires.

• Upgrading four existing lighting poles and installing two new poles to improve lighting performance and efficiency.

• Smart lighting controls allowing the lighting to operate at different levels depending on the activity being undertaken.

• Improved control of light direction to minimise light outside the playing area.

• Reduced energy consumption compared with the existing lighting installation.

Reducing Light Spill

A key objective of the project has been to improve the control of light beyond the oval.

Extensive computer modelling has been undertaken to assess the proposed lighting design against AS/NZS 4282:2023 – Control of the Obtrusive Effects of Outdoor Lighting.

The assessment demonstrates that the proposed lighting has been specifically designed to comply with the relevant requirements of the Standard, including limits relating to light spill, glare and upward light. The modelling has been undertaken using conservative assumptions

and does not rely on existing trees or vegetation to achieve compliance. As a result, the proposed lighting is expected to represent a significant improvement over the existing installation in terms of lighting control and management of obtrusive lighting.

Smarter Operation

Unlike the existing installation, the proposed system incorporates intelligent lighting controls that allow lighting levels to be matched to the type of activity being undertaken.

The system can operate at a range of lighting levels, including training, community sport and competition settings, rather than operating at full output for every use. This helps reduce energy consumption while ensuring the lighting is appropriate for each activity. Intelligent controls also provide greater flexibility for facility operators while supporting more efficient use of the lighting system.

Benefits for the Community

The proposed upgrade will:

• Modernise an ageing sports lighting system;

• Improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs;

• Provide improved lighting quality for players, officials and spectators;

• Deliver a lighting system designed to current Australian Standards;

• Improve control of light spill and obtrusive lighting compared with the existing installation;

• Support the ongoing use of Kingston Oval as an important community sporting facility; and

• Complement the broader refurbishment of Kingston Oval, including the installation of a premium Santa Ana Couch playing surface and new irrigation system, delivering a higher quality sporting facility for the community.

The project has been designed with consideration for both sporting requirements and site positioning and context, with the objective of delivering a modern, efficient and well-controlled lighting system that represents a substantial improvement over the existing installation. Together with the planned playing surface and irrigation upgrades, the project reflects an ongoing investment in Kingston Oval that will improve the quality, sustainability and long-term enjoyment of this valued community sporting facility.