The Georges River Record

Council has committed more than $4 million over the next four years for lighting upgrades at its sporting fields.

The report outlines two waves of consultation. The first was with the committee in February 2026, and that feedback was then used to shape a broader community consultation at the sports fields considered in the workshop.

Manager Sports and Community Facilities Margaret Lee told the committee the aim was to inform how council plans and prioritises lighting upgrades. She said a paper would go to the assets and infrastructure committee presenting a lux lighting prioritisation matrix.

A councillor commended staff for the consultation and said sporting groups had been calling for better lighting across multiple codes. They said the budget allocation for sports lighting maintenance and renewal is a new budget line item.

The update covered Hurstville Aquatic Centre reaching one million visits in a financial year, accessibility and safety improvements at Sans Souci Leisure Centre, and a charity golf day at Hurstville golf course on 17 April.

The update also included a football program with a framework and integrity policy that lets clubs handle player, coach and spectator sanctions themselves. A speaker said it applies to all Football St George competitions from under 12s and up.

The sporting infrastructure capital works update reported that the Penshurst Park operable fence procurement has closed and a contractor is expected to be engaged within a month, targeting December 2026 for completion.

Submissions from three contractors are being reviewed by the Office of Sport and the working party, with delivery still targeted for the 2027-28 summer season.