Warrnambool City Council is continuing to advocate for better lighting at Davidson Oval in West Warrnambool.
Lighting upgrades can increase participation in sport and recreation, improve safety, provide greater opportunities for women and girls to get active, and create a more accessible and welcoming community facility for all users.
NEWS ARTICLE: Support sought for Davidson Oval lighting upgrade (July 15, 2026)
In 2025 we reached out to the community in West Warrnambool to find out how they use Davidson Oval. 60 people responded with 68% using the oval weekly and 21% using the oval daily for recreation. Most people are involved in organised sport on the oval and 1 in 10 people use it for activities like walking and jogging. The oval is mostly used by men (90% of responses).
We would like to install modern energy-efficient LED sports lighting designed to improve the quality, safety and usability of the oval, while ensuring compliance with Australian Standards and minimising spill light to surrounding properties. To upgrade the sports lighting, we need to prepare a funding application to the Victorian Government's Local Sports Infrastructure Fund – Community Sports Lighting Stream.
Developing football and netball infrastructure that supports participation and inclusion of women and girls and other under-represented groups, including disadvantaged communities, is a priority for Council.
The proposed lighting upgrade would build on Council’s successful Light the Night initiative by brightening community spaces during the darker winter months, helping local residents feel safer and more connected while encouraging people to get out, be active and enjoy community activities after dark. With improved lighting, Davidson Oval could support a range of evening activities including:
- Community walking and/or running programs
- Family activities
- Social recreation/sport activities
- Health and wellbeing programs
- Sporting competitions and club activities
You can lend your support by visiting www.yoursaywarrnambool.com.au to take a short survey by July 26, 2026.