Local cricketers have welcomed the council announcement to install lights to the Sunset and Captain Cook ovals but are concerned they may not be bright enough to play cricket.
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Black Stars captain Cameron Conlan said he thought it was great for other sports that the council had secured funding for the lights and so locals can enjoy the facilities at night.
"Especially for soccer and AFL clubs to train into the night," Mr Conlan said.
However Mr Conlan said the 100 lux lights to be installed on the ovals was not high enough standard according to the Abacus Guide to Sports Lighting levels.
The document states a Class III - Lower Level Competition and Supervised Training oval would require a minimum of 200 lux depending on the size of the field.
"I'm not sure how much extra funding would be needed but it would be great to have them at minimum requirement for playing cricket," Conlan said.
"Player numbers and spectators would increase.
"But the biggest benefit would be at a junior level with participation. I think parents would be more encouraged to involve their kids."
I'm not sure how much extra funding would be needed but it would be great to have them at minimum requirement for playing cricket
- Black Star Captain Cameron Conlan
Mount Isa City Council secured more than $442,000 of Federal funding for the ovals and said it was confident the six lights to be installed around the perimeters would be sufficient for any local sporting clubs wishing to carry out training activities or night competitions.
Council said they consulted with the Queensland Department of Sport and Recreation for suitable light intensity levels for sports training purposes before going forward with the project.
They also consulted a different document for illuminance - the Rugby Au Sports Lighting - which said the average requirements for illuminance is 100 lux for club competition and match practice.
"The recommended minimum lighting guidelines for major Australian sporting codes, including Australian Rugby Union and the NRL, state that 100 lux is suitable for amateur or local club competition, training and match practice purposes.
"The lights will provide a minimum light output of 100 lux at ground level," council said.
"The ovals are general-purpose, multi-use and free public facilities that are in residential areas and are suitable as training grounds, but are not provided as professional competition grounds."
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