Ferndale Oval Sports Lighting Project

The main need for sports lighting at Ferndale Oval is driven by the urgent requirements and motivations of local community sporting clubs who rely on the ground for training and competitions, but are currently limited to daylight hours. With sustained population growth in Dalyellup - where participation in organised sport is significantly high - the restrictions around daylight hours have impacted club activities, fixture scheduling, and future growth potential, as highlighted throughout community consultation processes.

Community Club Needs

The sporting clubs expressing the strongest need for improved lighting include the South West Spirit Rugby Union Club, Dalyellup Diamonds Teeball and Softball Club, Dalyellup Dockers Junior Football Club, and Dalyellup Dinosaurs Masters Football Club. These groups have specifically voiced, through their own strategic planning and consultation with the Shire, that the lack of adequate sports lighting poses significant barriers to their ability to train and play, especially during winter and mid-week evenings. Growing membership numbers - particularly in teeball/softball and AFL Masters - have led clubs to formally request lighting upgrades to support increased participation and ensure games are accessible with flexible scheduling.

Community Benefit

Through extensive community engagement, it was highlighted that Ferndale Oval’s existing facilities do not meet the sport-related needs of Dalyellup’s expanding population. Installation of 100 LUX LED floodlighting will directly enhance site security, support optimal club training, and enable fixture flexibility for both summer and winter sports. This upgrade will allow clubs to promote inclusive community sport access and help nurture grassroots sporting growth as recommended in the Shire’s Sports Spaces Plan (SSP)

Investing in sports lighting at Ferndale Oval is a critical and immediate step to support community needs and future-proof recreational opportunities for Dalyellup’s growing and active population. This project has been made possible through the significant grant funding received by Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport.