Sport
5 May, 2025
New lights shine bright at Platz Oval
There was a big crowd at the Clifton Recreation Reserve on Friday night to witness a fresh level of light flooding across the Platz Oval playing surface as the new $430,000 lighting installation was officially launched.
The new lighting came to fruition after sustained action spearheaded by the President of Wattles Rugby League Club, Amanda O’Halloran, who had the honour of activating the lights during the opening ceremony.
Funding was provided by Toowoomba Regional Council and the Queensland Government and will be of benefit not just to rugby league, but also to the other organisations that use the community facility at night.
The opening event was followed by a special Anzac ceremony, which included an appearance by members of the 11th Light Horse Regiment Darling Downs Troop.
After First Nations Elder Charlie Waters delivered a Welcome to Country during which he revealed that relatives had been part of Australia’s defence forces, the Wattles President thanked and congratulated those involved in the funding, acquisition and installation of the lighting.
Member for Condamine Pat Weir delivered a message on behalf of the Minister for Sport and Recreation and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Tim Mander, then Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald spoke before QRL CEO Ben Ikin extended his congratulations.
“Vibrant new chapter” for sport
The president of Wattles Rugby League Club, Amanda O’Halloran has described the new lighting system at Platz Oval as a “vibrant new chapter” for Clifton’s main sporting facility.
At the official opening on Anzac Day, Ms O’Halloran expressed the club’s gratitude to the Queensland Government under the Minor Infrastructure and Inclusive Facilities Fund and to the Toowoomba Regional Council under the Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) Sport and Recreation Grant.
She said the funding received from the grants has enabled the club to upgrade lighting to support rugby league at Clifton and has provided the community with enhanced participation opportunities at the Clifton Recreation Grounds.
“These lights are more than just illumination; they represent expanded opportunities for our youth, enhanced safety for our players, and a vibrant new chapter for our sporting facility,” Ms O’Halloran said.
“The lights have not only extended the area for our three senior teams to train but has also allowed for our Junior Club to return to Platz Oval for training under a safe and enjoyable space for all.
“To say we are thrilled to see the completion and quality of the new lighting covering both fields is somewhat of an understatement, and how coincidental it is that the initial lighting towers were officially opened to shine down on what is now Platz Oval, 30 years ago this month.
“We would also like to extend our appreciation to the Wattles JRL Club, our sponsors and our many valued supporters who have also helped financially.”
“We would also like to recognise our local electricians, Nick Morris and Will Duff who both played a large part when submitting our grants and to our lights installer T2 Electrical and Data who worked tirelessly to have the lights ready for this evening.
“Personally, I would also like to thank our previous and current committee members for your support through the grant processes and the installation of the lights.”
Ms O’Halloran also thanked the QRL, TRL and local organisations for taking the time to write support letters for the club’s grant applications along with Trent and Penny from Queensland Sport and Rec and Shane Hounslow from the Regional Council for their knowledge and guidance through the tonnes of paperwork.
She made special mention of the preparatory work of one of TRC’s standout staff members:
“.... I thank the Clifton Recreation Grounds care-taker, Bruce Gilbert.
“We are very fortunate to have Bruce, who takes so much pride in the Clifton Recreation Grounds.”
