Jindabyne’s JJ Connors Oval LED lighting upgrade is now complete, thanks to a substantial investment of $170,000 from the Federal Government. The lighting upgrade was officially inaugurated on Thursday, March 13, 2025, with Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain, attending the switch-on.
PHOTO: The installation of the lights allows for new ideas such as night time competitions which stand to transform community sport.
The installation fulfils one of Ms McBain’s 2022 election commitments, to replace the outdated infrastructure that failed to meet Australian standards for ball sports. This upgrade extends the usability of the oval into the evening, benefitting local sports teams such as the Jindabyne Rugby Union Club, the Snowy River Bears, the Jindabyne Tigers, and Jindabyne Touch Football Association, while also enhancing safety for both players and spectators.
Kristy McBain emphasised the importance of the project, stating, “From the Bushpigs, the Snowy River Bears, and the Jindabyne Tigers – JJ Connors Oval is the heart of sport in Jindabyne, which is why I’m proud to have delivered this lighting upgrade for our community.”
She also highlighted the positive impact on local sports, noting, “We want to see the Bushpigs take out a fourth consecutive premiership, the Bears to get back to back titles, and for the number of kids and adults playing across codes to continue growing.”
PHOTO: The Lights were installed by Snowy Mountains contractor Hextra.
Snowy Monaro Regional Council Mayor, Chris Hanna, expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts, saying, “We’re really excited to see the new lighting at JJ Connors Oval all finished and ready for the footy season… Our community deserves high-quality sport and recreation facilities and we’re really grateful to Minister McBain for her continued support.”
Despite the new lights coming much later than anticipated, the project reflects a collaborative effort from council and community, with funding by the Federal Government through the Investing in our Communities Program and the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, ensuring that JJ Connors Oval remains a premier venue for local sports.