City of Prospect to illuminate Prospect Oval to bid for 2026 AFL Gather Round
City of Prospect is excited to announce Council’s decision to upgrade the lighting infrastructure at Prospect Oval/Payinthi yarta, aligning with Australian sporting broadcast standards and signalling a major leap towards establishing the venue as a premier hub for sporting and community events.
The planned upgrade, aimed at meeting both AFL and cricket broadcasting standards, reflects the Council's dedication to supporting a diverse range of community activities and its forward-thinking approach to elevating Prospect Oval as a high-value asset for residents.
Mayor Matt Larwood expressed Council's excitement.
"This initiative embodies our commitment to a thriving community,” said Mayor Larwood.
“Prospect Oval is not merely a sports ground; it symbolises community identity. The upgraded lighting will facilitate top-tier sporting events and act as a catalyst for increased economic activity within our city."
"By embracing the versatility of Prospect Oval, we're enhancing our city's quality infrastructure and creating opportunities for a broader range of local athletes."
Actively engaging with potential funding partners, Council is working closely with a range of stakeholders across sporting codes and the public sector, with a view to building a coalition of support to ensure the success of this transformative project.
“Council residents cannot fund these upgrades alone, and will be looking to our funding partners for support,” Mayor Larwood explained.
In line with the Council's commitment to transparency, Council has released its confidential decision, outlining its strong support for this project.
Mayor Larwood reiterated Council’s enthusiasm and highlighted future opportunities for residents and the community to contribute their feedback on the transformation of the Prospect Oval precinct, which will be the subject of future Master Planning.
“Council recognises the value of this generational asset to the community,” said Mayor Larwood.“It’s fantastic to see that major sporting codes are also beginning to recognise its potential, and we hope other levels of government can do the same.”
"This marks a significant stride in positioning Prospect as a hub for sports and recreation, and we are eagerly anticipating the possibilities it will unfold."