Coyne backs Jubilee lights

St.George-Illawarra's foundation co-captain Mark Coyne has thrown his weight behind the final push to have Oki Jubilee Stadium's lights installed.

A decision on the development application for permanent lighting will be made by Kogarah Council on Monday.

The project is part of an $8 million upgrade of the club's northern base.

Coyne, who made more than 200 appearances for the Dragons before retiring at the end of 1999, hopes to see the plan get the green light.

"The lights have been fully funded by the Federal Government as part of the $8 million upgrade for Oki Jubilee Stadium, so that should be viewed as a major positive for the local community," the former Queensland and Test centre said.

"I thoroughly enjoyed playing under lights at Kogarah and I look forward to the day when the next generation of Dragons can experience the thrill of a Kogarah night game."

Seven residents have opposed the installation of lights, but the Return to Kogarah lobby group has compiled a petition with more than 1,300 signatures of support.

In other news:

Kogarah Councillors are expected to grant approval on Monday evening to the Development Application (DA) for upgraded floodlighting at Oki Jubilee Stadium.

Council Officers have recommended that the DA be approved as the proposal has satisfied all sections of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act and Council codes and policies.

In addition to the petition against the lights that was signed by seven residents of a block of units in Carlton's Buchanan Street, there were only four other submissions against the DA. The objections raised through these submissions have been regarded as less than relevant, with one submission failing to raise any specific issues against the lighting itself.

Kogarah Council has formally recognised the R2K petition that gained 1,304 signatures in support of the lighting, including 344 from Kogarah's North Ward where Oki Jubilee Stadium is situated.

Council noted that the petition revealed "strong support of the proposed lighting and refurbishment of Jubilee Oval." Council also stated that ".judging from the responses received by Council, the majority of local residents are in support of such an application."

When night matches are staged at Oki Jubilee Stadium, the playing lights will be turned off within 30 minutes of the completion of the match, while strict traffic management and security management plans will be followed. Once installed, the light towers will be painted in a neutral colour to blend into the sky rather than with a blood and bandages theme!

The meeting takes place at Kogarah Council's chambers this Monday (14 February) at 7 pm.