27 March 2019

Night matches moved from McKellar Park after community complaints

| Lachlan Roberts
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Belconnen United’s home match this Saturday night has been shifted to an earlier time slot. Photos: Supplied by Belconnen United.

Capital Football has moved night matches at McKellar Park to a different time slot after community complaints regarding the brightness and power of the floodlights at the ground.

Belconnen United NPLW side has shifted their season opener against Canberra FC on Saturday night (30 March) to a 3:15 pm afternoon kickoff instead. It is believed this was due to the Environmental Protection Authority receiving complaints from local residents.

An ACT Government spokesperson was adamant there has been no ban put in place on any night training or matches on the venue.

“The EPA has received two complaints in regards to light pollution coming from the McKellar Park during evening training sessions and games,” the spokesperson said.

“There has been no ban put in place on any night training or matches on this oval.

“The EPA are working collaboratively with the Belconnen Soccer Club on options to reduce the effects of the lighting on nearby dwellings.”

Capital Football chief Phil Brown said the ACT’s football governing body will work with stakeholders to allow night matches to return to the venue.

“We are aware of work being done to the sport floodlights at McKellar Park,” Brown said. “We are working with the Belconnen Soccer Club to support nighttime access to the iconic football venue for local sport.”

It is believed night matches will be returned to the NPL schedules in four to six weeks time.

McKellar Park hosts Belconnen United’s WNPL and NPL1 matches along with Canberra United’s home matches during the W-league season.

The Belconnen Soccer Club, who owns the venue, declined to answer Region Media’s questions.

NPLW Round One
Belconnen United vs Canberra FC
McKellar Park
5:30 pm Saturday 30 March

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