A cutting-edge upgrade to lighting systems across Hobart sportsgrounds has improved reliability and reduced costs, putting an end to late night light spills across empty fields.
The City of Hobart has completed the installation of a new lighting control system at local grounds, replacing the previous patchwork of old infrastructure.
Shannon, from the City's Sport and Recreation team, says the older system of controlling lights was often a logistical nightmare.
"We manage 15 different grounds with lighting, but some sites relied on outdated time controllers and others had unreliable 4G-based remote controls," he said.
"We had issues where lights weren't turning off or on when they were meant to, meaning we'd have to send staff over after hours to manually override them."
This resulted in unnecessary energy use, while also being frustrating for sports teams, staff, and residents who lived near sports fields.
The new system has been put in place across the 15 floodlit sportsgrounds managed by the City of Hobart.
Frustration leads to innovation
The system overhaul began with a trial across sportsgrounds in Sandy Bay and South Hobart in 2022.
When this proved successful, it was progressively rolled out across the city, culminating in the final installation at the Domain Athletics Centre in late 2024.
Now, instead of relying solely on mobile networks, the system integrates microwave technology and fibre where available, ensuring a far more stable connection.
Lights at each ground can now all be controlled from a computer.
This has resulted in a seamless, centralised lighting control network that can be managed remotely via laptop or mobile phone.
"It's a huge improvement on what we had," Shannon said.
"If a club calls up because their lights haven't turned off, we can fix it remotely in seconds instead of sending someone out.
"It's super efficient and takes the stress off our staff and clubs."
Shannon says the new system reduces stress for sports teams, staff and residents.
No more chasing the light
One of the biggest advantages of the new system is its ability to instantly respond to changing weather conditions.
During Hobart's winter months, when grounds are sometimes closed due to heavy rain, lighting at multiple venues can now be shut off at the push of a button.
With the new network now fully operational, the City is looking to the future.
The new system will reduce energy being wasted when lights are left on overnight.
"We're looking forward to exploring other technological improvements that might be able to use the same system," Shannon said.
"For now, it's already made a massive difference for our clubs, staff, and the broader community.
For Hobart's sports lovers, that means less training delays, no more wasted energy, and the end of unnecessary late night light shows.