The four light towers are part of $1.4 million upgrade recently completed by Lake Macquarie City Council at Auston Oval.

Council’s community planning manager John Ferguson said the upgrade also included a new amenities block and a car park.

But it is the lighting that is turning the heads of passing motorists.

“New LED field lighting has been installed at the oval – a first for any sporting facility in Lake Macquarie,” Mr Ferguson said.

“LEDs have greater longevity than traditional floodlights, which will help reduce ongoing maintenance costs.”

The four light towers are hinged, which allows the top of each tower to be winched to the ground for cheaper and more efficient servicing.

The new lights were installed at a cost of $165,000.

“The upgraded car park, which is equipped with an environmentally sustainable surface, is now operational, as is the new amenities block, which features a modern kitchen and kiosk and provides essential facilities for players, coaches, referees and spectators,” Mr Ferguson said.

The ground is home to Morisset United Football Club.

Club president Dainis Masens said the LED lights were a welcome replacement for the inadequate former floodlights which he estimates were installed in the 1970s.

“When we were training here at night before, it was like we were running around with torches,” Mr Masens said.

Last year, the Morisset club was scheduled to host a night game at Auston Oval, but when the referees came out onto the field they deemed the old lighting unsatisfactory and called off the game.

Mr Ferguson said the upgrade had made a significant difference to the oval.

“We look forward to seeing the community reap the full benefits of this upgrade.”

The works were funded through the Morisset Section 94 contributions plan.

The Morisset Showground Trust is now considering LED floodlighting for its Les Norris Oval, home of the Morisset Bulls rugby league team.