The existing training net lights at Kahlin Oval do not meet Cricket Australia’s guidelines for community cricket facilities.   

The key concerns include:  

• Non-compliance with safety guidelines: The lights are not compliant with current Cricket Australia lighting guidelines. Additionally, they do not comply with the Australian Standards related to sport lighting.  
• Risk to public and safety: Insufficient lighting puts players at risk of injury from wayward balls.

As a result of the inadequate lighting, the Men’s, Women’s, and Junior grades have been restricted to daylight training only – significantly limiting their ability to practice. The new lights will improve visibility and create a safer training environment, helping to reduce the risk of injury. 

To ensure the facility’s lighting meets operational and safety standards for players, City of Darwin have sought guidance from operational experts, NT Cricket and the Darwin Cricket Club to upgrade the lighting. 

Council has provided in-principle support for NT Cricket and Darwin Cricket Club to upgrade the existing training net lights at Kahlin Oval. A report will be presented to Council in January 2026 detailing design and technical specifications, funding confirmation, and feedback received from the community on the proposal for Council’s consideration. 

What does the update propose? 

To replace the current lights that do not meet compliance and safety standards, four new 12-metre light poles will be installed, one at each corner of the training nets.   

Although the current lights sit at 5-6m in height, the new LED lights will be fitted to the poles and angled to comply with obtrusive lighting standards, leading to reduced glare and light spill to surrounding areas.  

Lights will operate only during approved hours, with automatic shut-off controls in place:  

• Sunday to Thursday: 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm  
• Friday and Saturday: 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm  

These hours are consistent with other City of Darwin recreation facilities. The public training lane will remain open for daytime use.

To view the technical drawings, including the mock-up of the new light poles, calculated horizontal illuminance, light intensity increments and area of works, click here.

Community benefits of the upgrade 

• The upgrade will extend training opportunities by enabling evening sessions, making it easier for players with daytime commitments to participate and stay active.   
• Upgraded lighting will improve safety and visibility in the wickets and provide a more comfortable space for parents and coaches.  
• Enhanced visibility will support more effective coaching and skill development, contributing to a more enjoyable training environment and higher player retention  
• The new lights will improve visibility and help minimise the risk of significant injury  
• Increased training capacity will allow more frequent and age-appropriate sessions, encourage greater participation and support long-term growth in community cricket  
• The upgrade will also enable dedicated women’s training sessions, creating a more inclusive environment and encouraging participation among women and girls 

QUESTIONS?

For more information about the proposed lighting upgrade and works, or to share your support or concerns for the proposal, please contact Clare Black, Senior Coordinator Recreation & Leisure at darwin@darwin.nt.gov.au or 08 8930 0300. 

You may also find answers to common questions in the FAQs provided below.

Stakeholder feedback is open from 14 November until 28 November 2025.  

FAQs

Who is NT Cricket?

NT Cricket is the Peak Sporting Body for Cricket in the Northern Territory.

What activities occur on Kahlin Oval?

There are four cricket training wickets, three are secure, fully enclosed, and used by the Darwin Cricket Club for training Monday to Friday during the NT cricket season (February to September).  

The fourth wicket is unenclosed and accessible to the public during daylight hours all year.

Why are the new lights necessary?  

The lighting upgrade is essential because the current system does not meet modern guidelines or standards, limiting the club's ability to train after dark. New lighting, compliant with Cricket Australia’s standards, will not only improve safety for its users, but will also enhance the club's capacity to provide training facilities for junior, men's and women's cricketers. 

Click here for Cricket Australia's complete Floodlighting Guide. 

What are the benefits of upgrading the lights?

This project will benefit the cricket community in several ways:  

1. The upgrade will also enable dedicated women’s training sessions, creating a more inclusive environment and encouraging participation among women and girls 
2. Increased training capacity will allow more frequent and age-appropriate sessions, encourage greater participation and support long-term growth in community cricket  
3. The new lights will improve visibility and help minimise the risk of significant injury  
4. Enhanced visibility will support more effective coaching and skill development, contributing to a more enjoyable training environment and higher player retention  
5. Upgraded lighting will improve safety and visibility in the wickets and provide a more comfortable space for parents and coaches.  
6. The upgrade will extend training opportunities by enabling evening sessions, making it easier for players with daytime commitments to participate and stay active.   

Will this increase number of users of the oval?

No, the lights will not affect use of the oval itself, but they will extend the amount of time the oval can be used.

Will this increase use of the training nets?

Yes, the lights will result in an estimated 1.5hrs additional use each day Monday to Friday during the NT cricket season.

What time can the lights be operated? 

The training net lights will be operated via a controller that only allows the club to turn lights on between 4:00pm – 9:00pm Sunday to Thursday and 4:00 – 10:00pm Friday and Saturday, consistent with all other City of Darwin outdoor recreation facilities. 

Will the public be able to use the lights? 

No, the public will still only have access to a single unenclosed wicket during daylight hours. 

How bright will the lights be from neighbouring houses? 

The new lights are not expected to have any additional impact on neighbouring houses. The training nets currently have lights that are not mounted on the fence and are directed at a 45-degree angle to the ground. The new lights will be mounted higher on new poles, allowing them to be directed more towards the ground and thus reducing light spill into the surrounding area. 

Click here for Cricket Australia's complete Floodlighting Guide. 

How much will this cost?

Cricket Training Net Lights Project is estimated to cost up to $115,000 

Who is funding this project?

Most of the project costs are covered by the Northern Territory Government Community Benefit Fund and Cricket Australia. The Darwin Cricket Club is responsible for the remaining costs. 

City of Darwin will continue to maintain the lights and monitor the site to ensure it remains safe and well-kept for community use, with no increase in ongoing maintenance requirements.

Will any trees be removed? 

Two coconut trees at rear of nets may be removed and replaced with four new trees in line with City of Darwin’s Greening policy. The large fig tree is to be retained and protected during construction. 

How long is construction expected to take?

If endorsed by Council, once works commence, it is expected to take approximately 8 weeks to complete the project

What is the current status of the project?   

Council has provided in-principle support for the proposal subject to: 

• Feedback from key stakeholders  
• Financial planning for ongoing maintenance and renewal 
• Design and technical specifications, including Arboriculture Impact Assessment and service upgrades 
• Funding confirmation