City trials lake lighting

TWO temporary electric lights have been installed along Lake Wendouree’s Steve Moneghetti Track as part of the City’s lake lighting system trial.

Over the coming months the municipality is asking nearby residents, and those running and walking the lake’s track, to give their feedback on the design, the varying levels of brightness, and effectiveness before the City decides on a permanent set for the entire track.

With $2.5 million worth of State Government funding, the project’s first stage will eventually see 240 lights around Lake Wendouree, 25 metres apart. As part of a second stage, further lights along Morrison Street beside Loreto College will create a lighting corridor to Victoria Park.

Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison said the plan is to give people more time to exercise, whether they are early risers or head out in the evening.

“In our winters it gets very dark, very early, and the sun doesn’t get out of bed very often, but we want people to stay healthy and active, so we will give them every possible encouragement to get out of bed on those cold mornings,” she said.

“It’s the heart of Ballarat and we want to make sure more people can enjoy it every day of the year for longer. It will be safer.”

Ms Addison said environmental protection is “front of mind.”

“These lights are going to be designed to take into account issues affecting our incredible local wildlife and ecology.”

City of Ballarat mayor, Cr Daniel Moloney said the lake is a challenging location to work with when installing technology.

“There’s significant heritage on the Botanical Gardens side of the lake and some beautiful old historic trees which we can’t damage the root structure of,” he said.

“In many cases, we need to bore under the tree roots to make sure they’re not damaged, and of course, the lights need to be functional and safe, so there’s a fair bit to it.

“The wildlife is predominantly around the water’s edge and in the water, so the direction of the lighting directly on the path, rather than the whole area, will be a key factor.”

Visit mysay.ballarat.vic.gov.au to participate in community consultation.