Lighting protestors rally, again

“GET it right” was the mantra repeated throughout a rally that took place at Lake Wendouree last week.

About 100 people gathered near the Olympic Rings to protest the light pole placements set to be installed along Steve Moneghetti Track.

The long-touted project would consist of 225 aluminium light poles each at 5.5 metres tall, with further plans to include the fixtures in Victoria Park.

Among the speakers against the project was State shadow minister for planning and heritage Ryan Smith who was “disappointed” at the lack of mediation from local politicians in resolving the issue.

“To wash your hands of the issue just because it doesn’t fall into your area is actually not really acceptable as far as I can see,” he said.

Mr Smith urged residents to voice their concerns to local politicians in whatever way they can.

Funding for lights around Lake Wendouree was an election commitment from both sides of politics during the 2018 election campaign.

The State Government subsequently provided funding to the City of Ballarat to design and build the project.

At a cost of over $2.5 million, mayor Cr Daniel Moloney said that the lighting will go ahead after numerous iterations and five years of planning.

“I know the council has struggled for a few years with this one because there’s such strong views both for and against,” he said.

“There’s been a bit of a suggestion that things can be changed. The reality is they can’t be changed. The formal decision was made back in October.

“We need to continue to look at ways to mitigate the impact but also get as many positive outcomes out of it as well.”

In a City of Ballarat media release sent out 24 hours after the protest it was announced that municipal officers would be recommending the contract to install the lights be awarded to DeAraugo and Lea Electrical Contractors.