Switch flicked on at lake lights

THE Lake Wendouree and Victoria Park link lighting project was officially marked as completed last week, with people now able to walk or jog around the waterway outside of daylight hours.

Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison, and Mayor Cr Des Hudson were on hand to mark the completion of the project, which was funded with $2.5 million from the State Government and $670,000 from the City of Ballarat.

An election commitment from the Labor Party during the 2018 State Election campaign, the lighting seeks to allow Ballarat residents to be able to exercise by the lake earlier in the morning or late at night as well as provide lit access the Botanical Gardens, adventure playground and Ballarat Tramway Museum.

“I’m so excited to see this project now complete and to be able to switch on the lights,” said Ms Addison.

“This has been a priority project for our community and makes this precinct safer and more accessible in the early morning and late afternoon.”

The 232 light poles which stretch around the Steve Moneghetti Track and Morrison Avenue use light sensors to turn on and off with the aim of protecting wildlife.

They are scheduled to be switched off at 10pm each night before being turned back on at 5.30am.

“Residents and visitors to Ballarat can now make use of our most popular recreational location for a few extra hours a day, particularly in the evenings and during the winter months,” said Cr Hudson.

“Thank you to the project team, including contractor DeAraugo and Lea Electrical for delivering the lake lighting project with the utmost care for the environment, wildlife, lake businesses and our community.”

The official flicking of the switch marks the end point to what has been an at times controversial project.

Vocal opposition to the installation of the lights around the lake of any form, or their final configuration, included rallies, legal challenges, and the intervention of the State’s legislated heritage body.

“We promised we would deliver this project, and we have,” said Ms Addison.

“There will be huge community benefits from our $2.5 million investment at Lake Wendouree for our early morning walkers, our after dark runners and everyone who enjoys our wondrous lake.”