Feedback sought on street lights

THE City of Greater Geelong has drafted a new policy set to replace street lighting in the region with innovative and energy efficient alternatives.

Now open for community consultation, the draft Public Street Lighting Policy aims to deter from the previous policy adopted in 2008 which has lacked scope to prevent the installation of non-standard street lighting in developing areas.

The long-term impact has resulted in increased maintenance fees not covered by previous levy contributions.

Under the new draft, the scope for two new standard street lighting options has been detailed with approved colours to allow land developers the ability to create unique streetscapes.

Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher said by driving consistency the city will be in a better position to manage street lighting at a lower cost while providing a more sustainable approach.

“This draft policy provides for lower costs to the community, less waste and less maintenance,” she said.

“It also positions Greater Geelong for more contemporary, energy efficient street lighting which can use technology to monitor public health and safety factors like air quality and traffic flow, providing data to inform future decision-making.”

As part of the lighting principles the city will engage SMART and energy efficient technologies which will have the
potential to further monitor pedestrian movement.

Chair of City Works, Parks and Gardens portfolio, Cr Anthony Aitken said the draft had detailed efficient street light fittings and control management systems.

“It is 13 years since this policy was first developed and a major aim of the proposed new standards is to make street lighting environmentally and financially sustainable,” he said.

“We welcome hearing from the community and developers in particular before making a final decision, to ensure this renewed policy is supported and responds to an ability to have clever and creative street lighting in our new urban land developments occurring across Geelong.”