A new draft Public Street Lighting Policy sets the direction for new and replacement street lighting which is contemporary, innovative and energy efficient.
The new draft policy is set to replace the existing policy, adopted in 2008, which has lacked scope to prevent the installation of non-standard decorative street lighting in new land development areas. The impact, long-term, has been an increase in the City's maintenance costs which have not been adequately covered by previous maintenance levy contributions.
In addition to the proposed standard lighting, the new draft policy provides scope for two non-standard street lighting options in a range of approved colours, in recognition of land developer aspirations for the creation of unique streetscapes. By driving greater consistency, the policy will position the City to better manage the street lighting fleet at the lowest cost to the community and while minimising the long-term maintenance burden.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stephanie Asher said the direction set by the new draft policy would provide for a sustainable financial approach to the municipality's street lighting requirements.
As part of the defining the street lighting principles, the City will be able to leverage SMART and energy efficient street lighting technologies with the potential for sensors to monitor air quality, pedestrian movement and traffic flow.
This draft policy provides for lower costs to the community, less waste and less maintenance.
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.
Councillor Anthony Aitken, Chair of the City Works, Parks and Gardens portfolio said that the use of energy efficient street lighting fittings and control management systems would be a sustainable choice.
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.
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.
Community members are invited to view the concept plans and have their say via www.yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/PSLP
