Public Lighting

The Public Lighting Policy and Procedure aims to provide a consistent and flexible approach to design, installation, maintenance and application of public lighting throughout the municipality.

Council provides a range of public lighting in streets and off-street public areas, open space and other public places throughout the municipality.

Energy distributors are responsible for the installation, maintenance and repair of most (unmetered) residential street lights under a mandatory arrangement. Council does not own un-metered public lighting infrastructure, but is responsible for the location and cost of street lighting. This includes electricity consumption, asset installation, maintenance and replacement of lamps and other luminaire parts as required.

The purpose of public lighting is generally seen to provide for the safety and security of the community: lighting on local roads and in open space areas provides for safe travel on roads and footpaths; while lighting of sports fields allows for night-time training and playing of community sports. Public lighting is not provided for the security of private property or people using it.

What are the aims of the Public Lighting Policy?

  • Improve public safety.
  • Provide a common standard and consistent approach for public lighting across the municipality.
  • Apply to public lighting in streets, off-street public areas, open space and other public places.
  • Provide equity for public lighting across the municipality.
  • Establish standards in regard to competing interests and expectations.
  • Ensure community expectations, in relation to relevant standards, cost effectiveness, sustainability and environmental issues, are consistently addressed.
  • Establish asset management standards to ensure best practice management and provision of public lighting.
  • Be consistent with related plans, policies and strategies of Council.