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Replacement of more than a thousand existing street lights with new energy efficient LED for Wellington Shire starts 1 May 2022

Wellington Shire Council will undertake a bulk replacement of more than 1400 streetlights from 1 May, as part of a Gippsland-wide project to improve energy use and safety.

By news@gippsland - 7th April 2022 - Back to News

The upgrade will involve the replacement of existing streetlights with new high performance and energy efficient LED lighting. By the end of the project, all street lights in Wellington Shire will be LED. The new lights will reduce council's energy usage by 488,300 kWh per year, saving around 470 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year, resulting in significant cost savings. The bulk replacement will also help council improve compliance with Australian Standards in safety and light levels.

LED streetlights are better for the environment, they improve our compliance with Australian safety and light level standards which mean our streets are safer

Completing the street lights

Wellington Shire Council Mayor Ian Bye said around 70 percent of streetlights had already been replaced with LED lighting in 2017. "This project will allow us to complete the remaining lights, including on major roads, with lighting that lasts longer and performs better."

"In our 2021-25 Council Plan, Climate Change was identified as our number one priority so changing our street lighting to a more energy efficient alternative is a no-brainer for the council. Apart from reducing greenhouse gas emissions, changing street lights to LED is also one of the biggest ongoing cost saving measures council can undertake." Cr Bye said.

Undertaking essential projects

The streetlight upgrade project was made possible through $1,250,000 in funding from the Australian Government through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. This program supports councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia, supporting jobs and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the project would save approximately $9.4 million in energy and capital costs across Wellington, East Gippsland and South Gippsland Shire Councils over the assets' lifetime. "The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program is designed to support councils undertaking essential projects for the region to help improve community infrastructure, accessibility to services and appropriate facilities," Mr Chester said.

For more information about this project, visit Streetlights LED Bulk Replacement - Phase 2 page or contact council's Sustainability Project Officer by calling the Service Centre on 1300 366 244.
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Pictures from Wellington Shire Council Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Latrobe Council urges Premier Carroll to fast-track investment, industry growth and secure future jobs in Valley
  Latrobe City Council has urged newly appointed Premier Ben Carroll to meet urgently on economic diversification, investment and job creation as the region faces energy transition, manufacturing job losses and Yallourn 2028 closure.
• Construction begins on Warragul’s $30M Library and Learning Centre, delivering new community, cultural and co-working spaces by 2028
  Construction has begun on Warragul’s $30 million Library and Learning Centre, featuring library, cultural, meeting and co-working spaces, with opening planned for early 2028.
• Darren Chester blames Labor-Greens timber shutdown as Maryvale Mill job losses hit Gippsland workers and families
  Federal MP Darren Chester says 84 more Maryvale Mill job losses stem from Labor-Greens forestry policies, urging state and federal governments to fund an economic transition plan for the Latrobe Valley.
• Latrobe City Council pushes for jobs, investment, housing and community safety during Victorian Parliament delegation
  Latrobe City Council has urged Victorian leaders to back jobs, housing, investment, community safety, energy transition projects and infrastructure to strengthen long-term regional economic growth.
• East Gippsland Council connects local contractors with upcoming projects, opportunities and business support initiatives on 21 August 2026
  Around 80 local contractors attended East Gippsland Shire Council’s annual breakfast, gaining insights into upcoming projects, procurement opportunities, tendering processes and business support initiatives for local enterprises.
• East Gippsland Council develops financial sustainability strategy to manage costs and protect essential services over the next decade
  East Gippsland Shire Council is developing a financial strategy to address rising costs, improve efficiency, prioritise infrastructure spending and maintain essential services while strengthening long-term financial sustainability.
• East Gippsland Council completes initial flood recovery assessments, providing support and referrals to affected residents and businesses
  East Gippsland Shire Council has supported flood-affected residents and businesses through assessments, referrals and waste assistance following October’s severe rainfall, coordinating with emergency services, volunteers and agencies.
• East Gippsland Council seeks community feedback on general local law review before 2027 expiry, submit by 2 October 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its General Local Law review, covering public spaces, safety, amenity and local activities, with consultation open until Friday, October 2.
• East Gippsland Council begins targeted roadside slashing program to reduce fire risks ahead of approaching fire season
  East Gippsland Shire Council has begun targeted roadside slashing ahead of fire season, prioritising vegetation growth, local conditions and emerging fire risks, with progress updates available online.
• Paynesville Council seeks $4M for intersection upgrades to unlock 1,400 new homes
  Paynesville's $4 million intersection upgrade proposal aims to improve road safety, ease congestion and unlock around 1,400 new homes in the town's growth area.
• East Gippsland Council calls for ESVF levy reform ahead of November Victorian state election
  East Gippsland Shire Council is urging Victorian election candidates to reform the ESVF levy, citing disproportionate regional costs and seeking fairer, transparent emergency services funding.
• Martin Cameron and Melina Bath heard Gippsland builders’ concerns, pledge reforms to improve housing affordability and supply
  Martin Cameron and Melina Bath met Gippsland builders to discuss housing affordability challenges, citing rising taxes, fees and planning delays. The Nationals and Liberals propose faster approvals, increased land supply and tax relief.
• Melina Bath condemned Labor over soaring vehicle thefts, with Victoria recording nearly twice New South Wales' victims
  Melina Bath has condemned Labor over soaring vehicle thefts, citing Victoria's high theft rate and major increases across eastern Victoria, while calling for more police, stronger bail laws and tougher sentencing.