Our street lights will be more sustainable thanks to an upgrade to energy efficient LED lights. These lights use 60 per cent less energy and will save up to $2.9 million in energy and maintenance costs over 20 years.
The replacement works are over two stages, with stage one works being a like for like LED retrofit and more complex retrofits taking place during stage two.
Stage one works begin on 28 August until late September. The LED installation will occur during night time (between 9.00pm and 5.00am) and is expected to finish at the end of September. Stage two works will start in 2024.
All old lights will be recycled at accredited facilities into new products supporting our circular economy and the environment.
This is a positive step towards net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2028 for Council operations and net zero emissions by 2035 for the Manningham community as set out in our Climate Emergency Response Plan.
FAQs
How long will the LED light replacement take and at what time will works happen?
Resident safety is very important, and we have taken time to carefully plan our works. We have scheduled the LED replacement from 9.00pm to 5.00am when there is less traffic. We have already completed most residential street lights and are now moving onto replacing old lights along main roads. Project completion for stage one is expected at the end of September.
Why did you decide to replace the lights?
The LED light replacement project was endorsed by Council through the Manningham Climate Emergency Action Plan (CEAP). This is a like for like replacement that uses 60 per cent less energy and will save $1.9 to $2.9 million in energy and maintenance costs.
To find out more, visit Responding to climate change.
Why isn’t my area being upgraded?
Most residential street lights in Manningham have been upgraded. The new LED lights use our existing street light structures so won’t look any different from the old ones. We are now replacing lights along main roads. See the map below for all LED replacement locations.
Streets scheduled to be upgraded appear in red on the map above.
How are you going to stop the new lights from lighting the wrong places?
The new LED design can direct light to specific areas, improving visibility.
How long will these new lights last and how much energy do they use?
The new LED lights are expected to last for 20 years and use 60 per cent less energy. These replacement works are part of our commitment to reducing our environmental impact and our Climate Emergency Response Plan (CERP).
Find out more about the CERP at Responding to climate change.
How long will any disruptions last while the LED lights are being replaced?
We will be contacting residents directly affected by the LED light replacement works.
Why is Council putting money towards replacing lights that work?
The existing lights are energy intensive compared to the new LED lights. This replacement will save $1.9 to $2.9 million in energy and maintenance costs over 20 years.
Why did you choose that LED design?
The chosen LED design uses 60 per cent less energy and focuses light where it is needed. This new design means we can use our energy and cost savings to support other community works.
Who is installing the new LED lights?
We are working with United Energy and AusNet Services distribution networks our project partners to ensure the project is successfully completed.
There are many other things Council could be doing to help the climate, why was this decision made?
In 2020 we declared a climate emergency and prioritised urgent climate actions. We have rolled out many initiatives over recent years to reduce climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. The energy efficient LED street lights will be a big step towards net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2028 for Council operations and net zero emissions by 2035 for the Manningham community.
Find out more about our Climate Emergency Response Plan.
How long will disruptions last while the LED lights are being replaced?
Any temporary traffic disruptions are expected to be around 15 to 30 minutes as the installation crew work from pole to pole.
Will these works affect our green spaces and wildlife?
Green spaces are at the heart our community and we have made sure LED light replacement works are sensitively designed to protect our flora and fauna.
How is the LED light replacement a good investment?
The LED light replacement project will save enough funds to create a return on our project investment after six years.
Why did Council choose these particular lights?
The LED light selection was based on energy and cost efficiency and suitability from United Energy and AusNet Services distribution.
Are the old lights recycled?
Yes. This includes recycling 98 per cent of the glass, mercury and aluminium materials at accredited recycling facilities.
