Installation of light pole footings begins for lake lighting construction

Works to install footings for 225 light poles as part of construction of the $3,170,000 Lake Wendouree and Victoria Park Link Lighting project started on Tuesday 9 May.

Local contractor DL Earthworks is using an auger drilling machine for each of the pole locations, where the footing cages will be set into concrete underground to provide foundations for the light poles.

The works will begin on the north side of the lake foreshore, near the Forest Street and Wendouree Parade roundabout.

The works will be guided by a project arborist and will comply with the Tree and Construction Management Plan for the project.  

Underground boring of electrical conduit for 225 lights has almost reached the half-way mark around the lake, with 2.7 of the 6.5 kilometres and 88 electrical pits completed.

Local contractor Pipe Pro Directional Drilling began underground boring on 27 February on the north side of the lake foreshore and has now almost reached the Ballarat Yacht Club.

The olive green poles and fittings will be installed from mid-June before the lights are commissioned by the electrical engineer in July.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said installation of the light pole fittings is the next important step in this significant project.

“The contractors are making great progress with the lake lighting project,” he said.

“We are working to have lake lighting switched on in July – right in the middle of the darker winter months – so that our residents can enjoy an accessible and safe environment when the sun sets earlier.”

The 225 light poles around the lake and seven light poles along Morrison Street will light a route from Lake Wendouree to nearby Victoria Park.

Powered by 100 per cent renewable energy, the LED lighting will turn off at 10pm each night and turn on each morning at 5.30am. The lights will then turn off in the morning via a sensor in the light fitting that measures the level of natural light.

The City of Ballarat has prepared a Tree Management Plan and a Construction Management Plan which also comply with the Australian Standard 4970 Protection of Trees on Development Sites.

Works are expected to predominantly take place within the confines of the Steve Moneghetti Track and either side of it.  

The City of Ballarat and the contractor are working to ensure minimal disruption to local businesses and other lake users, including those with boatsheds, during the construction phase. Temporary fencing is being installed around the works areas to ensure public safety with slight detours put in place around sections of the walking track, when required.

Regional contractor DeAraugo and Lea Electrical has been appointed to deliver the project and is utilising local sub-contractors and suppliers.  

Lake lighting was identified as the number one priority in the City of Ballarat’s Lake Wendouree Master Plan in 2017 following extensive community and local resident engagement.

View the latest project updates at ballarat.vic.gov.au/lakelighting.