Lake lighting project set to switch to construction this spring

Works are expected to start on the Lake Wendouree and Victoria Park Link Lighting project in October. 

The works will install 225 light poles and fittings around the Steve Moneghetti Track and seven light poles and fittings along Morrison Street, which will light a route from Lake Wendouree to nearby Victoria Park. 

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

Works are expected to begin in October and be completed by mid-2023. Construction timeframes will be dependent on the availability of materials, transport timeframes and weather conditions during construction. 

The smart, energy-efficient LED lake lighting will be fully programmable to carefully manage the hours of operation. The lights 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 lighting design incorporates low spill LED fittings to limit any spill and glare beyond and either side of the path. The lighting spill meets the requirements under the Australian Standard 1158.3.1:2020 Category PP3 for Public Lighting and the Ligman light fittings selected for the project are accredited by the International Dark-sky Association. 

The lights will also be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy after the City of Ballarat joined 45 other councils in signing the Victorian Energy Collaboration (VECO) Power Purchase Agreement. 

The City of Ballarat will work with the contractor to protect and maintain the health of trees and wildlife during the construction and once the lake lighting is operational.  

The project will be delivered via underground boring for electrical conduits to a depth of one metre to reduce the impact on tree root systems and minimise surface disruption. This method was recommended by an independent Arborist report and supported by the City of Ballarat’s arborist team.  

The works will be guided by a project arborist and will comply with specifically considered Tree Protection Zones and Structural Root Zones, in accordance with the Australian Standard 4970 Protection of Trees on Development Sites. 

The Lake Lighting project has considered a range of factors including an independent Biological Impact Assessment, an independent Arborist Assessment, a Cultural Heritage Management Plan and a Heritage Impact Assessment. 

City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Daniel Moloney said the lighting project would provide a safer environment for the lake's 350,000+ annual users, particularly after-hours and during winter months. 

“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,” he said. 

“The project will create a safer environment for our community who use the lake for health and recreation, particularly in the early mornings, evenings, and during the winter months. 

“We look forward to getting on and delivering this important project for our community, and hope to have the works completed ahead of next winter’s darker months. 

“It won’t be long until our residents will be able to make use of our most popular recreational location for a few extra hours a day.” 

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 will work to ensure minimal disruption to local businesses and other lake users, including those with boatsheds during the construction phase. 

Construction will be paused to ensure major events, such as SpringFest, Ballarat Begonia Festival, and major rowing and athletic events, can proceed with full access to the Steve Moneghetti Track. 

The $3,170,000 project is jointly funded by the State Government ($2,500,000) and the City of Ballarat ($670,000). 

For more information, including a comprehensive list of project FAQs, please visit ballarat.vic.gov.au/lakelighting.