Underground boring to take place as part of lake lighting construction

Underground boring for the installation of electrical conduit will take place later this month as part of construction of the $3,170,000 Lake Wendouree and Victoria Park Link Lighting project. 

Local contractor Pipe Pro Directional Drilling will begin underground boring on Monday 27 February on the north side of the lake foreshore, near the Forest Street and Wendouree Parade roundabout. 

Seven kilometres of electrical conduit will power the 225 light poles around the lake and seven light poles along Morrison Street, which will light a route from Lake Wendouree to nearby Victoria Park. 

The underground boring will be conducted to a depth of one metre to reduce the impact on tree root systems and minimise surface disruption.  

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. 

The underground boring works will be guided by a project arborist and will comply with Tree Protection Zones and Structural Root Zones.  

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. 

Temporary fencing will be 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 will utilise local sub-contractors and suppliers.   

Cultural heritage inductions with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation were held in January, along with arboriculture inductions with contractors as part of the conditions of the Heritage Victoria permits.  

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. 

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said it’s exciting to see this significant project being delivered for the community. 

“Lake lighting will encourage more residents to step out into our incredible Lake Wendouree precinct for a few extra hours a day all year-round, particularly in the early mornings, evenings and during the winter months,” he said. 

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

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 lights will also be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy. 

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.  

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

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