Bright Idea Brings Eco Lighting to Moreland
Statement from Mayor Lambros Tapinos:
A world-first lighting project has been completed in Moreland, with 106 uniquely designed solar lights installed over 1.6 km of the Upfield bike path at Fawkner Cemetery.
The lights are designed to minimise light pollution using cutting-edge LED displays, cre ating an effect similar to airport runway lighting – a strip of red on the left and white on the right. The solar lights will save on electricity costs and will make our bike paths safer and more accessible after dark.
“Council first trialled the lights in 2007, at Anstey Train Station and the Merri Creek velodrome precinct,” Mayor Lambros Tapinos said. “We received a lot of positive community feedback. The next step was to install the lighting on a larger scale.
“It is important that our bicycle users groups feel secure using our bike paths day and night, without upsetting residents or the native fauna as flood-lighting can do,” Cr Tapinos said. “The design of these lights fulfils that requirement and being solar powered, we were able to have them installed without digging up the path. It was a responsible and conscience decision.”
The “Solar Path” lights, designed by Hugh Mitchell from SolarOne Marketing, have caught the attention of other metropolitan Melbourne Councils, which are now ready to follow Moreland’s lead.
“In Moreland, we’re very conscious of the environment and ways to protect it. Installing solar lighting was a bright idea,” Cr Tapinos said.
The solar lights are made of industrial-strength alloy, making them vandal-resistant and able to withstand up to fifteen years of off-street pathway traffic abuse. They can operate for years without maintenance.
Media enquiries:
Phone Moreland City Council’s Communications unit on 9240 2312.