LED Streetlight Upgrade

We are upgrading approximately 4,100 inefficient standard minor and major road street lights. Energy efficient LED lighting will replace the existing mix of standard Mercury Vapour, High Pressure Sodium and Fluorescent streetlights. This project will save money and support our sustainability goals and aspirational target of a net-zero carbon community by 2040. 

By upgrading our streetlights, we are not only improving visibility and safety at night for drivers and pedestrians but also significantly decreasing energy consumption and maintenance costs. 

Benefits to the Shire, our residents and the environment include:

  • A reduction in energy consumption by over 55 per cent. Equivalent to lighting 1,240 average Australian homes a year! (This equates to approximately 14,870 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions saved over the life of the new LEDs (20+ years)).
  • Estimated savings of approximately $4-6 million during the life of operation.
  • Improved compliance with Australian standards in terms of safety and street lighting levels. 
  • Greater uniformity of light across and along the street.

The process for replacing a streetlights is typically quick and efficient. Therefore, any disruptions to traffic flow in your street should not last long. The works are expected to begin in April 2024 and last until mid 2025. Please be aware that during this time there may be some minor traffic disruptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of public street lighting?

Street lighting improves road user safety at night by illuminating roads and footpaths and makes it easier for people to drive or walk along streets at nights. Street lighting is not designated to identify private property locations or provide property security lighting.

When will the works be taking place?

Works are planned to take place from April 2024 – mid 2025.

For a project of this size, specific works schedules are developed on a week-by-week basis. Weather and other contributing factors can result in delays. Works can be expected to occur on weekdays.

Where will the fittings be changed?

The upgrade project will span fittings across the entire Peninsula. It will be divided into four general stages:

  • Mornington / Mount Eliza (April - August)
  • Mount Martha / Arthurs Seat (August –October)
  • Southern Peninsula (October – January)
  • Western Port side January – April).

Please note: the timing and sequence of these stages may change.

How will the works affect my street?

The changeover of a streetlight involves a single elevated work platform with two to three crew members. In most locations it takes less than 10 minutes to replace a streetlight, with more complex locations taking up to 25-30 minutes. In most locations there will be minimal disruption to traffic, however crews may be required to close traffic lanes for a period of time. All cars can remain parked on the street.

Why did the Shire choose these particular lights?

The LED lights have been selected based on energy efficiency, cost efficiency and suitability from the selection of products approved for use by United Energy, which is the distribution company that owns the lighting infrastructure across your region.

The lights have been tested to ensure they meet relevant Australian Standards in regards to safety and light levels. These lights are already operating across a number of council areas in Victoria.

The new lights have:

  • Greater uniformity of light across and along the street
  • Better colour rendering and visibility
  • Less depreciation of light output over time 
  • Less glare
  • Lower maintenance costs.

Who is installing the new lights and removing the old ones?

A company called Ventia have been engaged to install the new LEDs and remove the old lights. Ventia will be liaising with us throughout the project.

How long do the lights last?

The luminaire (the main body of the light including the LED light source) will last about 20 years, as will the LED chips. 

Who actually owns the lights?

The lights are owned and maintained by United Energy. United Energy also owns the poles and wiring that distribute electricity to Mornington Peninsula Shire. The Shire pays for the electricity the lights consume and the ongoing maintenance of the street lights.

Are the old lights recycled?

Yes. The recycling of old lights taken down during the project is the responsibility of the installer. The tender for replacement of lights specifies waste disposal requirements, which include the recycling of around 98% of the old lights.

For example, the glass collected is recycled into products such as glass wool insulation for homes. The mercury is distilled and reused in the dental industry to manufacture amalgam. The aluminium body and other fixed components (for example, steel screws and copper wires) are collected and end up as ingots used in the industry.

     
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