Lighting project shines the light on energy efficiency
Date published: 8 June 2016
The next phase of Townsville City Council’s LED Lighting Project will begin this week, to upgrade old style outdoor lighting with modern, energy-efficient LEDs.
Council will replace 90 lights at Dan Gleeson Gardens, West End Park, The Perfumed Garden, Strand Park and the Strand Jetty over June and July.
The project kicked off in 2014 and has already seen 600 brand new, energy-saving LED lights installed along The Strand, Riverway, Castle Hill, RSL Stadium and Jezzine Barracks.
Infrastructure Committee chair Cr Mark Molachino said LEDs had a total energy saving in excess of 75%.
“Significant advances have been made in the 20 years since some of this original lighting was installed,” Cr Molachino said.
“There are so many benefits to LEDs – everything from less glare for improved CCTV performance, to lower running costs and less maintenance.
“Switching to LEDs will benefit park users offering more direct, effective lighting.
“The use of LED lights will ensure we are using energy in a more sustainable way at the city’s most loved locations.”
The $198,280 project will offer significant savings for council, with the lights expected to pay for themselves within six years.
The project will also see some street lighting replaced over the coming weeks on Gregory and Palmer Sts.
The contract for the work has been awarded to local electrical contractors Minelec and Lex Electrics.
Project Fast Facts:
* Three fluorescent lights = energy of one LED bulb
* LEDs don’t attract bugs
* LEDs don’t contain mercury
* Neutral white colour of LEDs is easier on the eye than warm white
* 70,000 hour lifespan = less maintenance and lower running costs
* Council will recycle old lighting
