City of Greater Geelong Council has funded a $92,000 LED lighting project to provide a safer experience for community members travelling alongside Geelong’s Western Beach.
The lighting upgrade on the Bob McGovan Path saw 51 streetlights along the shared path replaced with new poles and brighter, more energy efficient and longer lasting LEDs.
The Bob McGovan Path runs along the Geelong Waterfront from the Western Beach Boat Club to Rippleside Park.
Mayor, Peter Murrihy said the lighting upgrade would benefit active transport users – including walkers, runners and cyclists – for many years to come.
“The path is highly popular with both locals and visitors, forming a key part of our iconic waterfront. The new light poles look outstanding and the LED lights have made the path more appealing to travel on at night,” the Mayor said.
Councillor Eddy Kontelj, of Brownbill Ward, said the lighting upgrade had been funded by the Council in response to community requests and would bring benefits on several fronts.
“The lights are now much brighter and more efficient, meaning this project is great for community safety but also helps the Council work towards its environmental and economic sustainability aims,’ Cr Kontelj said.
The City is progressively switching all of Greater Geelong’s 25,000 streetlights to LEDs, which are around 85% more efficient than traditional streetlights.
The move is a key action in the Council’s Climate Change Response Plan, which sets a target of reaching net zero emissions in the City’s operations by 2025.