Council & Business
9 June, 2026
Lighting feedback opens
Central Goldfields Shire Council has invited feedback on their Draft Public Lighting Strategy calling it clearer, more consistent, and financially sustainable.
Central Goldfields Shire Council has invited feedback on how they plan to manage the shire’s street lighting describing it as clearer, more consistent, and financially sustainable.
The Draft Public Lighting Strategy applies to council’s 1324 streetlights, guiding future work, and replacing council’s “outdated” strategy.
The proposed Public Lighting Strategy discussed at last month’s council meeting aims to deliver public lighting safely, transparently and in-line with community expectations while recognising the shire’s long-term financial con-straints.
This is done by focusing on prioritising energy-efficient, standardised lighting and reducing long-term maintenance costs.
It also prioritises maintaining and renewing existing infrastructure rather than expanding the network.
The initiative is expected to require an estimated capital investment of approximately $440,000 with only modest increases in ongoing maintenance costs.
“Through disciplined budgeting and strong advocacy, council is restoring true long term financial sustainability while balancing continued support to the com-munity,” the strategy read.
According to council, additional street lighting in established areas can only be considered when external funding is available.
The proposed strategy breaks up council’s plan over the next decade.
Their short term goal, in one to three years, is to focus on compliance and seeking external funding for where lighting gaps exist.
In four to seven years, council proposed finding locations where lighting could improve the safety and usability of the bicycle network, ensure areas not intended for use at night are unlit, and achieving lighting targets with priority given to Dunolly and Carisbrook.
Long term, meaning eight or more years, council plan to review and update their lighting targets across all townships to achieve consistency with Maryborough’s current lighting standards.
Councillor Geoff Bartlett encouraged the community to have their say.
“It’s on the community’s head not ours — if you don’t respond then you can’t complain,” he said.
In a statement, mayor Ben Green also invited the community to share their feedback.
“We want to hear from residents about what matters most to them so we can make informed decisions that support liveability across all our towns,” he said.
The Draft Public Lighting Strategy is available for community feedback until 5 pm June 19.
Further information can be found at engage.cgoldshire.vic.gov.au/lights