ECONOMY FIRST IN COUNCIL LED LIGHTING TRIAL
TOWNSVILLE CITY Council is investigating ways to reduce the city’s electricity bill.
And it is exploring the possibility of a citywide installation of energy- efficient LED street lights.
Community Health and Environment Committee chair Cr Ann- Maree Greaney said converting lights to LED saved 75 per cent in power.
“Eventually converting local streetlights to LED would pay for themselves,” she said. “As a council we are committed to finding ways to be energy- efficient.
“Electricity costs are extraordinarily high and we are looking at ways to be efficient with energy. The issue of the high cost of electricity is up there with water security as a main concern for Townsville residents.”
Cr Greaney said the council wanted to be at the forefront of delivering innovative technological solutions.
“I think that it is a community expectation that we do so, and one the council supports,” she said. “While we are not there yet, we are committed to this process of reducing power cost for our city. We are not only examining upgrading the old style street lighting to modern, energy- efficient LEDs but we are looking at ways to reduce our power bill in all our buildings and facilities.”
Cr Greaney said council would collaborate with Ergon Energy to explore and foster effective pathways for a proposed citywide LED streetlight retro fit.
“The reason for these trials and exploring a range of methodologies is due to historical constraints in the way street lights are ‘ owned’ and managed in Townsville,” she said. “The next step in the process is to take it to the full council meeting.”
Cr Greaney said parts of the city had already trialled LED lighting.
The council replaced 90 lights at Dan Gleeson Gardens, West End Park, The Perfumed Garden, Strand Park and the Strand Jetty last year.
Cr Greaney said there were many benefits to LEDs, from less glare for improved CCTV performance, to lower running costs and less maintenance.
“The lights are expected to pay for themselves within six years.”