Street lighting frequently asked questions
Public Lighting in Maroondah City Council is designed to make better use of open space and create a safer night time environment for the community.
Aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we endeavour to make our neighbourhoods more walkable and bicycle friendly, noting the impact public lighting can have on public transport and the rate of uptake of alternative modes of transport.
Find out about the types of street lighting within our municipality and other frequently asked questions below.
Who is the beneficiary of street lighting on Local Roads?
The purpose of street lighting on local roads within Maroondah is to provide illuminance for pedestrians walking on the footpath or nature strip. In some cases, elevated lighting levels are placed in proximity to local area traffic management devices such as pedestrian refuge islands.
What types of streetlights fall under the responsibility of Maroondah City Council?
Maroondah City Council are responsible for the operation and maintenance of lighting within Parks and Council reserves, car parks and around other Council Buildings.
Standard and non-standard streetlighting is operated and maintained by AusNet and funded by the relevant road authority.
If you see a faulty or broken streetlight, please contact the relevant operator.
Can I request a new streetlight if my street is too dark (Existing lighting)?
Yes, Council can consider new street light requests.
Typically, overhead streetlights are located on every second power pole along roads in urban areas, consistent with lighting schemes adopted by most councils at the time. Usually, this spacing is sufficient in accordance with the Australian Standard AS/NZS:1158 Lighting for roads and public spaces.
However, should you feel there is not enough lighting in your street, Council Engineers will undertake an investigation of the current streetlight spacing at the location in line with the Maroondah Public Lighting Policy.
Can I request for the removal of street lighting?
In general, requests for removal of street lighting will not be supported.
Why does my streetlight emit a white colour as opposed to previously being yellow?
Council proactively explores additional renewal opportunities to achieve environmental benefits and cost savings. In 2013/14, around 37 percent of Council’s total greenhouse gas emissions was attributable to street lighting alone; this represents around 5,380 tonnes of carbon dioxide entering our atmosphere each year.
Council has been systematically replacing energy-intensive mercury vapour and incandescent lighting which appear more yellow/orange with more efficient light emitting diode (LED) and compact fluorescent alternatives which emits a whiter/bluer colour.
Where can I find any other information regarding street lighting?
The Maroondah Public Lighting Policy provides further guidance on the design, installation and management of public lighting within the City of Maroondah.
See the Maroondah Public Lighting Policy.