Street lighting upgrades planned for Beaconsfield and Garfield
Decorative street light fittings in Beaconsfield and Garfield will be replaced with energy efficient LED light fittings as part of a staged mercury vapour street light replacement program.
Approximately 400 existing 80-watt mercury vapour decorative street lights are scheduled to be replaced over the next nine months by Ausnet’s approved contractors.
The replacement of these fittings has been prioritised as the globes they use have been banned under the international Minamata convention due to the mercury they contain.
There are a number of benefits associated with the new LED fittings, which are approximately 80% more energy efficient, provide improved lighting quality and visibility, with efficient technology that directs more light towards the street, and have lower maintenance costs.
Council has worked to find new and similar alternative lights that match the original street lighting design, with enhanced functionality. The replacement light fittings are of a similar style to the existing lights.
Lights will be replaced in the following locations:
- Berwick Views Estate, Beaconsfield.
- Panorama Estate, Beaconsfield.
- Coach House Lane, Beaconsfield.
- Silky Oak Court, Garfield.
- Briarwood Close, Garfield.
A drop-in information session on the lighting replacement program for Beaconsfield and Garfield will be held on Wednesday 23 July from 10:30am – 12:30pm at the Beaconsfield Community Complex, 8 O’Neil Road, Beaconsfield. Representatives will be available to answer community members’ questions, discuss any concerns and present upcoming plans.
The LED street lighting upgrade program started in 2022, with more than 1,200 mercury vapour lights replaced across the shire to date. The upgrade program is funded by Council and AusNet services.
Council will continue to pause the replacement of mercury vapour lights in Heritage Springs and Lakeside estates pending the potential future approval by AusNet Services for a retrofit LED globe. Following concerns raised by the community, AusNet is reviewing the potential use of a retrofit LED globe in order to retain the existing light fittings in Heritage Springs. It’s anticipated a decision on the use of a LED retrofit globe will be known by April 2026.
For more information, please visit: www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/bettercardinia