Minjilang street lighting trial progress

West Arnhem Regional Council Works Officer Abel Margondili at the Minjilang Barge Landing where solar lighting was installed. This was made possible by the Department of Infrastructure.

New LED street lighting may be rolled out across West Arnhem communities following the trial of a new light system which took place in Minjilang.

West Arnhem Regional Councillors approved the new street lighting trial in Minjilang in July 2015, with 42 new-tech LED street lights installed on power poles around ‘high traffic’ areas in December.

From the trial, council intends to deliver quality street lights with increased longevity, low maintenance costs and reduced power bills, not just in Minjilang but across all West Arnhem communities.

With the project now complete it can be confirmed that the new quarterly expense for public lighting in Minjilang has greatly reduced, with the lighting also able to withstand high wind conditions and are vandal-proof and rust-proof.

The initial feasibility study predicted a saving on power costs of approximately $3000 per annum, meaning that council can expect to see a return on investment in early 2019.

Minjilang Council Services Manager Candice Siedler-Twine said the street lighting has been greatly received by the community.

The fourth-generation LED streetlights are twice as efficient as first generation technology, and are nestled behind a tough lens in a framework of double-powder coated aluminium.

Additional solar lighting was also provided by the Department of Infrastructure for the Minjilang Barge Landing with, “Minjilang residents enjoying the added safety when bringing in their boats or being able to see around during their night time fishing off the landing,” Candice said.

“I would like to thank Abel Margondili and Dennis Twine for their hard work constructing the light footing and standing the light pole up at the Barge Landing which was not an easy feat with 30km winds blowing constantly,” Candice said.