There remains little light shed on City of Ballarat’s plans to introduce illumination along the Steve Moneghetti Track, despite the project being deemed a top priority on the City’s Lake Wendouree master plan, which was adopted by council in late November.

Ballarat councillor Amy Johnson has asked City officers for a costings briefing within the month on options. But Cr Johnson said diminishing daylight hours highlighted the need for what is an underfunded project.

Lake lighting has been flicking on and off council’s agenda for about six years, including a trial period on a lakeside stretch.

Cr Johnson said it was time to find a solution.

“It’s important to keep the conversation and momentum going because the project is unfortunately underfunded even though it is a high-priority,” Cr Johnson said.

“Days are getting super short now and that can mean it’s quite hard for busy people to find the time to go for a walk or run safely.”

Cr Johnson said an undulating surface added to track users’ concerns, as well as finding it harder to see other lake users after dusk.

This has been a consistent concern voiced by Ballarat athletes who have led the push for lighting, like Nic van Raaphorst in 2015, and from lake users responding to Cr Johnson about the issue via social media.

More than 80 per cent of Ballarat residents support the lake lighting concept.

Lighting impact on wildlife has been on of the key contentious points but Cr Johnson said the proposal features timed lighting, possibly similar to summer daylight, to still allow for long dark hours. Lighting position would also be considered.

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Cr Johnson has also called for costing on lights sympathetic to the heritage feel of the lake as voiced by the public in the last round of community survey on the lake.

Council’s previous Lake Wendouree master plan was 20 years old. 

Community needs have since taken on stronger demands for exercise and socialising in the lake precinct.

READ MORE: Shining a light on the issue

Exercise and relaxation/socialisation were named the top two lake uses by the city’s residents in creating the new master plan.

This was followed by dining and cafes, playgrounds, then picnics and barbecues.