Now that the state government has committed money, it would be "disappointing" if lights around Lake Wendouree are not installed by next winter, a City of Ballarat councillor said.
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Lights around the lake have been on the agenda for years, but there's still not enough movement from council's end, Cr Daniel Moloney said, noting the design work needed to balance Australian standards with community expectations.
"It's not stadium quality, it's passive lighting to make sure you're safe, not running into poles and you can recognise people coming around you," he said.
"It doesn't need to be super bright, and that means you can then re-think the spacing of the lights."
He said he hoped the project would go to tender before Christmas, to complete construction by winter.
In September, Cr Amy Johnson reiterated calls for the lake lighting project to begin.
The state government promised $2.5 million at the election for the project, which would include Lake Wendouree and Victoria Park, and told The Courier in September the funding was ready to go once planning was complete.
A Cultural Heritage Management Plan and lighting consultant has been engaged by council.
An article in The Courier from 2013 notes a council trial of lighting along the western shore, while a 2016 article includes a coalition of lake users calling for lighting.
Debate still rages on The Courier's opinion pages, with some saying lighting would encourage exercise through the winter, and others protesting potential effects on wildlife.
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