This is claimed to be a 'public consultation' process, and our views on the plan should be carefully listened to, and changes made if the suggestions are an improvement on the current plan to spend $2.5 million on this project, which includes lighting Victoria Park.

In these difficult economic times, it does seem to me almost obscene to think of spending so much money on a project that is meant to benefit a small group of people who want to run in the dark!

But it was an election promise made by the Victorian Government, and the money has been committed, so how can we make the best of the project?

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There are two major considerations - the environmental impact on the lake, and the aesthetic impact on a highly valued heritage precinct. If we must have lights, what is the gentlest touch that will light the path, but not impact on trees, birds, fish and insects?

A number of groups have lobbied on behalf of nature, and offered scientific evidence as to how artificial lighting disturbs the lifecycles of creatures in the natural world.

There is already quite some illumination coming from street lighting around Wendouree Parade, so there is no point in duplicating that light.

A subtle and innovative solution tried in other cities is the use of a light-sensitive paving material, which lights up when feet come into contact with it.

This has been used effectively around Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra. Another solution is the use of bollards, with small solar panels on top that light up in the dark.

These bollards could be made to the heritage pattern used in many parts of Ballarat.

But what is the proposal? It is to place 220 five-metre high poles, fabricated in a stark modern design, topped with 'high-powered' lights that will throw light over the surrounding area, and not just the pathway.

READ MORE: DISCORD OVER LAKE LIGHTING OPTIONS

The lights will disturb the nocturnal patterns of wildlife, and the ugly poles will add an unwanted level of clutter to the foreshore, which is valued because of its natural quality. And laying power cables and placing the poles are likely to cause damage to tree roots.

Ballarat Heritage Watch and other community groups want a compromise solution to lighting the path, which will give more respect to nature, and the aesthetic qualities of the lake foreshore. And will likely cost a lot less than $2.5 million.

Dr. Anne Beggs-Sunter, President, Ballarat Heritage Watch.

In recently published postdoctoral research (Plymouth University) Svenja Tidau noted that many nocturnal animal species use light from the moon and stars in search of food, shelter and mates.

Even slight changes in night time light levels brings about modifications in their behaviour.

At a time when council is being scrutinised for overspend on the Gatekepers Cottage and fernery redevelopment, what imperative is driving the need to increase light pollution around Lake Wendouree?

As a frequent walker, jogger and nature observer, often pre-dawn or dusk, lack of artificial light has never impacted on my activity.

The incremental creep in favour of human activity around Lake Wendouree (including multiple outdoor gyms) threatens the benefits we can all, young and old, gain from the richness on offer at a time when species are being threatened worldwide.

Carmel Hempenstall, Lake Wendouree.

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