New temporary light towers installed at Lake Wendouree

The temporary structures have been placed near the corner of Carlton Street for a final round of consultation before the City of Ballarat will set about installing new lights right around the 6km circuit.

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Mayor Daniel Moloney and Wendouree MP Juliana Addison braved the wet conditions on Tuesday to unveil the new lights.

The lights are part of a $2.5 million state government commitment, with the money provided in the 2019-20 state budget. The City of Ballarat will vote early next year after the final consultation period has been completed with a goal to have construction begin on the new lights in the second half of 2021, with a completion date set for early 2022.

Ms Addison said the new design had taken in feedback from users and Lake Wendouree residents who had held concerns about sight lines with other designs.

"The installation we have put near the Olympic rings near Lake Wendouree is a temporary installation that will give people a sense of what these lights will look like," she said.

"We are really encouraging people to jump on the City of Ballarat website and give us your opinion.

"It's really important that we consider the people who live around the lake, that is also what we're taking into account. The wonderful thing with the technology is it doesn't have to be on until 9pm every night. 9pm in June is very different to 9pm say in March, we will be able to monitor the usage and I think common sense should be in the best interest of the community in how they are used."

Cr Moloney said there were a number of designs being considered.

"People will remember several years ago, we had bollards trial lights, we've had other lights near Carlton Street," he said.

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"This is really just a case of getting a few different lights in place and seeing what people like the best.

"See what's safe and suitable for runners and walkers around the lake when it's dark, as well as what's also practical for wildlife.

"There's quite a few different things we should try right now in terms of the look and feel, and really, seeing is believing which is why we're putting in the temporary lights which is why people can see."

Ms Addison said the first stage of the development would focus on Lake Wendouree, with a second stage to follow encompassing Victoria Park.

"We've also got some plans to light up parts of Victoria Park," she said.

"The commitment right now is not to light up the whole of Victoria Park but I'm happy to go on the record to say that is something that I will be very interested to in the future.

"Our priority right now is lake lighting and that is something the community has wanted for a very long time."

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