The state government funded the project as part of an election promise in 2018 - $2.5 million was allocated to install hundreds of lights around the Steve Moneghetti Track and through parts of Victoria Park.

The lights would turn on and off automatically depending on the time of year, illuminating at 5.30am or when triggered by a light sensor. After dark, the lights would stay illuminated until 11pm under current plans.

READ MORE: Full Lake Wendouree lighting plan revealed

The City of Ballarat has installed two examples of lighting designs for people to give feedback on, near the Olympic Rings - right now, they are switched on slightly earlier, from 5pm, during the winter.

Each focuses light in the area directly beneath it to reduce "spillage".

There are streetlights on the roadside around much of the lake, and some small lighting near the Botanic Gardens, but the area remains unsafe for anyone wanting to walk or run around the lake when it gets dark - which is about 5.30pm in the winter, when many people finish work.

Indeed, lake users can be dazzled by cars driving around curves, leaving the track and any posts or potholes practically invisible.

A City of Ballarat spokesperson said the planning process is still ongoing.

"Council is currently awaiting the outcome of a permit application with Heritage Victoria in relation to the Botanical Gardens Precinct," a spokesperson said in a statement.

"If approved, a planning permit for the Lake Lighting Project will be considered by council in due course."

Despite bipartisan support at the state election - the state Liberal Party also committed to funding the project - and years of advocacy from the community and athletes like Steve Moneghetti himself, more recently, the project has faced significant opposition from residents.

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A planning report was released earlier this year, with more detail regarding the 225 light poles required.

It also includes feedback on several rounds of community consultation - in 2017, 82 per cent of people who contributed to the Lake Wendouree Masterplan backed the project.

More recently, a community consultation that collected 150 responses showed 45 per cent supporting the project, and 46 per cent against, with the remaining views unstated.

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