In good news for runners, walkers, cyclists, people who enjoy being outside before or after work in the winter, dogs, event organisers, and more, Lake Wendouree's long-awaited lighting has received approval from Heritage Victoria.
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According the City of Ballarat, a permit has been issued for the state government-funded project from Heritage Victoria, meaning it can now move to the next phase.
The $2.5 million project was backed by both major parties at the 2018 state election, and will eventually see 225 lights installed around the lake and eventually parts of Victoria Park, increasing safety for lake users.
READ MORE: Full Lake Wendouree lighting plans revealed
The lights are designed to turn off automatically at set times in the evening, lessening the impact on wildlife and light pollution.
While there are already streetlights on Wendouree Parade and near the Adventure Playground, and there are cars that drive around with lights on at all hours, the lighting project will make the Steve Moneghetti Track much safer for all users - groin-level bollards and deeper puddles will soon be far more visible to those without their own headlamps at 5.30pm in mid-winter.
Council has also mentioned when finished, the lights will also allow twilight events to be held at the lake.
"The Heritage Victoria permit included a public advertising period with signage on site," council said in a statement.
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"The Heritage Victoria permit includes approval for the design and choice of light fittings chosen for the Lake Lighting Project along the Steve Moneghetti Track in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens precinct.
"Two demonstration light pole designs were trialled at Lake Wendouree over Summer. Community feedback coupled with advice from the City's Parks and Gardens team, sought a change to the colour of the lights from grey to moss green to better align with other street furniture and existing lighting in the precinct."
The project will now require a planning permit, and will be referred to council's Planning Delegated Committee on October 13.
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