A World Class Natural Attraction Sustainably Brought to Light by Solar LED Lights
Client
City of Mount Gambier
Lighting Compliance
P3/P4
Project Overview
The crater lake formed from an extinct volcano in Mount Gambier, now known as Blue Lake, is a ‘world-class’ natural attraction that also supplies Mount Gambier’s water. A 3.6km pathway around the lake provides access to the spectacular natural surrounds. However due to
lack of appropriate lighting it was not an inviting place to visit at night. That was until the City of Mount Gambier chose to design and install SMART solar LED lights in the public area.
Traditional Custodians
Boandik People
Unique Geological Site Renders Grid Lighting Problematic
Prior to the commencement of this project, lighting in the area was minimal at best. Observations and surveys identified that local walkers and joggers chose to use other paths and walkways in
the town over the track surrounding the world-famous Blue Lake. This substantiated concerns from The City of Mount Gambier, that the track was underutilised. Based on these findings and the need to increase the safety and appeal of the Blue Lake walking trail, the council made the decision to install lighting.
One of the major challenges associated with providing solar LED lights around the Blue Lake was the lack of power in the area. Because of the environmental, geological and historical significance of the Blue Lake and its surrounding areas, installing traditional underground ‘grid-lighting’ solutions posed major difficulties and threatened widespread consequences. Firstly, underground works to facilitate electrical cabling would be extremely difficult due to the large presence of volcanic rock.
Additionally, the park’s precious volcanic soil, native vegetation and wildlife required protection and it was determined that traditional excavation works associated with underground cabling would not be acceptable due to its destructive impact on local biodiversity. As a result, the City of Mount Gambier sought an alternative solution.
Sustainable grid-free Solar LED Lights; Environmentally Friendly in More Ways Than One
Due to the challenges presented by traditional grid lighting, Leadsun’s SMART solar public lighting was selected due to its grid-free technology and easy installation process that negated the need for geologically invasive trenching and excavation works. Each system consisted of a Solar Engine and an asymmetrical LED light head that focuses illumination onto the pathway whilst minimising spill light at the front and rear of the fitting. The solar lighting systems were installed using a lowerable pole system which allowed all installation works to be completed quickly and safely at ground level without the use of elevated work platforms.
With the collaboration between the City of Mount Gambier, Stuckey Electrical and Leadsun, works were completed in 12 weeks. Leadsun’s innovative, grid-free and geologically non-invasive solar lighting solution was able to provide compliant pathway lighting whilst preserving the local environment.
Solar LED Lights for Increased Safety and Usability of the Blue Lake tourist attraction
Many years after installation along the Blue Lake access pathway, Leadsun’s SMART solar public lights continue to shine brightly producing inviting lighting and creating a safe environment along the pathway without disturbing nature or neighbouring properties. As a result of the efforts made by the City of Mount Gambier, Stuckey Electrical and Leadsun, local residents and tourists can enjoy all the glory Blue Lake has to offer, day and night.
Leadsun LED Light Products Used
- P Category lighting compliance – AS/NZS 1158.3.1.2020 PP5
- Number of lights – 92 solar, 18 mains
- Solar module series – AE2
- Solar size – 40W
- LED output programming – 100% illumination for 5hrs, switch off until pre-dawn, 20% till dawn
- Pole footing type – EZYFoot
- Pole type – Lowerable
- Additional solutions – N/A
LED Lighting Applications
Acknowledgment of Country
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this
project was undertaken, the Boandik People. We recognise their continuing
connection to land, waters and culture and we pay our respects to Elders
past, present and emerging.
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