Surf Coast Shire Council adopts new Public Lighting Policy

Published on 30 October 2025

Surf Coast Shire Council has adopted a new Public Lighting Policy and Guidelines, to guide consistent, sustainable and well-informed decisions about public lighting across the shire.

The new policy provides a clear framework for how public lighting is planned, installed, maintained and upgraded, ensuring alignment with community expectation, environmental sustainability and cost efficiency.

Cr Libby Stapleton said the policy will help balance the community’s need for safety and accessibility with Council’s commitment to protecting the environment and reducing energy use.

“This policy is about lighting the way forward, ensuring that when we make a decision about lighting, we do so consistently, sustainably and with the community in mind,” said Cr Libby Stapleton.

“It will also help us manage assets more effectively, reduce long term costs and energy use and support initiatives that preserve our unique natural environment.”

The policy also acknowledges and supports the Aireys Inlet and District Association’s (AIDA) ambition for Dark Sky Accreditation, which promotes the protection of natural night-time environments by reducing light pollution.

‘We’re proud to work alongside community groups like AIDA who are leading the way on Dark Sky principles,” said Libby.

“This partnership approach ensures we can meet the needs of residents and visitors while protecting the beauty of the night skies for future generations.”

The Public Lighting Policy will have a positive long term financial impact through more sustainable and better managed public lighting infrastructure.