Blue Lake Access Road & Pathway lighting

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 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.