Cobden’s beloved Circuit de Savage illuminated by solar pathway lighting
Client
Corangamite Shire Council
Traditional Custodians
The Eastern Maar and Wadawurrung People
Project Background
Circuit de Savage, a walking pathway nicknamed by locals in honour of former councillor Evan Savage who established the much-loved public asset, is a popular 4km walking loop in the regional Victorian town of Cobden. Connecting Cobden’s technical school, racecourse reserve, skate park, golf club, free campground, indoor stadium, cricket ground and motel, it’s fair to say Circuit de Savage is well-utilised. After five years of community consultation, the Corangamite Shire Council sought to install lighting along 2.7km of the track to extend its functional hours and improve night-time safety.
Pathway challenges above and below
Alongside the pathway lays a swale drain and overhead power lines. The drain raised concerns about soil integrity and limited the positioning of the pathway lighting systems, while the power lines imposed a height restriction. Additionally, some parts of the track receive shade from trees making them unsuitable for a solar panel.
Careful planning, soil testing and RESS
Through careful planning and thorough soil testing, Leadsun proposed a sustainable lighting solution to ensure reliable illumination throughout the year. A remote energy storage system (RESS) was employed to accommodate the tree shading. This involved placing the solar engine separate from the light where it will be unshaded. To achieve a unique light distribution, the Sylvania 10W StreetLED was paired with Leadsun’s AE3 60W solar engine, operating at full brightness for 5 hours and then dimming to 20% until dawn. EDGE wireless monitoring and controls were added for flexible management of the solar lights.
Enhanced safety, health, and wellbeing
Finishing a month ahead of schedule, Leadsun’s SMART solar pathway lighting solution along Cobden’s Circuit de Savage now provides suitable, reliable, and safety-enhancing illumination for pedestrians while limiting light pollution, using sustainable energy, and sparing operating costs. Corangamite Councillor Jo Beard is pleased how the new pathway lighting “… gives flexibility for people to stay active at any time of day or night that fits their lifestyle or work hours even on short winter days.” Beard added, “It really is a fantastic way to help residents and visitors maintain an active lifestyle and support health and wellbeing, recreation and social connections” and that “Positive feedback has been received from visitors staying [locally] who have also enjoyed the town circuit”.
Solar Lighting Products Used
- Solar module series – AE3, AE6
- Solar size – 55W
- LED output programming 10W, 100% Dusk for 5 hours 20% with PIR until dawn
- Pole footing type – EZYFoot
- Pole type – EZYtilt lowerable tapered poles
- Additional solutions – EDGE
Application
Lighting Compliance
AS1158.3.1.202 PP5
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this project was undertaken, the Eastern Maar and Wadawurrung People. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
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