The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) has put in a bid to buy the state’s street lighting network.
The idea for the council association to own and upgrade the technology behind Queensland’s street lighting network has attracted significant community support, said LGAQ President Mayor Mark Jamieson.
“This is something local government can do bigger, better and faster and for all of Queensland,” the Mayor said.
Polling of a 1000-strong random sample of Queenslanders showed 80 per cent of Queenslanders supported the proposal for an outright purchase or lease of the state’s 480,000 poles and wires network.
Mayor Jamieson said the backing was driven by support for a 40 per cent reduction in energy consumption via the use of LED lights and motion sensors.
“Coupled with the provision of a whole array of new services like noise and environmental sensors, boosted Wi-Fi, charging points for electric vehicles and mobility devices – this would be a big leap forward into the 21st century.”
Mayor Jamieson said the proposed bid by the council-owned LGAQ was not an asset sale to the private sector, but a transfer of an asset from one level of government to another, “albeit on commercial terms”.
“It’s not enough to dip our toe in the water – we’re looking to establish Queensland as a world leader in this field.
“I hope the Queensland Government and Energy Queensland move quickly on the LGAQ’s genuine formal offer to purchase or lease these assets – all Queenslanders deserve these services sooner rather than later.”
