Cook Shire Council, Queensland, is using funding from the federal Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, to install 12 solar-powered street lights at key locations on Mungkan, Shepard and Regents streets in Coen.
At a series of community consultations sessions held in the second half of 2020, members of the community expressed significant interest in improving the street lighting in the area.
Council then worked with Queensland Police (QPS) to determine the best locations for the light poles in order to enhance the safety and accessibility of the area.
Mayor, Peter Scott, said, “Improving the street and public lighting in Coen helps both pedestrians and motorists feel safer and better connected to the main retail area along Regent Street. This will provide long-term benefit to everyone in Coen.”
The system utilises solar power which is both a clean energy solution, and offers long-term cost efficiencies.
Federal Member for Leichhardt, Warren Entsch MP, said, “Keeping the lights on and these streets safer will be of great benefit to the local Coen community and what better way to do it than through the use of clean and cheap solar energy.”
Weather permitting, installation of the lights is due for completion by May 2021.
