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SWITCHED ON: Powercor public lighting asset manager Noel Twyman controls the smart street light remotely, with City project manager Josh Salter, Cr Elise Wilkinson and Powercor project manager Barry Thebes.
The City of Greater Geelong, in partnership with Powercor, is proud to announce the near-completion of the transformative LED Street Lighting and Smart Control Project, marking a major milestone in the region’s journey toward sustainability, safety, and smart city innovation.
Over 4.5 years, more than 22,000 outdated and inefficient street lights have been replaced with energy-efficient LED fittings, equipped with smart control technology, making it the largest council-led smart lighting rollout in Australia. This upgrade includes:
- 14,500 residential lights (Category P)
- 5,100 main road lights (Category V)
- 2,500 decorative lights
The new lighting system has delivered annual operational savings of approximately $2.2 million, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 3,300 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂-e) per year. Additionally, lighting compliance and safety have been significantly improved in high-risk areas.
The new LEDs are up to 82 per cent more energy efficient than the previously used mercury vapour street lights and are already in use across several other municipalities in Victoria.
A key feature of the project is the integration of smart controllers and the development of a Central Management System (CMS), enabling remote monitoring and adaptive lighting control. This system, being developed in collaboration with Powercor, is scheduled for commissioning by late 2025.
Powercor, who own and maintain the majority of the region’s street lights, have played a pivotal role throughout the project. Their continued partnership ensures the long-term success and maintenance of the smart lighting infrastructure.
Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM said the initiative underscored Greater Geelong’s leadership as a clever and creative city.
“This smart LED technology not only improves public safety and lighting quality, but also dramatically reduces our energy use and carbon footprint,” said Mayor Kontelj.
“The partnership with Powercor has been instrumental in delivering this transformation, and the smart control system opens the door to future Smart City innovations.”
Chair of the Environment and Circular Economy portfolio Councillor Elise Wilkinson said the environmental benefits are a win for the whole community.
“The scale of this project sets a benchmark for other councils across the country and highlights the City’s commitment to innovation and environmental leadership,” said Cr Wilkinson.
Powercor’s public lighting asset manager Noel Twyman said customers will benefit from the smart lighting system.
“We now have more than 80 per cent of our public lighting network transitioned to LED, which delivers more efficient lighting and reduced maintenance costs for our customers,” said Mr Twyman.
“The smart technology in these lights will enable real-time management of our public light network, not just for the City of Greater Geelong but ultimately all councils across our network.
“Congratulations to the City of Greater Geelong for embarking on this incredible project for their communities.”
The City is currently exploring further opportunities to optimise the smart lighting system, including adaptive lighting designs that could yield additional environmental and financial benefits.
