Albany council’s $2.5m LED street light plan to cut emissions

The City of Albany is set to switch its 4000 street lights to energy-saving LEDs in an effort to cut greenhouse gas emissions emitted by street lighting by 50 per cent.

In a move that is earmarked to cost $2.5 million, the City of Albany council unanimously backed a plan for a bulk street light replacement if the City secures a $625,000 Clean Energy Future Fund grant for the project.

The remaining $1.875 million is expected to be funded via a seven-year loan, according to a City officer’s report.

Albany’s current 4000 existing mercury-based street lights come with an estimated annual cost of $670,000.

Cr Ray Hammond moved the motion calling out any perception of the move “being extravagant in terms of expenditure” as “just silly”.

“Essentially the benefits this will deliver are simply amazing,” said Cr Hammond.

Cr Hammond said LEDs would deliver “huge” cost savings, be more beneficial for the safety of road users and slash greenhouse emissions.

Supporting the motion, Cr Emma Doughty said the move demonstrated to the people of Albany the City’s commitment to delivering on its climate action declaration.