By Justin Flynn
Ocean Grove has become the first town in Australia to benefit from the installation of an integrated street-lighting system.
The street lights, on The Terrace, have the capacity to be turned up or down, emit 70 per cent less carbon emissions and cost 70 per cent less to run.
The lightpoles will have free wi-fi installed and four of them will contain USB ports for charging mobile devices.
The lights can also be used as CCTV cameras, which can be monitored from police stations and this is expected to be rolled out in the near future.
The lights will become fully operational on Wednesday 8 February.
“Our smart lighting system has everyone talking. So far we’ve received inquiries and interest from New Zealand, Asia and Europe,” City of Greater Geelong general manager William Tieppo said.
Mr Tieppo said the lighting innovation would provide some amazing benefits for local traders, residents and people visiting Ocean Grove.
“When people are in The Terrace they will be able to access free wi-fi that is connected to the lights,” he said.
Ocean Grove Business Association lobbied hard for the City to install the lights in the town.
“We lobbied for improved lighting in the street and the City of Greater Geelong suggested this innovative technology,” business association president Ty Simons said.
“There will be four USB ports in the future outside various cafes.”
The company behind the installation of the lights is Nordic Built and company director Claus Oustrop said the innovation behind the system was exciting.
“Three systems have been incorporated into one street light,” he said.
“CCTV can stream off the wi-fi and it can be set up to live stream at the police station. We’ve got a very sophisticated platform that has quality streaming. We think it’s good for the local traders who can promote their businesses.”
