Work on installing smart lighting throughout Bicentennial Park as part of the $10 million Switching on Darwin project is nearing completion.
To mark the occasion, all three levels of government inspected work at Bicentennial Park today.
The project is being funded with $5M from the Federal Government and $2.5M each from the City of Darwin and Northern Territory Government.
Lighting across the CBD, including throughout Bicentennial Park, is being upgraded to an international standard and will deliver long term savings and energy efficiencies.
Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said “A capital city demands appropriate infrastructure and installation of this new smart lighting system is an Australian first and sets a benchmark nationally.”
“Bicentennial Park is one of our greatest assets and on completion this project will provide our community with myriad opportunities to enjoy it. The introduction of smart lighting in the CBD, not only saves us money, but provides an energy efficient, flexible system we can use to suit our needs”
“The new lighting system will have the flexibility to be programmed to dim or brighten as needed – some areas can be brightened for events and others dimmed to save energy. Environmental lighting levels can be automatically detected – if a storm comes in during the day and the sky darkens, the lights will automatically brighten.”
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Nicole Manison said Switching on Darwin will help combat crime and anti-social behaviour through the Darwin CBD.
“Good lighting acts as a deterrent for anti-social behaviour, which will make the CBD a more enjoyable place to live, work and visit.”
Senator for the Northern Territory and Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel Scullion, welcomed the news that work was almost complete on this important safety initiative.
“Technology enables us to stay in front and creates jobs for our city,” Minister Scullion said.
“The Federal Government is delivering on our ongoing commitment to keep Territorians safe and secure.”
