Central Coast Council will consider sanctioning the placement of solar powered fairy lights in three trees along the Ettalong foreshore, but only if the project is funded and maintained by the community.
A spokesperson confirmed that a Council officer had met onsite with community activist Shery Stinton of the I Love Ettalong Beach Facebook group and a representative of the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce on August 5.
“The outcome was if the community would like Council to consider a ‘community project’ developed, funded, implemented, and maintained by the community as a placemaking/activation activity for solar powered low-level lighting in three trees in the vicinity of the Box Café, Council could consider such an initiative,” the spokesperson said.
“Community consultation would be required, particularly with those residents residing adjacent to the reserve due to possible light pollution.
“Council did not commit to funding.”
Stinton, who has been campaigning for solar lighting on the foreshore for months, said she was “disappointed” with the outcome of the meeting.
“Even though we have more than 320 signatures on a petition in favour of night lighting on the foreshore, we now have to organise a letter-box drop to canvass community reaction, which will drag the process out,” she said.
“Then the Chamber of Commerce has to apply for a grant for funding.
“We are really hopeful of having the matter resolved in time for summer.”
Stinton said the current plan was for fairy lights to be installed in the three major trees around the Box Café, which would remain active until 9pm each night and create “absolutely no” light spillage to annoy nearby residents.
“With the lights to be active only until 9pm, they will not attract late night anti-social behaviour,” she said.
Stewart said the need for lighting was primarily a safety issue.
“It needs to be safe for someone to walk from Diggers and the area around it to the Box after dark – when The Box closes, all the lights are gone,” she said.
Mainstreet Coordinator Debra Wales said the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce was “actively supporting” the campaign to have additional lighting installed along the Ettalong Beach foreshore reserve.
“In order to assist, the Chamber has agreed to prepare the application for a community grant as part of its commitment to public domain improvements in the town centre,” she said.
“It is great to see commitment from local residents like Shery who are working diligently to improve our local lifestyle.
“At a recent onsite meeting with Central Coast Council, it was agreed to work in partnership to install fairy lights under the canopy of three mature trees to improve lighting along the foreshore.
“This will help to activate the area in the evening and improve safety at night along the very dark reserve.
“The immediate residents will be consulted to ensure that the project does not impact them and the lights will be timed out at 9pm.
“It will be a beautiful area over the summer months with families picnicking and enjoying that magnificent ocean view.”
The Let There be Light in Ettalong petition says the lack of lighting makes residents feel unsafe.
It also says enhanced lighting could potentially bring more visitors to the area, increasing business for local eateries and other businesses.
You can sign the petition via the I Love Ettalong Beach Facebook page.
Terry Collins