The long running saga of Narrabri’s CBD street lights appears to be reaching a conclusion.
Tuesday’s Narrabri Shire Council meeting tabled a report on the proposed lighting, and although no decision was reached, a step was decided on which may bring finality.
A public meeting will be called, towards the end of January, with three options to be presented for discussion and community input.
The options are to repair the existing lights, install lights on the footpaths or install lights and trees in a Maitland Street median strip.
The median strip is the recommended option in a comprehensive council staff report which argued against the other two scenarios.
Tuesday’s council meeting saw a report tabled by the acting director of planning, Mr Tony Meppem which recommended against footpath lights because of problems with shop awnings and Australian Standards compliance issues. Solar lights were expensive and would not be covered by Essential Energy maintenance.
The first report recommending the median strip trees and lights configuraiton was presented to the October council meeting, deferred to a workshop meeting in November where further information was sought which meant the matter was held over past the November ordinary meeting and finally presented at the December meeting. Councillors discussed the issue at length.
Cr Ron Lowder complimented Mr Meppem on his report.
“This has been a protracted issue. At some time we have to let it go and bring it to completion.
“The lighting will cost a lot of money, but it is funded.
“The median strip in Wee Waa doesn’t detract from the traffic amenity - it enhances it” Cr Lowder added.
Cr Lloyd Findley was opposed to the median strip concept.
Cr Robyn Faber favoured solar powered lights on the footpath.
Cr Bevan O’Regan said the lights in the other town streets were ‘abysmal’ and the money should go towards improving them.
The mayor Cr Conrad Bolton confirmed that the funding was allocated for the main street lights and trees project.
The poles would be alternated with shade trees, and carry cantilevered lights out over each carriageway. The poles could be wired to allow decorative lighting for special events and Christmas.
It was agreed a public meeting should be held, probably toward the end of January, for feedback on the three options - repair the current lights, install them, possibly solar, on the footpaths or install them in a median strip.