Fairy lights trial bring new shine to Ipswich community
09 February 2023
No, that isn’t a “filament” of your imagination: new LED fairy lights now adorn trees on Augusta Parkway, Augustine Heights and Brookwater.
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Chair Mayor Teresa Harding said beautiful streetscapes played a crucial role in shaping the identity, character and vibrancy of the city.
“Well-designed streetscapes enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors, promoting a sense of community pride and increasing property values while attracting business investment and tourism,” Mayor Harding said.
“We have had great community feedback after the installation of the fairy lights on Brisbane Street at the Top of Town and now these newly installed lights on Augusta Parkway will brighten and enhance one of Ipswich’s busiest roads.
“If the Springfield trial is successful, council looks forward to lighting the way into suburbs across Ipswich, improving the look, feel and character of our city.”
Ipswich City Council approved the two-year feature lighting trial as part of the broader Ipswich Gateway Urban Street Tree Lighting Strategy proposal, with developer contributions funding the initial trial in Augustine Heights and Brookwater.
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Deputy Chairperson and Division 2 Councillor Paul Tully said the project showed council continued to build relationships with key stakeholders in the city.
“Council is working closely with many others to continually improve the lifestyle of Ipswich residents,” Cr Tully said.
“It’s important for council to maintain strong relationships with all sectors of the community and work together for win-win situations like this that benefit everyone.”
Division 2 Councillor Nicole Jonic said the trial would see lights on 13 trees on the Augusta Parkway median strip from the Tournament Drive roundabout to Eden Station Drive.
“Council and the Springfield City Group allocated $330,000 for this project, with most of the costs going towards the underground power requirements for the lights,” Cr Jonic said.
“We think this is a great outcome that will really beautify this part of the city, while providing real data and feedback to explore the feasibility of an expanded program.
“At the moment, the project allows for the expansion of fairy lights to include the rest of the trees in the median following an evaluation of the operational and maintenance costs of the trial.”
Funding for the trial came from the Springfield Infrastructure Funds.
Construction started in November last year and finished this month.