A swag of lighting upgrades in Cairns city is delivering energy savings and adding a festive flare to the city.
As part of Cairns Festival opening night, Council is inviting the community to party under the new festoon lighting in Shields St to soak up the festive atmosphere and celebrate the lighting upgrades.
Entertainment will be provided by DJ Will between on Friday 26 August from 6pm to 9pm on Shield St, underneath the new festoon lighting that has been installed on existing poles between Abbott and Lake streets.
The Shields St lighting upgrade was one of three lighting projects recently completed in the city.
ANZAC Park is also being brightened with fairy lights in the trees and uplights.
The third project is the conversion of central business district (CBD) streets to LED lighting.
Division 5 Councillor said the three projects added to atmosphere and safety in the city.
"These projects will help to create a brighter, positive and festive atmosphere in the city, which is great for our traders, entertainment venues and our visitors," said Cr Eden.
"Importantly, activating city spaces is one of the core interventions outlined in Council's Community Safety Plan.
"We know that activation of public spaces can have positive outcomes and they are effective in preventing or reducing levels of anti-social behaviours and associated negative impacts.
Cr Eden said the CBD LED project also aligned with Council's Climate Change Strategy 2030.
"Council has committed to net zero emissions by 2030 and projects such as this are part of a broader strategy to reduce our environmental footprint.
"The CBD LED project has halved energy consumption from 400W down to 200W per light, which is a positive step in reducing greenhouse gas emissions."
Cr Eden said the three projects, which had a collective budget of more than $1 million, were reason to celebrate.
"The City Light Party is a fun chance for people to check out the new-look lights in the city while taking in all of the fantastic events of Cairns Festival," she said.
