Mount Gambier has received an early Christmas present with its popular rail trail receiving an upgrade with the installation of 160 solar lights along its 8.6km length.

The project is of national significance, as it will be Australia’s largest solar lighting project, with even more lights installed than those around the Blue Lake.

The rail trail is one of Mount Gambier’s most well-used pieces of infrastructure and Mount Gambier City Council has engaged Leadsun to install solar lighting along the entire length of the trail.

City of Mount Gambier Environmental Sustainability Officer Aaron Izzard said the lighting project was exciting for Mount Gambier.

“Locals and visitors of all ages use the Rail Trail for walking and cycling, recreation and as a transport route to and from work and school and it’s fantastic to see that this wonderful path will now be able to be safely used at night time as well,” he said.

“Being active is important for physical and mental health and this project will assist by extending the functioning hours of this valuable council asset.”

Mr Izzard said the lights were designed to come on at dusk and run for five hours at full brightness.

“After five hours, they dim down but light up to full brightness for 30 seconds when they detect the movement of a pedestrian or cyclist, enabling the path to be utilised at night and early morning, especially over the cooler months,” he said.

“Works are due to be completed by Christmas, enabling locals and visitors alike to make the most of this fantastic asset over the summer holidays.

“The sophisticated lights will be monitored over the internet – including battery and solar panel information, lighting control, operation monitoring and status.”

As part of the project, Leadsun has partnered with Solar Buddy to donate 160 JuniorBuddy lights to children in Papua New Guinea who live in energy poverty and do not have access to electricity.

The JuniorBuddy lights have been shown to improve health, educational, environmental, and economic outcomes for children and families who receive them.

The Rail Trail Solar Lighting Project has been co-funded by the State Government’s Local Government Infrastructure Partnership Program.