I've written to the project team
LEDStreetLights@brisbane.qld.gov.au to register my thoughts, and I'd encourage everyone else to do likewise. I'll post back here if / when I get a response.
Following is the text of my email - feel free to adapt this to make your own thoughts known.
I note that Brisbane City Council is implementing a trial of LED Street Lights:
https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/envi...t-lights-trial
I applaud this initiative for its obvious energy-saving and reduced maintenance advantages (compared to conventional street lights).
Can you please confirm that the trial is focusing on light fittings which minimise the adverse "collateral" impacts of public area lighting, such as overspill onto neighbouring properties, and general impacts on residents, wildlife, and astronomers.
Specifically:
"Bright White" (4000K) LEDs produce an excess of Blue light (compared to natural white light sources), and the adverse impacts of Blue light on sleep patterns are well documented. There is much evidence which indicates that "Warm White" (3000K) LEDs (which have much less Blue content than Bright White LEDs) can have greatly reduced impacts on the sleep patterns of affected residents, nocturnal wildlife, etc. In sensitive areas (such as marine precincts), it may be necessary to select lights which are specifically chosen for colour, such as the "turtle friendly" lighting which is required in turtle breeding grounds on the Queensland coast.
Secondly, and just as importantly, the choice of appropriate LED luminaires provides the opportunity to ensure that the light is directed precisely where it is intended, with minimal overspill onto neighbouring properties, green space, or upwards into the night sky. Modern luminaires have the capability to be selected for very specifically targeted light patterns, and this should be a key consideration when selecting luminaires for particular situations, such as side streets versus main roads, walkways through parklands, etc.
Can you please confirm that factors such as these are key assessment criteria in the trial. I would be very disappointed to learn that the trial is focusing solely on the capital, operational and maintenance costs, with scant regard for the potential impacts on residents and wildlife.