Power wastage by authorities is irresponsible to say the least. Unfortunately Australian standards, together with consultants (whose main interest is their % fee on construction costs) are an open invitation to excess. In my area I have a mercury vapour light every second house along the street, Five years ago there were 3 in total now there are 7 (soon to be 12). A roundabout recently constructed 1Km away (with no pedestrian traffic and no footpaths) has 10 sodium vapour lights where one (also unnecessary) covered the intersection it replaced. My night skies are rapidly disappearing as well. We can all write to pollies and councillors, but IMO the only solution that will work is some enforcable laws regarding light pollution.
