Public Thank You to Country Energy, NSW.

[JohnG (John)]

I want to say thank you to Country Energy, NSW for placing shields on some some street lamps that were affecting my local viewing conditions.

Some 4 street lamps were fitted with a shield that has now reduced the light glare by some 70%, 2 of the lamps were the high intensity orange fog types and one in particular was effecting my westward imaging by causing a huge gradiant.

The outcome was effected by contacting the Cootamundra Shire Council and approaching the Mayor and explaining the problem (he now has an interest in Astronomy ), he in turn contacted the Regional Manager of Country Energy who, without hesitation, approved the fitting of shields. A very painless exercise with an excellent outcome to the satisfaction of all involved.

Thank you Country Energy, NSW

Cheers

[Ric]

That's fantastic John and congrats to the council Mayor as well.

He sounds like a decent bloke.

Cheers

[Kal (Andrew)]

That's great John, good to hear of a positive outcome from your council and country energy!

[Octane (Humayun)]

John,

Wow, that is awesome news! Sounds like it was quite painless to have done, too.

How long did the process take? Does this mean you can now attack M31 when the time is right? :grin:

H

[erick (Eric)]

Some before and after photos, John, that we can use? ("Before" could be one unshielded down the road somewhere?) Ta Eric

Edit - of the streetlights, not of the gradient, I meant!

[mithrandir (Andrew)]

Well done John.

I wish it was that simple here. Half the street lights are "owned" by the council. The other half by the RTA.

There might be some hope with the council.

The RTA are a lost cause.

[Omaroo (Chris Malikoff)]

Great news John. It's nice to know that being mayor on a council doesn't necessarily preclude you from an accommodating attitude and that an energy company exists with a spare thought for the common man. Good on them.

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

Well done!
I've been meaning to approach our Council to see what steps I need to take with my situation. It's a nasty corner I live on, and it does need to be lit. But a shield would satisfy me.

[DavidTrap (David)]

Brisbane Astronomical Society had a brief talk from a councillor from just south of Brisbane. If I remember correctly, he said that if the street lighting didn't meet Australian Standards you could ask that shielding be installed to make it so (and it shouldn't be at your expense). The Australian Standard details how the light shines out of the fixture.

I'm not saying the above is gospel, but it may be a starting point if council don't seem interested.

His other advice was to talk about carbon footprint and energy savings by reducing excessive lighting when making any submissions.

DT

[mithrandir (Andrew)]

Originally Posted by DavidTrap

... if the street lighting didn't meet Australian Standards ...

Anyone have a copy of the standards? A full set of AS/NZS 1158 as PDFs is over $AU400, and you probably need to read them all.

[multiweb (Marc)]

Sounds great John. Got any pic of the mods they did with the shielding? I have a light in front of my house. Might try to get it done too see how it goes.

[Glenhuon (Bill)]

Good onyer John I've seen how bright those lights were.

[spearo (Frank)]

Well done to you, the mayor and Country Energy !
That mayor has my vote (if I move out that way...)
frank

[Jen]

nice work John i wonder if i would be so lucky with my council

[danielsun]

Well done John the Mayor and Country Energy NSW. What a great and painless result, just the way it should be and great to see the Mayor himself now having an interest in astronomy.


Cheers Daniel.