Streetlighting

Street lighting at dusk

Shading of Streetlights (Glare Shields)

Glare shields are attachments that reduce light spill from streetlights while maintaining safety and visibility standards. They help address concerns about bright or intrusive lighting affecting nearby properties.

Requesting a Glare Shield 

Before requesting a glare shield, please use the questions below to self-assess the light affecting your house. 

If you meet the self-assessable criteria and choose to proceed with your request, please follow the steps below.

Note: this self-assessment does not automatically indicate a glare shield will be approved. 

Question 1 - Is the streetlight over an intersection or pedestrian crossing?

Yes - Glare shield unlikely to be approved

No - Glare shield may be approved 

Question 2 - Is the streetlight across the road from my dwelling (opposite side of road)?

Yes - Glare shield unlikely to be approved

No - Glare shield may be approved

Question 3 - Is my dwelling in a body corporate situation (unit, apartment or townhouse)?

Yes - Body corporate approval for glare shield will be required in advance (e.g. letter of no objection)

No - Does not affect assessment or approval of a glare shield 

Question 4 - Am I prepared to pay the cost of the glare shield?

Yes - Proceed with application

No - Do not proceed with application

 

How to Apply 

Streetlight-Glare-Shield-Application-Form-2025-2026.pdf(PDF, 174KB)

  • Residents can apply for a glare shield by completing the Streetlight Glare Shield Application Form
  • Submit to Council as per instructions on the Streetlight Glare Shield Application Form 
  • Provide location details, nature of glare, and written consent from adjoining property owners
  • Glare shield installations are generally applicant-funded, unless otherwise determined by Council. Applicants acknowledge cost of application as well as installation costs before submission. To view the fees and charges associated with this application, please visit our Fees and Charges page

Assessment Process 

Council officers will: 

  1. Conduct a desktop and/or site assessment considering: 
    • Severity of glare or light spill 
    • Proximity to dwellings and road users 
    • Feasibility of shielding or reorientation 
    • Compliance with Australian Standards 
  2. Consult with the electricity provider for feasibility and cost.  

After Approval 

  1. Installation arranged through Energex or an authorised contractor. 
  2. Applicant is notified upon completion. 

Streetlighting Overview

Streetlighting is essential for safety, accessibility, and community amenity across the Gympie Region. Council manages streetlights on Council-controlled roads and public spaces in line with Australian Standards and the Gympie Regional Council Planning Scheme.

What Council Does 

  • Maintains and upgrades streetlights on Council-controlled roads
  • Works with Energex and authorised contractors for installation and maintenance 
  • Prioritises lighting improvements based on: 
    • Safety considerations
    • Pedestrian and cyclist activity 
    • Available budget

Requesting a New Streetlight 

Residents can request a new streetlight or an upgrade by completing the New Streetlight Application Form. 

New-Streetlight-Application-Form-2025-2026.pdf(PDF, 133KB)

  •  Submit to Council as per instructions on the New Streetlight Application Form 
  • Provide location details, photos, and reasons for the request (e.g. safety concerns)

Assessment Criteria

  • Road classification and traffic volumes 
  • Pedestrian and cyclist activity 
  • Crash history
  • Existing lighting coverage
  • Environmental or heritage constraints 

Funding 

  • Approved requests for new streetlights will be funded by Council, subject to the availability of budgeted funds.

Important Notes

  • Main Roads are managed by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR)
  • Installations generally occur on existing poles with suitable power supply
  • Shielding may be included to minimise light spill near residences
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