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Electrical and Lighting Infrastructure Manual

Council’s primary guide for planning, designing and constructing public lighting and electrical infrastructure.

The Electrical and Lighting Infrastructure Manual (ELIM) (PDF, 4.91MB)  is now endorsed. This standard will apply to all Council-owned Rate3 and metered public lighting. It also applies to their associated electrical infrastructure. These may be located on controlled roadways, parks and public spaces. It aims to set a new standard for quality, safety and environmental protection in our region.

This document integrates Council's Governance framework to ensure our approach to public lighting aligns with an overarching vision for a sustainable, resilient and community-focused region. It also aligns with key legislation - the Planning Act 2016 and the Local Government Act 2009.

The ELIM will be included in the new Sunshine Coast Council Planning Scheme in the next 12 months. Starting in 2025 a draft version will be available to support early alignment.

Transition from Landscape Infrastructure Manual (LIM)

ELIM consolidates and enhances many elements currently outlined in the Landscape Infrastructure Manual (LIM). Overlapping sections between ELIM and LIM will be gradually phased out. This will:

  • streamline our standards
  • reduce redundancy
  • provide a single, comprehensive reference for public lighting and electrical infrastructure.

Key Benefits and Goals

ELIM is a commitment to creating a safe, efficient and environmentally responsible region. Some of the core benefits of this manual include:

  • Enhanced safety and compliance: ELIM sets clear safety standards that exceed industry expectations. It ensures that all public lighting designs comply with Australian standards. Incorporating safety-in-design principles it aims to protect the public, Council staff, and contractors.
  • Environmental stewardship and Dark Sky principles: ELIM reflects our commitment to protecting natural environments. It includes responsible lighting principles from Dark Sky International and the Australasian Dark Sky Alliance (ADSA). The goal is to reduce light pollution and preserve the night sky. Wildlife-sensitive lighting is also a priority. Included are measures to minimize disturbance to nocturnal fauna, especially in sensitive areas.
  • Energy efficiency and cost savings: the manual emphasizes sustainable, energy-efficient technologies. These include LED lighting, solar solutions, and smart controls. Updating reduces energy use, lowers maintenance costs and aligns with Council’s sustainability goals.
  • Smart technology and future-readiness: ELIM supports the integration of advanced technologies. It promotes use of Central Management System (CMS) controls for real-time monitoring, dimming, and smart lighting adjustments. This prepares our infrastructure for future advancements, ensuring adaptability and long-term functionality.
  • Consistency and quality control: ELIM sets high standards for all public lighting and electrical projects. By centralizing these standards, we create a consistent approach across Council spaces. This results in infrastructure that is robust, reliable and easier to maintain.

Next Steps

Effective immediately, ELIM applies to all new and upgraded lighting and electrical projects within Council-managed spaces. ELIM’s comprehensive guidelines cover:

  • equipment selection
  • installation practices
  • maintenance protocols to ensure long-lasting, high-quality assets.

Additionally, ELIM will integrate with Council’s asset management and GIS systems. This allows us to track, manage and maintain lighting infrastructure. This oversight is from installation through to retirement. This creates a more streamlined and efficient process.