Shading streetlights
If you're affected by light spill from streetlights, find out whether it qualifies for a glare shield.
Glare shields are applied to some street lights to reduce light spill affecting residents.
This page explains which streetlights qualify for a glare shield and the costs involved for the resident.
There is a non-refundable application fee of $88 as well as the cost for residents to have streetlight shading installed. Glare shields are installed by Energex and council, with the cost passed onto the resident.
The user-pays fee is passed onto the resident requesting the glare shield, as they get the benefit of having reduced light spill.
You may have noticed that the streetlights in our region are being upgraded to LED technology. This is part of a Sunshine Coast Region rollout, in collaboration with Energex.
The LED streetlighting is a more reliable, better-quality light with improved efficiencies.
LED technology
LED technology requires less maintenance and generates a consistent warm to white light. The white light from LEDs will vary from some pre-existing streetlights. These can appear yellow (high pressure sodium) and amber (low pressure sodium).
The old lighting technology that has been removed to make way for these new LED lights deteriorated over time. It had less output each night, so it appeared ‘duller.’
Lighting efficiencies
The upgraded streetlights may seem brighter, with a whiter colour. They actually spread light more evenly and waste less. They also cause less glare and back spill into properties. This is because of improved optics.
This ensures the lighting is more focussed on the road and footpath area. The new LEDs have a colour temperature. It provides optimal safety for both motorists and pedestrians. The colour temperature complies with current Australian Standards.
Background
Streetlights provide lighting for the safety of vehicles on the road. Streetlights can also provide lighting for footpaths.
Some streetlights have light which spills into private residences. This is obtrusive light and can affect bedrooms and living rooms.
Light spill can be reduced by using a glare shield to control the amount of light spillover in the direction of the dwelling. Glare shields can be applied within a light fitting or on the outside of the fitting.
There are two main type of glare shields to control light spill:
- black adhesive tape applied to a light bowl
- a plastic fitting inside a light bowl.
Glare shields can be applied to a range of light fittings. Some lights need specialised glare shields which are usually more expensive.
Most streetlights are owned by Energex, so a request for a glare shield is passed from council onto Energex.
Energex does not install glare shields as a general policy. Energex will do so when a resident advises that the light spill significantly affects their residential amenity.
Council acts as the customer contact point for Energex and passes all fees relating to glare shields directly to Energex.
Criteria for installing a glare shield
To see if a glare shield can be applied to a light fitting two key factors are assessed:
- is the light across the road from the dwelling?
- is a pedestrian crossing or street intersection nearby?
Location of the light
A streetlight across the road from a dwelling is rarely approved for a glare shield. This is because the light would need a forward-facing shield, which can block the light on the road and pathway.
Streetlights on the same side of the road as the affected dwelling are usually approved. It is possible to apply a rearward facing shield without affecting road lighting.
Lights at pedestrian crossings and street intersections are very important for safety. As a result, glare shields are rarely approved in these situations, unless rearwards-facing shields can be applied.
Shield identification and fee schedule
Different lights need different types of glare shields.
Before requesting a glare shield, please:
- check which type of light is affecting your property and the cost for a glare shield. The cost is paid by the resident and forwarded to Energex.
- use the questions below to self-assess the light affecting your house.
Note: this does not guarantee that a glare shield can be applied to your street light.
| Luminaire type - SCC owned lights | Shield type | Cost 2024-25 |
| LED (will vary in appearance) | May need a customised shield (luminaire specific) | POA - Quote provided before customer proceeds |
| Luminaire type - Energex owned lights | Shield type | Cost 2024-25 |
| Flowerpot and Flowerpot - nostalgia style (may also be dark green heritage colour) | Internal baffle shield (durable device inserted to control light spill) | $215 |
| Visor glare shield - rear facing | Pre-shielded semi cut-off visor | $272 |
| Drop bowl/dish (semi-cut off) | Adhesive shield (black adhesive tape applied internally) | $246 |
| Flat surface - Aeroscreen | Customised shield required (luminaire/location specific) | >$1,500 - Quote provided before customer proceeds |
| Replacement of existing decorative street light luminaire with LED aero screen low glare luminaire | Less glare for affected residence | $999 |
| Replacement of existing minor road street light luminaire with LED aero screen low glare luminaire | Less glare for affected residence | $447 |
| LED | Clip-on major road LED luminaire glare shield (Phillips Road Flair BRP391, 392 and 393 models only) | $200 |
Q1 Is the streetlight over an intersection or pedestrian crossing?
Q1 Is the streetlight over an intersection or pedestrian crossing?
Yes - unlikely to be approved.
No - may be approved.
Q2 Is the streetlight across the road from my dwelling? That is, on the other side of the road
Q2 Is the streetlight across the road from my dwelling? That is, on the other side of the road
Yes - unlikely to be approved.
No, on my side - may be approved.
If the light is across the street it may be approved if it is in a cul de sac, low traffic road or affecting the upper floors of an apartment block.
Q3 Is my dwelling in a body corporate situation e.g. unit, apartment or townhouse?
Q3 Is my dwelling in a body corporate situation e.g. unit, apartment or townhouse?
Yes - obtain body corporate approval in advance i.e. a letter of no objection.
No - does not affect approval.
Q4 What type of light fitting is affecting my dwelling?
Q4 What type of light fitting is affecting my dwelling?
Choose from the table of light fittings above.
If you apply, please attach a daytime photo showing the type of light fitting and a photo showing how it is positioned in relation to your dwelling.
Q5 Am I prepared to pay the cost of the glare shield?
Q5 Am I prepared to pay the cost of the glare shield?
Yes - proceed to apply.
No - do not proceed.
Q6 Is there a pole number on the streetlight pole?
Q6 Is there a pole number on the streetlight pole?
This helps council officers know exactly which light is causing the problem.
If you apply, please include the pole number if possible, usually from the side of the pole.
If you meet the self assessable criteria and choose to proceed with your request, please email council and include photos.
Note: this self-assessment does not automatically indicate a glare shield will be approved.
If your request is approved, council will send you a form to confirm the suitability of the glare shield on the light, along with a form to arrange payment.
This information is also available as a fact sheet (PDF, 430KB).