Residents are trying to prevent the ‘heritage’ in Heritage Springs from being replaced as the estate’s historic lamp fittings are being removed by the council, an act described as “vandalism”.
Cardinia Shire Council proposed the changing of the lights through the estate with energy-efficient LED lights, consulting with the community since around April 2022.
What residents weren’t aware of was the plan involved replacing the original custom lamp fittings with what local Jillian Ronald described as a “poor imitation” and a general “act of vandalism”.
“It’s a terrible waste, so far I’ve spoken to four residents and three of them were new to the area and said they came here for the heritage character in those lamps,” Ms Ronald said.
“If I can just save the ones on Heritage Boulevard we can at least have the entrance to the estate maintained.”
Effectively, the eastern half of the lamps of Heritage Springs have been replaced, with the area just off McGregor Road still remaining with the traditional fittings.
Jillian, among others, is campaigning to save what is left of the lamps and stop crews from removing those on Heritage Boulevard.
Residents have no problem with the switch to LED to save energy, but the fitting replacement feels unnecessary especially as Ms Ronald’s husband Bill Ronald was told the originals would be going to landfill.
Doing his research, he called up the company that made the fittings decades ago – Melbourne Lacework in Fairfield who handforge custom works with wrought iron – and he was told they cost approximately $1500 each.
Mr Ronald also asked the company if the lamps could be compatible with LED lights.
“They told me we just do the fittings, you can install any component you like in there to fit any globe,” Mr Ronald said.
“It’s the typical council b******t, they will say it’s too expensive to keep them, it’s too much work and they just replace it with this cheap crap.”
The lamps were installed by its developer Parklea whose founder Andrew Facey sought out the fittings which were based on the old street lamps of Melbourne.
Despite the cost of such work, Parklea opted for the expense to give Heritage Springs a more prestigious streetscape.
In a letter to residents, Cardinia Shire Council explained the lighting upgrade was organised jointly with AusNet and explained the original lights were “unserviceable”.
“The works are to maintain lighting levels, as the mercury vapor lights being replaced are becoming unserviceable as parts are no longer being manufactured for them,” the letter said.
“The upgrade will improve the energy efficiency of the lights, leading to reduced council expenditure on energy for street lighting.”
The letter also said it would require “less maintenance” and improve “lighting quality, generate less glare and better direct light”.
The council has been contacted for further comment.
