MEDIA RELEASE | Coen to shine a light on safety and accessibility with solar power

Cook Shire Council, with funding from the federal Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, will commence installation of 12 solar-powered street lights at key locations on Mungkan, Shepard and Regents streets in Coen over the coming weeks.

At a series of community consultations sessions held in the second half of 2020, members of the community expressed significant interest in improving the street lighting in the area. Cook Shire Council then worked with Queensland Police (QPS) to determine the best locations for the light poles in order to enhance the safety and accessibility of the area.

“Improving the street and public lighting in Coen helps both pedestrians and motorists feel safer and better connected to the main retail area along Regent Street. This will provide long-term benefit to everyone in Coen,” said Cook Shire Mayor, Councillor Peter Scott. 

The system utilises solar power which is both a clean energy solution, and offers long-term cost efficiencies.

Federal Member for Leichhardt, Warren Entsch MP said he was very pleased that the solution for new street lighting in Coen was made possible by federal funding and powered by solar energy.

“Keeping the lights on and these streets safer will be of great benefit to the local Coen community and what better way to do it than through the use of clean and cheap solar energy” said Mr Entsch.

Weather permitting, installation of the lights is due to commence in coming weeks, with the project due for completion by May 2021. 

For more information contact Cook Shire Council via email at mail@cook.qld.gov.au or by phoning 4082 0500.

Pictured above, left to right: Officer in Charge Sgt David McCarthy and Cook Shire Council Representatives, Tony Scorinis and Ben Giblet onsite in Coen discussing plans for the installation of solar-powered street lights in coming weeks.

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