Hundreds back fight to save Junee’s under-awning streetlights

A PETITION to save Junee’s historic under-awning streetlights has attracted more than 200 signatures in less than two days, as local businesses intensify their fight to stop the planned January switch-off.

Junee TSG owner Marney Wishart, who has been spearheading opposition to the controversial move, has launched an online petition calling on Junee Shire Council to reconsider its decision to support Essential Energy in relinquishing responsibility for 49 ageing streetlights across the town’s shopping precinct.

The petition, which began gathering support on Friday morning, had attracted 220 signatures by Saturday, November 14.

It calls on Council to place an immediate moratorium on the proposed January 18 disconnections and either assume responsibility for the existing infrastructure or negotiate an interim agreement with Essential Energy to keep the lights operating until suitable alternatives are installed.

The petition also demands meaningful consultation with affected businesses, property owners and the wider community before changes to the town’s public lighting arrangements proceed.

Under-awning streetlights in Junee’s Lorne Street | © The Junee Bulletin

The campaign argues that switching off the existing network before replacement lighting is available could compromise pedestrian safety, particularly for elderly residents, shift workers and people visiting businesses after dark.

It also raises concerns about the financial impact on small businesses and the potential loss of a longstanding feature of Junee’s historic streetscape.

SIGN THE PETITION HERE

The growing campaign follows confirmation that 37 commercial properties across the heart of Junee will be affected by the proposed shutdown, including premises in Broadway, Lorne, Humphrys, Seignior and Peel streets, as well as Railway Square.

Affected property owners have been advised that their existing under-awning lights will be disconnected from Essential Energy’s unmetered streetlighting network, with January 18, 2027, nominated as the proposed switch-off date.

Those wishing to retain the lights must pay to have them rewired into their own metered electricity supply, potentially facing additional connection requirements and increased costs if the work is not completed before the deadline.

© The Junee Bulletin

Council notified affected property owners in a letter dated October 29, more than seven months after councillors made the decision in March and just two months and 20 days before the proposed shutdown.

Councillors resolved not to assume ownership of the under-awning lights, except where Council was the adjoining landholder, instead supporting Essential Energy in transferring responsibility for the assets to adjoining property owners.

Council’s engineering report cited safety concerns, ageing infrastructure, non-compliant electrical connections and the practical difficulties of upgrading lights attached to privately owned buildings.

The report also estimated an additional $100,000 in expenditure over two years to assess public lighting requirements and install alternatives where necessary.

However, despite Council’s commitment to providing alternative public lighting where required, concerns are mounting that affected footpaths could be left unlit for months, potentially even years, while replacement infrastructure is planned and installed.

READ MORE: Junee businesses revolt over streetlight shutdown

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke last week called on Essential Energy to work with Council and affected businesses towards a practical solution before the lights are switched off.

“Junee’s CBD needs to remain safely lit, and I share the concerns of local businesses about the cost of these changes,” Ms Cooke told The Junee Bulletin.

“I’m asking Essential Energy to work with Junee Shire Council and affected businesses on a practical, fair solution before disconnections proceed. Small businesses should not be left to shoulder the financial burden.”

Affected business and property owners wishing to join the campaign can contact Ms Wishart at junee@tsg2u.com.au.

The petition is available online through Change.org.