Central Basin Lighting

The National Capital Authority is delivering improved lighting to make the Central Basin of Lake Burley Griffin safer and more accessible for everyone who uses its paths, bridges and foreshore areas.

These upgrades are a direct response to feedback from women and girls in the Safe. Everywhere. Always. Survey, which revealed poor lighting is a major barrier to feeling safe after dark. More than 1,100 people highlighted issues with lighting at bus stops, parks and pathways.

Project benefits

• Increased fitness and recreational activity around the Central Basin of Lake Burley Griffin.
• Improved sense of safety.
• Maintaining the National Capital Plan through wayfinding and environmental design measures which will respect the lake’s heritage and ecological values.

Project key features

• Replacing and adding lights on high-use paths around the Central Basin which will include upgraded and new cabling and substations.
• Installing modern and energy-efficient luminaires with LED technology that meets Australian standards.
• Trialling smart lighting at selected sites including adaptive brightness and responsive management to make sure the lighting is always just right.
• Investigation of potential lighting improvements from Kings Avenue Bridge to the Kingston Foreshore (subject to ongoing liaison with the ACT Government).

The NCA manages and maintains lighting around the National Triangle and the Central Basin of the lake and has been working consistently to improve lighting to better address safety and accessibility. 

Following receipt of $10 million over two financial years from 2025-26, design work is now underway to deliver a permanent lighting solution around Central Basin. In addition, the NCA in collaboration with the ACT Government will complete preliminary design work for extension of the lighting solution from Kings Avenue Bridge down to the Kingston Foreshore. 

A timeline will be developed as part of the preliminary design phase and published on this page in the coming months.

Temporary lighting solution

Since July 2025 the number of lights around Central Basin has increased from 700 to 1,019. There are now 319 new lights improving safety around Central Basin, made up of: 

• 73 bollard lights, 1-metre-tall lights installed in dimly lit areas as originally agreed to.
• 138 edge marker lights, delineating the lakes edge at Rond Terrace.
• 80 up-lights, along tree plantation at Queen Elizabeth Terrace.
• 4 directional Spotlights, added to the kiosk areas in Commonwealth Place.
• 4 up-lights installed at East and West Place Glass Facade at Commonwealth Place
• 6 light poles, along Menzies Walk
• 9 directional lights, along Australian of the Year Walk.
• 5 path lights between Rond Terrace and Kings Park.

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If you would like to contact the project team, email us at communications@nca.gov.au