Central Basin Lighting

The National Capital Authority 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 budget funding of $10 million over two financial years from 2025-26, design work is underway to deliver a permanent lighting solution around Central Basin to make it 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.

Interim 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.

Whilst these additions have improved the level of lighting quickly, they are an interim solution and do not deliver the level of consistency which will be achieved by a permanent lighting system.

Project benefits

• Improved sense of safety.
• Increased fitness and recreational activity around the Central Basin of Lake Burley Griffin.
• Maintaining the National Capital Estate through environmental design measures which 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 power supply where appropriate.
• Installing modern and energy-efficient luminaires with LED technology that meets Australian standards.
• Consideration of 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 below image is indicative of the areas being explored through the design phase.

The design phase is being undertaken in two stages. The first stage, preliminary design, was completed in July 2026 and delivered a blueprint for improving lighting, safety and accessibility around the Central Basin of Lake Burley Griffin. Key outcomes of the preliminary design phase which are guiding the detailed design include the following. 

• The importance of balancing safety with protection of Canberra’s nationally significant heritage landscape (for example the Parliamentary Vista and the Griffin Land Axis). This has resulted in the use of pole top lighting in the majority of areas to ensure standards for pedestrian/footpath compliance. Note: primary paths and secondary paths will have different ‘looks’ to create a distinct look and feel for the foreshore (primary) paths.
• The design is replacing ageing and obsolete lighting infrastructure with a consistent, energy-efficient LED lighting system. This approach reduces maintenance costs, improves reliability and delivers a more uniform visitor experience across the Central Basin.
• The ‘Dark Sky’ principles will be adopted minimising environmental impacts. This means it reduces glare, light spill and impacts on wildlife whilst maintaining safe public access and supporting the nighttime character of Lake Burley Griffin.

The second stage of design is now underway. This is a more detailed level of design and will look closely at specifications and technical requirements and also include statutory approvals such as the Works Approval process. It is during this stage we will look more closely at a smart lighting platform for the National Capital Estate which could enable remote monitoring and adaptive dimming.

The below images are indicative of the lighting design selected for key locations around the lake. Options for areas directly within the vista, including Rond Terrace and Commonwealth Place, will be further developed during the second stage of design.

Procurement of a contractor for the delivery (construction) phase will take place following design. Construction is expected to commence in 2027. 

During construction there will be temporary changes for users of the paths around Central Basin. Construction will involve excavation to allow for the installation of necessary cables and other infrastructure to facilitate the lighting. Further details on these disruptions will be available in 2027 ahead of construction beginning.

Receive regular updates direct to your inbox; simply sign up using the form below.

Email subscription link

Click on the following links to view our Privacy Policy and Terms of use.

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