New energy efficient lights are brightening the way along Anson Street, from Summer Street to the new DPI building.
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The six-metre-tall poles use half as much energy as those they replaced.
"It is going to make this stretch of road much safer for all the pedestrians," said federal MP Andrew Gee.
"With the DPI building up and running, we've got about 800 people working there and it's really important that when those folks are going to and from work, or visitors are coming into town, or local residents are using this CBD area, they feel safe."
Mr Gee described the project as "money well spent" and said it would increase foot traffic into the CBD.
"We all know the importance of boosting economic activity in the post-COVID recovery phase we're in at the moment; we're going to need more people getting into the CBD boosting that retail spend."
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Costing $300,000, the lighting upgrade is the first stage of Orange City Council's Whiteway project.
The second stage will see improved lighting along Summer Street.
The Australian government contributed $200,000 from its Safer Communities Fund, and Orange City Council borrowed $100,000 to make up the difference.
Mayor Reg Kidd said the lights would save ratepayers about $20,000 a year, thus paying for themselves in five years.
"It's far brighter lighting, in fact we've had the odd complaint that it's too bright, but I think that's just because people are used to dull lights.
"These are the way to go in the future."
Cr Kidd waxed lyrical about his dream for the poles - to have them adorned with baskets full of flowers. The hanging baskets of Orange, perhaps.
He's seen it work elsewhere and wants to make it work here.
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