Independent Member for Kurrajong Thomas Emerson MLA and community advocates have welcomed an announcement today of $10 million to improve lighting around Lake Burley Griffin.

The commitment is contained in the Federal Government’s Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO), and comes almost six months after Mr Emerson voiced concerns in the ACT Legislative Assembly about the impact of poor lighting on public safety. 

“This is a big win for our community,” said Mr Emerson.

“It’s fantastic to see such a significant response from the National Capital Authority to an issue the ACT Government hasn’t taken seriously,” Mr Emerson said. 

Mr Emerson has continued pushing for the ACT Government to invest in improved lighting across the Territory, despite his earlier calls for lighting upgrades to increase women's safety having been dismissed as ‘missing the point’. 

“The ACT Government should follow the lead of the National Capital Authority by investing in better lighting in popular exercise locations around Canberra, in line with their own Gender Sensitive Urban Design Framework,” Mr Emerson said.

Quotes attributable to Kim Elms, Founder of Every Street Matters

“The Albanese Government’s commitment of $10 million to improve lighting and safety around Lake Burley Griffin is a significant and long-overdue investment in one of Canberra’s most heavily used public spaces. Improving lighting is a practical, evidence-based way to increase safety, accessibility and confidence for everyone who uses the lake.

“Feedback from the community already shows how effective these upgrades can be, with many users noting the positive impact of the additional solar lighting along the shared path parallel to Queen Elizabeth Terrace. This demonstrates the value of targeted, well-designed lighting in improving both real and perceived safety.

“I’m keen to see a clear and transparent implementation plan, including priority areas, community consultation and timelines, and to understand how the rollout will progress through the first half of 2026 to ensure this investment delivers meaningful, on-the-ground outcomes.”

Quotes attributable to Cecily Michaels, Executive Director of Pedal Power ACT

“Pedal Power strongly welcomes this investment in lighting around Lake Burley Griffin. The lake is one of Canberra’s most popular and iconic cycling routes, used daily for commuting, training and recreation.

“Better lighting is a win for everyone – it supports safer cycling year-round and helps more people, particularly women, feel confident using this shared path early in the morning or after dark. We see this as a positive investment in safety, accessibility and active travel in Canberra.”

Media Contact

Will Devine | [email protected] | 0402 183 296

Background

In June 2025, following a series of attacks on women while exercising, Mr Emerson introduced a motion in the ACT Legislative Assembly with several calls for action, including for the National Capital Authority to address lighting issues in Commonwealth-owned areas like the Lake Burley Griffin perimeter.

The ACT Government’s Gender Sensitive Urban Design Framework, released in 2023, identifies better lighting as the number one way to improve the safety of public spaces.

The Australian Government’s MYEFO 2025-26 contains “$10.0 million over two years from 2025–26 to improve the safety and useability of public spaces around Lake Burley Griffin in the Australian Capital Territory.”