Solar lighting returns for the community along Simpsons Creek footpath

IN a joint $20,000 project between Reflections Holidays and Byron Shire Council, solar lighting on the popular community footpath along Simpsons Creek at Brunswick Heads has been replaced.

Twenty-eight new solar-powered lights have been installed along the tree-lined footpath adjacent to the Creek, stretching from The Terrace to the Brunswick Heads Bowling Club.

Byron Shire Council’s Manager Open Spaces and Facilities, Malcolm Robertson, said the lighting project was a welcome upgrade for the community’s enjoyment.

“According to some of our records, some of the original lights were installed in the 1980s, and every time it rained, they did not work,” Mr Robertson said.

“We decided to replace the five Council-owned lights when we recently repaired erosion on a section of Simpsons Creek, and we approached Reflections to see if they wanted to take the opportunity to replace the rest of lights on the path.

“The path is a used by a lot of people walking or riding in and out of Brunswick Heads and I expect they will be very grateful to have some reliable lights to guide them,” Mr Robertson said.

Reflections Holidays CEO Nick Baker said the organisation, a Crown Land manager which reinvests profit back into its operations, was pleased to partner with Council on a project that benefited the community, including residents, tourists and Reflections guests.

“Reflections is known for its holiday parks and camping destinations however what’s less known is that we care for 40 nature reserves spanning almost 25,000 acres across New South Wales and Simpsons Creek reserve is one such reserve,” Mr Baker said.

“It’s great that this footpath, stretching from near our Brunswick Heads park down to the local bowlo, is now a more pleasant and safer place to walk for the community. It was also good to work again with Byron Shire Council, who we partnered with last year to install hot showers at nearby Banner Park Reserve for those sleeping rough.”