Brimbank residents have expressed concerns about streetlights on main roads not working for extended periods of time.
In a Facebook post, locals highlighted specific problem areas as being Keilor Park Drive and the Ring Road, and the King’s Road exit onto the Calder Freeway, saying some lights have not been fixed for years.
Local Josie Inserra said the darkness is a threat to safety.
“They need to have the lights on at King’s Road because if you’re on the freeway you can’t see the exit. I think it’s dangerous,” she said.
“Especially now that Calder Park Drive exit is closed while they fix the rail overpass, more people are using this exit. It’s just so hard to see the exit.”
On Facebook locals speculated that the reasons behind the streetlight outages may be copper theft.
When Star Weekly contacted the Department of Transport and Planning for comment a spokesperson said, “We thank the local community for their patience while we continue to plan for works to restore the affected street lights.”
“Theft and vandalism to transport infrastructure puts lives at risk and disables critical road infrastructure. Anyone who witnesses any theft or vandalism on Victoria’s transport network is urged to contact Victoria Police immediately.“
Victoria Police said it was not aware of recent incidents of copper theft in the Brimbank area that may have caused power outages.
According to Energy Safe Victoria, in 2024 more than 400 incidents of copper theft were reported across the state.
Energy Safe Victoria expects the figure to rise in 2025.
An Energy Safe Victoria spokesperson said the regulator was working with utility representatives, Victoria Police, and other relevant agencies “to understand the prevalence and impact of copper theft in Victoria, and to identify actions to reduce these incidents.”
“Energy Safe Victoria takes the significant and growing concern of copper theft very seriously,” the spokesperson said.
“Not only is copper theft illegal, but it is extremely dangerous. By exposing live wires and damaging electrical safety systems, thieves put themselves, the public and electrical workers at a significant safety risk.”
