STREET & AREA LUMINAIRES, NIGHT SENSITIVE
Spoilbank Marina – Our latest Dark Sky Awards entrant
- Completed2025
- Client and Construction Project OwnerPilbara Ports
- Stakeholder and Landside Asset OwnerTown of Port Hedland
- Sales PartnerH.I. Lighting
- Lighting DesignJDSI Consulting Engineers (Luigi Contemprato)
- Landscape Architect Emerge Associates
- Public Amenities Building ArchitectParry and Rosenthal
- Landside Civil and Services ContractorErtech
- PhotographyPilbara Ports, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation & Attractions (WA)
The Spoilbank Marina in Port Hedland, Western Australia, marks a new era for the Pilbara coast: a world-class community destination designed to bring people together, enhance tourism, and support local recreation. Nestled along a sensitive stretch of coastline known for its ecological significance, the marina development demanded a careful balance between safety, functionality and environmental stewardship.
Lighting played a pivotal role in this transformation. Pilbara Ports, together with civil contractors Ertech, worked closely with JDSi Consulting Engineers, Emerge Associates, Parry and Rosenthal and H.I. Lighting to specify a solution that would deliver exceptional amenity after dark while preserving the natural rhythms of local wildlife. WE-EF was proud to deliver this outcome with precision-engineered luminaires tailored for dark-sky sensitivity.
Key Considerations
The site sits adjacent to critical flatback turtle nesting grounds, a species common to this West Australian coastline. Protecting these turtles while enabling safe, comfortable public access was a non-negotiable priority.
Key lighting criteria included:
• Strict environmental requirements: No more than 0.5 lux within 100 metres of the coastline.
• Compliance with AS1158 standards: P4 pathway category lighting for walkways, P11c for carparks (based on AS1158:2005) and safe, welcoming illumination for playgrounds (relying primarily on spill contribution from the pathway lighting) and public gathering spaces.
• Durability in coastal conditions: All lighting products had to withstand the harsh Pilbara climate while maintaining high performance and longevity.
Challenges
Delivering a marina precinct of this scale under tight environmental conditions was complex. The team had to:
• Prevent light spill towards turtle nesting areas while ensuring sufficient visibility for visitors.
• Balance amenity lighting with sustainability, avoiding over-lighting while still meeting safety codes.
• Achieve strict lux-level performance well below guideline thresholds, proving measurable compliance.
• Coordinate multiple applications (carparks, pathways, playgrounds, shelters, and public art) with a single holistic approach to light quality and colour spectrum.
“PC Amber offers a perfect harmony of ecological sensitivity and visual clarity.”
WE-EF’s precision optics and proven coastal durability made our luminaires the clear choice.
In Kim Bianchini’s words, (H.I. Lighting Specification Manager) “WE-EF products were chosen for their exceptional blend of performance and sustainability. The WE-EF’s superior durability and energy efficiency ensured that it met the clients stringent lighting standards while minimising environmental impact. The product elevates the aesthetic and functional quality of the space. PC Amber was chosen to protect local wildlife and reduce light pollution. It offers a perfect harmony of ecological sensitivity and visual clarity, ensuring that they preserve nocturnal ecosystems without compromising safety or functionality.“
Across the precinct, VFL530 and VFL540 pole-mounted luminaires (125 in total) were used for the pathway ([P65] optics) and carpark areas ([R65] optics]), together with 71 x KTY234 bollards ([R65] optics) – all in PC Amber.
Surrounding shelters utilised FLC121 (20) projectors and around the structures PLS420 (14) and SLS420 (18) surface-mounted wall luminaires, both in an [A60] optic, were used to throw light forward and provide gentle uniform illumination. QRI354 steplights (42) were also placed strategically – all to ensure a layered approach and feeling of safety could be achieved – and all in PC Amber to deliver ecological sensitivity while maintaining visual clarity (CRI 60) – sufficient for wayfinding and safety while meeting dark-sky sensitivity.
• Wildlife-sensitive spectrum: PC Amber was selected for its reduced impact on nocturnal species, particularly the flatback turtles, while still offering a safe, comfortable experience for people.
• Targeted illumination: Superior optical control allowed light to be directed precisely where needed, avoiding upward and spill light. This minimised ecological disruption while achieving uniformity in public areas.
• Application-specific design: Pathways and carparks met AS1158 categories without excess light; playgrounds benefitted from ambient spill contribution; and The Gathering sculpture was softly highlighted with PC Amber ETC320 inground uplights, enhancing cultural value without compromising dark-sky principles.
• Durability and resilience: Marine-grade aluminium housings with WE-EF’s 5CE+ Primer system, combined with PCS hardware, ensured resistance against coastal corrosion and long-term reliability.
Results
The Spoilbank Marina lighting scheme has delivered measurable success:
• Environmental performance: The project exceeded its specification, achieving lux levels below 0.5 within 100 metres of the coastline – surpassing specification guidelines requirements.
• Community amenity: The marina is now a vibrant night-time destination, offering safe access, comfort, and extended use for residents and visitors.
• Wildlife protection: By adopting PC Amber, the scheme actively protects flatback turtles during critical nesting periods, setting a benchmark for sustainable coastal lighting.
• Recognition: The project was completed on time, within budget, and has already gained industry acknowledgment as a finalist in the 2025 Earth Awards. Its submission into the Beauty in Darkness Awards further cements its standing as an exemplar of environmentally responsible urban design.
According to H.I. Lighting Specification Manager Kim Bianchini, the Spoilbank Marina lighting installation has “created a welcoming, well-lit environment that supports broader use of the space after dark whilst minimising the environmental impact.”
