The Challenge
Blacktown City Council manages an extensive network of shared paths, cycleways, and pedestrian walkways across Western Sydney. Many of these routes pass through nature parks, residential areas, and connections to public transport hubs and community centres.
Like many councils, Blacktown faced a common dilemma: how to improve safety on unlit or poorly lit path sections without the significant capital and ongoing costs of traditional electrical lighting. Trenching, cabling, and electrical connections can be prohibitive for long path networks far from existing power infrastructure.
Project Objectives
Improve Night-Time Safety
Enhance visibility on previously unlit or poorly lit paths used by cyclists and pedestrians after dark.
Sustainable Solution
Meet environmental commitments with zero-energy lighting that produces no light pollution.
Low Maintenance
Deploy durable, weather-resistant technology suited to Australian conditions with minimal ongoing maintenance.
Innovation Leadership
Pioneer new approaches to path safety and position the council as a leader in sustainable infrastructure.
The Solution: LuminoKrom Photoluminescent Path Marking
Blacktown partnered with Tarsior to trial LuminoKrom—a photoluminescent coating system developed by OliKrom in France and proven across 450+ projects worldwide. This made Blacktown the first council in Australia, and the first deployment anywhere in Oceania, to implement the technology.
Two sections of shared path and cycleway were selected for the pilot. The paths were chosen specifically because they passed through areas with limited existing lighting infrastructure— exactly the conditions where traditional lighting would be most expensive to install.
Why LuminoKrom?
- ISO 17398 Class G certified - highest international performance standard
- Luminescence output: +3,000 mcd/m² at 2 minutes, +80 mcd/m² at 1 hour
- Visible up to 80 metres at night
- Charges from daylight or artificial light (rapid energisation)
- Up to 10 hours of continuous afterglow visibility
- No electricity required - truly zero energy
- Anti-slip surface treatment for wet weather safety
- Low light pollution - visible primarily on the marked surface
- Designed for outdoor conditions when applied to spec
- 5+ year service life is typical, depending on surface and wear
How It Works
LuminoKrom uses advanced strontium aluminate photoluminescent pigments that absorb light energy during the day (from sunlight or artificial sources) and release it gradually as visible green-yellow glow after dark. A full charge comes from daylight or artificial exposure, providing up to 10 hours of visibility—enough to last through the night.
Unlike reflective materials that require an external light source to be visible, LuminoKrom produces its own light. This means it remains visible even in complete darkness, with no streetlights, no vehicle headlights, and no power required.
Project Outcomes
Enhanced Night Visibility
Previously dark path sections now provide clear visual guidance for cyclists and pedestrians after sunset.
Reduced Accident Risk
Improved path delineation helps users stay on-path and avoid obstacles, particularly in unlit park areas.
Zero Energy Consumption
Unlike traditional lighting, the installation requires no electrical infrastructure and consumes no grid power.
Environmental Alignment
Supports council sustainability goals with a genuinely zero-carbon lighting solution.
Setting a Precedent for Australian Councils
Blacktown's successful pilot demonstrates that photoluminescent path marking is viable for Australian conditions. The technology withstands UV exposure, temperature variations, and weather events that are common across the country.
For councils considering their options, the Blacktown installation provides proof that zero-energy path visibility is achievable without the capital and operational costs of traditional electrical lighting infrastructure.
The project aligns with growing pressure on local governments to deliver sustainable infrastructure while managing budget constraints—a balance that photoluminescent technology helps councils achieve.
"Blacktown City Council is pioneering safe, sustainable path lighting in Australia with two successful LuminoKrom photoluminescent paint installations."
— LuminoKrom case study documentation
