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First it was a rainbow roundabout, now Braddon is home to Canberra's very first same-sex couple pedestrian lights. Eight green pedestrian lights at a Braddon intersection have been changed from a "walking man" to walking same-sex couples. City Renewal Authority chief executive officer Malcolm Snow said the lights, located at the intersection of Cooyong Street with Lonsdale and Genge streets, were the first to be changed within the City Renewal Precinct as part of a new place initiative. Mr Snow said the project would replace selected pedestrian lights around the precinct in order to better recognise the diversity of the community and the different characters of its places. The new lights were installed on November 7, coinciding with the capital's Spring Out Festival. He said the cost of manufacturing and installation was about $5500 with a considerable proportion involving setup costs. He predicted future projects would cost less and feature other diverse silhouettes. "This first location was selected because Braddon has distinctively been the place of celebration for Canberra’s LGBTIQ community," Mr Snow said. "A year ago we saw this area filled with people, colour and joy after the country voted overwhelmingly in favour of marriage equality. The lights are on Lonsdale Street where over a week ago it was transformed into a swirling mix of colour, music, light and love with the Yes!Fest street party. The Braddon street is also where an impromptu street party broke out after the same-sex marriage survey results last year. Canberra returned the highest percentage of "yes" votes of any state or territory at 74 per cent. Mr Snow said the rainbow roundabout, which was installed late last year, had been a popular feature to Canberra and the location had held significant events related to Canberra's LGBTIQ community. "Starting this project, with this theme, at this location was a really easy decision." Mr Snow said the authority was looking for other sites within the City Renewal Precinct to upgrade pedestrian lights at intersections.

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