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To be fair, the initiative in Melbourne was privately funded, I believe, but I do agree that it is a bit of a distraction.

I think the lights in Maryborough are fun and fit in with the tourist angle they are pushing, so could be money well spent.

Fair enough, but as you infer, surely there would be a better use of those funds. I agree regarding Maryborough. I'd bet they're getting a good return on that investment. Nice post by the way. I had never the story of the East German traffic light men.