Almost 90,000 hectares of Sunshine Coast hinterland is set to become Australia’s second Dark Sky Reserve, following overwhelming support from the local community.
Sunshine Coast Council Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Maria Suarez said a Dark Sky Reserve was an international designation that recognised places committed protecting sites from light pollution.
Cr Suarez said establishing the proposed 873 sq km reserve, based around the Council-owned Kirbys Road Environment Reserve, would improve wellbeing, protect wildlife, support astro-tourism and promote responsible lighting.
She said the reserve would also include a broader buffer area, including the nearby townships of Maleny, Mapleton, Montville, Witta, Flaxton and Conondale.
“Sunshine Coast Council sought community feedback on the proposal and the message from our communities is clear. Our dark skies are worth protecting.”
Cr Suarez said more than 95 percent of 1200 survey respondents supported protecting dark skies for future generations.
“Here on the Sunshine Coast, unlike most other populated areas in the world, we know what it means to look to a sky full of stars and experience that unique sense of wonder.
“They are important for our health and wellbeing, our hinterland businesses, our wildlife and ecosystems, and they are part of what makes our region special.
Cr Suarez said reserve status would place the region among Australian leaders in a global movement and attract national and international astro-tourism visitors.
She said there were currently only six Dark Sky Places in Australia and only one of those, the 3200 sq km River Murray, was a Dark Sky Reserve, which was characterised by community involvement and partnerships.
“Under the proposal, Kirby’s Road Environment Reserve would become the ‘core’ of the Dark Sky Reserve, where dark sky quality is preserved by managing light pollution across the entire reserve area.
“Landholders near this core area are key stakeholders to the proposal.”
Cr Suarez said some residents near Kirby’s Road Environment Reserve had expressed concern over this core area attracting more visitors with potential impacts to roads, amenity and general reserve management.
She said careful management of Kirby’s Road Environment Reserve was a priority.
“We’ll continue speaking with these residents to ensure we strike a balance in protecting this special area while celebrating its incredible dark sky.
“Kirbys Road Environment Reserve is just one aspect of the proposal and opportunities would be spread across the entire Dark Sky Reserve area, which is 873 square kilometres in size.
“That way, our hinterland businesses and communities will enjoy the benefits while also doing the heavy lifting in hosting astro-tourism visitors.”
She said the broader area included the Maleny Observatory and Mapleton Observatory, where community groups run night sky viewing events.
Cr Suarez said Council would continue conversations with the community and prepare technical documents, including a lighting management plan.
“If councillors decide to proceed with the proposal, the next stage would involve working with Dark Sky International and key stakeholders to prepare and submit an application to establish the Dark Sky Reserve.”
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