Queensland’s first internationally-recognised Dark Sky Reserve has been declared in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
The declaration will keep a dark sky “window to the universe” open in this part of the world.
It covers the townships of Maleny, Mapleton, Montville, Witta, Flaxton, Kenilworth and Conondale.
Stars are becoming increasingly hard to see around the world, with more than 80 percent of the population living under “skyglow” light pollution.
A declaration under the International Dark Sky Places Program commits about 870 square kilometres of the Sunshine Coast hinterland to protecting natural night skies through responsible lighting and community partnership.
Other reserves are in Aoraki Mackenzie (New Zealand), Mont-Mégantic (Canada) and River Murray (Australia).
Sunshine Coast astronomer Ken Wishaw said he was motivated to advocate for the dark sky reserve after hearing from people elsewhere who had lost their starry night skies.
“I am hoping the reserve will play a major role in educating visitors on the impact of light pollution, and how easy it is to prevent it or reverse it,” Dr Wishaw said.
“The Reserve is the last place in coastal South-East Queensland that has starry night skies free of light pollution. This window to the universe will now stay open.
“This has been a 10-year project for me, and, through the tremendous support of the Sunshine Coast Council, it is now a reality for all to experience and enjoy.”
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said, while dark skies were important for wildlife, health and hinterland business, there were other reasons to keep communities connected to starry skies.
“People in our communities know the awe of looking up at a sky filled with stars, and we’re incredibly lucky to still have that here on the Sunshine Coast,” Cr Natoli said.
“As our region continues to grow, we need to make sure we keep that wonder for our future generations.”
A Dark Sky Reserve is a specific category of a Dark Sky place that protects a core area of excellent night sky quality and involves the local community.
As part of the application process, the Council has developed a lighting management plan.
It has worked in partnership with Energex, Queensland Government agencies and others managing public lighting across the reserve area.
The plan seeks to balance the need for lighting while preserving night skies, the environment, health and wellbeing and energy resources.
The International Dark Sky Places Program was founded in 2001. It is a non-regulatory and voluntary program encouraging communities, parks, and protected areas worldwide to preserve and protect dark sites.
More information on dark sky places is available here.
