Hinterland Dark Sky benefits could be astronomical, says Council

The night sky at the heritage-listed Pattemore House in Maleny. Image credit: Dr Ken Wishaw and Dr Paul Baker, Brisbane Astronomical Society. 

The Sunshine Coast could become an astro-tourism and sustainability star thanks to a proposal to create an expansive Dark Sky Reserve.

The dark-sky movement is a global campaign to reduce light pollution. Establishing and maintaining a reserve would contribute to an increased number of stars visible at night.

A Dark Sky Reserve requires at least 700 square kilometres of quality dark sky and demonstrated commitment to reduce light pollution through excellent outdoor lighting and public education.

Sunshine Coast Council unveiled a proposal to establish a Dark Sky Reserve at its latest meeting (November 2023).

The Reserve would encompass almost 900 square kilometres in the Mary River Catchment and adjoining national parks in our local government area.

Division 5 Councillor Winston Johnston said the proposed dark sky reserve would cover 38 per cent of the region. 

“We recognise close to 15,000 members of our community call this area home, including those in Maleny, Mapleton, Montville, Witta, Flaxton and Conondale,” Cr Johnston said.

“This proposed designation seeks to continue to support and protect the landscape and character of their neighbourhoods, including the unique night-sky values.

“A dark night sky improves community wellbeing and is important to our native wildlife that rely on dark night skies to move, feed or reproduce safely at night. This designation would position our region to become an astro-tourism destination and help support our hinterland communities, while reducing emissions from excess lighting.”

Div 10 Cr David Law said Council’s next steps for the proposed reserve would include more detailed planning and engagement with the community to guage interest in the proposal.

“In the coming year we’ll be speaking with our community, including residents in the proposed reserve area, about what this reserve could mean and how communities can get involved in protecting our region from light pollution,” Cr Law said.

Dark Sky Reserve locations around the world include Central Idaho (United States), The River Murray (Australia), Mercantour (France), Aoraki Mackenzie (New Zealand), Brecon Beacons (Wales) and the Rhon Mountains (Germany).