Maleny shines as last refuge of the dark skies

by Gail Denver

Division 5 residents could see their streetlights replaced with a much more environmentally and stars-friendly option if a current petition to stop light pollution is successful. 

A group of Maleny residents is also hoping the petition leads to their town being regarded as a test case for these changes.

It comes as the Maleny district has been officially recognised as the last area of coastal South East Queensland that is not severely affected by light pollution.

Maleny and district enjoy diverse wildlife, with the new wetland created by UnityWater shaping up as one of the Sunshine Coast’s prime waterbird habitats. 

Much of this wildlife habitat is adversely affected by excessive artificial lighting at night, as light pollution wreaks havoc on ecosystems. 

Migratory birds accustomed to navigating by the stars, fly into brightly lit buildings, moths endlessly circle street lights until they are exhausted, and owls lose the element of surprise over their prey.

The major contributor to light pollution is street lights, particularly the current Mercury Metal halide lights that have a high blue green wavelength and shine light above the horizontal (unshielded). 

This older style of lighting is requiring compulsory replacement now. Dr Ken Wishaw of the Brisbane Astronomical Society and founding board member of the Australasian Dark Sky Alliance, sees this as a perfect opportunity. 

“The petition aims to reduce light pollution by changing street lights now to comply with the recommended Australian Government National Light Pollution Guidelines,” he said.  

“This will have the effect of preserving our dark skies environment, protect nocturnal wildlife, improve our health and sleeping patterns and what’s more, is more energy efficient.”  

Public star-gazing evenings held at the Maleny Observatory’s dark sky have become increasingly popular with Ken and the astronomers encouraging research into the impact of these changes on residents, sky quality and wildlife. 

For more information got to www.facebook.com/SunshineCoastAstronomyQLD. Sign and share the petition here: www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-the-Assembly/Petitions/Petition-Details?id=3730