REQUESTS to preserve Maleny’s status as the last area of coastal south east Queensland not severely affected by light pollution has been referred to the Transport and Main Roads Minister.
The request comes after months of lobbying and a petition tabled in state parliament requesting the replacement of streetlights in and around Maleny, with experts fearing poor policy and population growth could soon black out stars from the night sky. Responding to the petition, Energy Minister Mick de Brenni said streetlights in the region are owned by Energy Queensland on behalf of council and Department of Transport.
“My office has drawn the petitioner’s proposal to the attention of the office of my colleague … the Minister for Transport and Main Roads and I have also asked the Department of Energy and Public Works to raise the matter with both organisations,” Mr de Brenni said. Member for Glasshouse Andrew Powell, who was the sponsoring member of the petition, said it was a positive step. “This is the first time Energy Queensland have put their hand up and said, ‘we’ll coordinate further investigation’.”
“I hope, as the organisations collectively consider this, they see that making the switch to ‘dark sky’ friendly lights is a win-win!”
