Queensland Rail gets on board with dark sky win
By Sonia Isaacs
QUEENSLAND Rail has “seen the light” and will dim lighting at Landsborough Train Station following a lengthy campaign by GC&M News and astronomer Dr Ken Wishaw.
Caloundra MP, Jason Hunt, made the announcement last week, saying that Queensland Rail had agreed to lower lighting levels in a way that strikes the right balance between public safety and “preserving dark sky integrity”.
“I’m pleased to be able to have championed this important issue for our community,” Mr Hunt said.
“What is being proposed is a two-phase approach which shows some intelligence has been applied.”
From late June 2024, lighting levels will be permanently dimmed to 70 per cent from dusk until 9pm and then 40 per cent until sunrise.
As reported by GC&M News, Dr Wishaw, had conducted studies that showed Landsborough’s new Park ‘n Ride was the most light-polluted location on the Sunshine Coast, outside of the Maroochydore CBD.
The issue also ran counter to the Sunshine Coast Council’s push to create one of the largest Dark Sky Reserves in the Southern Hemisphere, around Maleny.
Dr Wishaw said Mr Hunt’s announcement was an excellent outcome and he thanked Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and Queensland Rail for “supporting dark sky preservation”.
“When they first put these lights in, I expressed my concerns. They have eventually taken notice and decided to do the right thing,” Dr Wishaw said.
“They have set a precedent for other government organisations to consider the same thing: not using light when it’s not necessary.
“This decision will make a significant difference to the light pollution around Landsborough.”
Dr Wishaw also thanked GC&M News.
“It’s no coincidence that these actions have occurred soon after the issue was raised by GC&M News,” he said.
Glasshouse MP Andrew Powell had asked a question on notice to Transport Minister Bart Mellish in early June.
He said it was a great outcome for the region.
“This is really an outstanding outcome but raises the question why it couldn’t have been done when Dr Wishaw first raised the concern,” Mr Powell said.
“To every rational person in and around Landsborough it was obvious there was a solution that ensured safety but reduced light pollution. I’m glad QR finally saw the light.”
The Sunshine Coast Council’s Dark Sky Reserve proposal is currently under consideration. Public consultation has closed.
