Sunshine Coast on track sets national benchmark for Dark Sky Reserve
By Sonia Isaacs
THE Sunshine Coast is on track to become Australia’s leading Dark Sky Reserve, with a comprehensive lighting management plan poised to transform how the region combats light pollution.
Covering almost 900 square kilometres in the Mary River catchment and surrounding hinterland, the proposed reserve is centred on a Draft Lighting Management Plan developed by Sunshine Coast Council, with backing from state and federal agencies.
Dr Ken Wishaw (pictured), convener of the Maleny Observatory and the driving force behind the reserve push, said the initiative was a national milestone.
“The lighting management plan is the core document that Dark Sky International looks at to determine whether we are good stewards of this dark sky area,” Dr Wishaw said.
“We are setting a standard that the rest of Australia is looking to copy.”
The project takes a two-pronged approach—delivering a robust plan for responsible lighting and systematically replacing non-compliant infrastructure.
Targeted are outdated streetlights and public fixtures emitting blue-spectrum light, which disrupt nocturnal wildlife and wash out the night sky.
Once finalised, the plan will govern all Council-managed lighting and guide stakeholders including Energex, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, and the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
It will also shape future iterations of the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme and offer voluntary guidelines for residents and local groups.
Dr Wishaw described the draft as “excellent”, saying it delivers clear, science-backed direction to agencies that collectively control thousands of lights across the region.
Dark Sky Reserves are designated by Dark Sky International, which recognises areas with outstanding night skies and strong commitments to preservation through community education and responsible lighting.
The Sunshine Coast proposal includes towns such as Maleny, Montville, Mapleton, Witta, Flaxton and Conondale.
Public feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with more than 95 per cent of over 1200 submissions in favour of the initial Dark Sky Reserve proposal.
The council is now encouraging further input on a new Draft Lighting Management Plan via a survey open until July 11.
“The remaining step before we can formally apply for accreditation is identifying and replacing all non-compliant lighting,” Dr Wishaw said.
Dr Wishaw said he understood Council has already audited more than 800 of its lights within the proposed reserve, while Energex—owner of the majority of streetlights—is now retrofitting infrastructure under a $4 million federal grant awarded last year.
The upgrades are expected to be largely complete by September.
Dr Wishaw, who has spearheaded the initiative since 2019, said international observers were taking note.
“Dark Sky International is thrilled with what we’re doing—they see the Sunshine Coast as setting a national benchmark,” he said.
While the push has clear benefits for astronomy, the broader environmental impact is central.
The new lighting strategy prioritises warm-coloured, focused lights that are only as bright as necessary—and able to be dimmed or turned off during low-use periods.
If successful, the Sunshine Coast will join an elite global network of Dark Sky Reserves and establish a national blueprint for sustainable lighting.
To have your say, visit www.haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/dark-sky