Lighting levels intensity dimmed overnight
By Sonia Isaacs
LEADING local astronomer, Dr Ken Wishaw has confirmed Queensland Rail has “seen the light” and now cut unnecessary late-night lighting at Landsborough train station.
Following a lengthy campaign spearheaded by GC&M News and Dark Sky advocate, Dr Ken Wishaw, late night lighting at the train station carpark – which is sparsely used during the night outside of train service times – has now been dimmed down.
Queensland Rail (QR) has now turned down the lights after dusk in response to community concern over the extraordinary levels of night-time light pollution at the recently completed Landsborough park and ride facility.
Dr Ken Wishaw said following last month’s assurance that the matter would be addressed, and QR has commenced a staggered nightly reduction in evening carpark lighting to 70% of original brightness capacity (between dusk and 9pm) and to 40% from 9pm until dawn.
“I measured the lighting at Landsborough Station late on Saturday night (July 13) and true to their word they have turned the lights down to 40% of previous illumination levels,” Dr Wishaw said.
“While not a huge impact on light pollution globally it is for Landsborough.
“Landsborough is no longer the most light polluted location outside Central Maroochydore. Sky quality readings were improved and once again you can see the stars.
“That is the good thing about light pollution, it disappears instantly when you fix it.”
Dr Wishaw thanked GC&M News, and acknowledged the advocacy of local state members to ensure such an outstanding outcome.
