AS momentum grows to establish a Dark Sky Reserve in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, residents are showing strong support for protecting the region’s night skies, with the vast majority willing to change their lighting habits to reduce light pollution.
In the latest round of community consultation, 89 per cent of respondents said they would adjust their outdoor lighting to help protect the environment, preserve the hinterland’s unique character and support community health and wellbeing.
Sunshine Coast Council is proposing a Dark Sky Reserve covering almost 900 square kilometres across the Mary River catchment and adjoining national parks within the local government area. The reserve would protect the hinterland’s starry night skies as population growth and development increase pressure from artificial lighting.
Consultation outcomes, technical documentation and a draft application to establish the reserve under the International Dark Sky Places Program are expected to be presented to Council for consideration in early 2026.
The consultation included feedback on a Draft Lighting Management Plan, outlining how Council-controlled lighting would meet dark-sky-compliant standards while encouraging best practice from other lighting managers, including Energex, the Queensland Government and residents.
Division 5 Councillor Winston Johnston said Council had already begun upgrading ageing lights in parts of the proposed reserve.
“When lights need replacing, we’re installing dark-sky-friendly options that shine only where needed, use warmer tones and are more energy efficient,” Cr Johnston said.
Residents are encouraged to help protect dark skies by using outdoor lighting only when necessary, directing lights so they fall only where needed, keeping lighting no brighter than required, installing timers or motion sensors, and choosing warm-coloured lights with low blue-violet output.
Cr Johnston said protecting dark skies delivered environmental, cultural and health benefits.
“Starry skies are part of our hinterland heritage, and preserving them for future generations is something the whole community can be proud of.”