Proposed Dark Sky Reserve could create a whole new avenue for Sunshine Coast tourism

A Queensland council’s proposed protection of its hinterland’s stunning night sky could bolster astro-tourism in the area with the plan open for public feedback.

Sunshine Coast Council is proposing to establish a dark sky reserve over almost 900sq km of hinterland. Picture: Dr Ken Wishaw and Dr Geoff Simon.

The Sunshine Coast’s stunning starry nights are one step closer to being properly protected and providing a new avenue for local tourism, as the proposed dark sky reserve opens up to community feedback.

In a bid to reduce light pollution, increase constellation visibility, and sustain the local environment, Sunshine Coast Council is proposing to establish a dark sky reserve over almost 900sq km of hinterland.

The reserve would create a protected area committed to preserving the natural darkness of the night sky, offering a haven for avid stargazers planning their next holiday.

Proposed Dark Sky Reserve Area across almost 900 square kilometres of hinterland.

Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel said the night sky was a proven tourist attraction in other parts of the world, something he hoped the Sunshine Coast could mirror.

“Places like Aoraki Mackenzie in New Zealand have turned their dark skies into a major tourism draw card, bringing in more overnight visitors, boosting international interest, and filling in those quieter seasons,” Mr Stoeckel said.

“The Sunshine Coast welcomed over 4.3 million overnight visitors last year, and while dark sky tourism is still a niche … the interest is definitely growing, especially from travellers looking for meaningful, nature-based, experiences.”

Mr Stoeckel suggested getting formal recognition as a dark sky reserve would be “a step in the right direction” for developing astro-tourism.

“Dark sky tourism aligns with the big-picture goals set out in the state government’s destination 2045 plan, which focuses on eco-tourism, sustainable travel, meaningful experiences and celebrating what makes the Sunshine Coast unique,” he said.

After years of research, phased community engagement and technical documentation, the council is seeking public feedback on its draft lighting management plan from June 16 to July 11.

Initial responses from the community have been overwhelmingly positive, with more than 95 per cent of 1200 respondents surveyed supporting the proposal.

Environment and liveability portfolio councillor Tim Burns emphasised the importance of public support.

Kirbys Road Environment Reserve. Picture: Dr Ken Wishaw and Dr Geoff Simon.

“For this dark sky reserve designation to be successful, we need the community on board by considering dark sky values and making smart lighting choices, where and when they can,” he said.

“It can be as simple as making sure your outdoor lighting is useful, directed downwards, no brighter than necessary, controlled with motion sensors or timers and warm-coloured.

“Everyone has the power to contribute to darker skies and a more sustainable region in the reserve area and across our Sunshine Coast biosphere.”

Mr Burns said specifications in the lighting management plan, once finalised, would be mandatory for all council-managed lighting.

“This means that when council upgrades lighting in the proposed reserve area, it will meet best-practice standards to help retain the dark night skies our community loves,” Mr Burns said.

“We still need to light public spaces to help our community feel safe, but by following some key principles and choosing the correct type of lights, we can minimise light pollution impacting on our night sky.”

Originally published as Proposed Dark Sky Reserve could create a whole new avenue for Sunshine Coast tourism