Tasmanian Greens alternative budget: Proposals for Dark Sky Sanctuary, Covid Clean Air Package

A proposal to turn the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area into a beacon for ‘astro-tourism’ as well as a Clean Air Package to reduce the spread of Covid will be unveiled by the Greens in state parliament today. THEIR PLANS >>

Greens MPs Rosalie Woodruff and Cassy O'Connor. Picture: Chris Kidd

Proposals to declare the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area a Dark Sky Sanctuary and develop a “Clean Air Package” to reduce the spread of Covid-19 will feature prominently in the Greens’ alternative budget.

Greens leader Cassy O’Connor will outline how her party would allocate the state’s resources over the next four years in a speech in state parliament on Wednesday.

The Mercury can reveal that the Greens will work towards funding an application to have the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA) declared a Dark Sky Sanctuary under the International Dark Sky Places conservation program.

“The program certifies 200 places globally, including three in Australia all of which are magnets for travellers seeking artificial light-free wonders,” Ms O’Connor said.

“Dark Sky sanctuaries draw visitors for their unique, uninterrupted wonder – just like the [TWWHA].”

Greens MPs Rosalie Woodruff and Cassy O'Connor. Picture: Chris Kidd

The International Dark-Sky Association describes a Dark Sky Sanctuary as “public or private land that has an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is protected for its scientific, natural, or educational value, its cultural heritage and/or public enjoyment”.

The Greens’ proposal would cost $810,000 to 2026-27 and would fund the initial application, as well as promotion of the sanctuary.

Ms O’Connor said it would help with efforts to reduce light pollution in Tasmania, strengthen the state’s tourism brand, and increase its visitor appeal as an “astro-tourism” destination.

The party will also propose a range of measures to help limit the spread of Covid-19 in the community.

Its Clean Air Package will involve the development of air standards and regulations, the funding of clean air upgrades in healthcare and education settings, including air filtration and ventilation equipment, clean air financing for community organisations and businesses, plus a grant scheme and low interest loans for medium and large businesses.

The package would cost a total of $31m across the forward estimates.

“Experts around the world have been calling for clean air standards. In places like the US, France, and Belgium, governments are listening, and responding with regulations and infrastructure upgrades to clean the air people breathe,” Ms O’Connor said.

“Tasmania must too. The Greens demonstrate how it’s cost-effective and achievable to develop clean air standards and regulations.

“The program would be phased-in, and accompanied by a new education and awareness campaign via an empowered Public Health, and there would be resources for compliance.”

The Greens leader said the package “acknowledges the reality of Covid” and would help address workforce shortages caused by the virus.

Originally published as Tasmanian Greens alternative budget: Proposals for Dark Sky Sanctuary, Covid Clean Air Package