Bright future for Maleny’s dark skies

Member for Glass House Andrew Powell with Dr Ken Wishaw.

The Crisafulli Government has delivered on its election commitment to boost tourism and preserve the environment in Maleny with the installation of new star-friendly lighting.

Maleny has been granted recognition as a Dark Sky Reserve under the International Dark Sky Places Program on the back of the Crisafulli Government delivering new lighting that reduces light pollution and enhances starry night skies.

This project was an election commitment made by the Local Member for Glass House Andrew Powell and involved the fast-tracking lighting replacement on all state-owned buildings in Maleny.

Now delivered, a total of 277 outdated lights across 10 government-owned sites have been replaced with Dark Sky-compliant LED lighting, including the police, fire and ambulance stations, the hospital and schools.

Housing and Public Works Minister Sam O’Connor said the project would have many benefits.

“This is about more than locals and visitors being able to see the stars more clearly, it will create a healthier environment for our wildlife and reduce our energy consumption,” Minister O’Connor said.

“It was also a valuable training opportunity for our QBuild apprentices involved in the installation of the cutting-edge lighting technology.

“The delivery of this project is a win for human health, a win for our wildlife and a win Queensland’s night skies.”

Member for Glass House, Andrew Powell said the Crisafulli Government was proud to have delivered the election commitment to protect and enhance Maleny’s internationally recognised Dark Sky status.

“When I committed to protecting Maleny’s Dark Sky status, it was because I know how much our community values the natural beauty and unique lifestyle of the Hinterland,” Mr Powell said.

“I’m proud to have secured and delivered this investment, which will help reduce light pollution, protect our environment and strengthen Maleny’s reputation as one of Queensland’s best places to experience the night sky.

“This is a win for local residents, a win for local tourism operators and a win for businesses right across the Hinterland.

“The Sunshine Coast Hinterland has so much to offer, and by protecting assets like our dark skies, we're creating new opportunities for visitors while preserving the lifestyle that locals love.”

Local astronomer Dr Ken Wishaw, a member of the Brisbane Astronomical Society, founding board member of the Australasian Dark Sky Alliance and Maleny Observatory convenor, welcomed the program saying the change in lighting has had a significant impact on the area.

“Over 100 high pollution, energy inefficient streetlights were replaced in Maleny last year and this project has now changed Maleny from the most light-polluted hinterland major town in the Dark Sky Reserve, to the least.

“This will not only mean preservation of our starry skies but is excellent for the Maleny night wildlife in such places as the Maleny Precinct and Mary Cairncross Park.

“I hope the Maleny infrastructure upgrades will serve as a blueprint for what is possible elsewhere, in turn enhancing the destination 2045 goal to establish Dark Sky parks throughout the state.

“Groundwork is already happening to add Dark Sky tourism to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland tourism mix.”