Vital step in region’s Dark Sky Reserve journey

The Sunshine Coast is a major step closer to protecting its starry future, with Sunshine Coast Council applying for international designation to establish a Dark Sky Reserve in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

At Council’s March Ordinary Meeting, Councillors endorsed the application and adopted the Sunshine Coast Dark Sky Reserve Lighting Management Plan for the proposed reserve area. 

The application will be made under the International Dark Sky Places Program, recognising places around the world that are committed to protecting natural night skies through responsible lighting and community partnership.

The proposed reserve area would encompass almost 900 square kilometres in the Mary River Catchment and adjoining national parks in our local government area, where the Blackall Range naturally shields this area from skyglow from surrounding more populated areas.

The application will be formally submitted to DarkSky International for review by the Dark Sky Places Committee.

Boost to health and wellbeing

Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the application included recorded evidence of excellent night sky quality, with a Dark Sky Reserve to protect those starry skies as the region grows.

“Our dark skies are precious, and they’re part of what make our Sunshine Coast Biosphere so special,” Mayor Natoli said.

“This designation is about recognising the value of our hinterland landscapes, supporting wildlife and ecosystems that rely on darkness, and protecting a sense of wonder that is increasingly rare in Australia and around the world.“

Mayor Natoli said establishing a Dark Sky Reserve would also support health and wellbeing and create opportunities for nature-based tourism that benefit local businesses.

Community backs dark skies

Astronomer Ken Wishaw, who was named Senior Citizen of the Year in the 2025 Sunshine Coast Biosphere Community Awards, has been a driving force and passionate community champion of the project.

“The biggest threat to the pristine dark skies of the Obi Obi Valley is to take them for granted, as I learnt ten years ago from a Florida tour group who had never seen stars before,” Dr Wishaw said.

“The Sunshine Coast Council have enthusiastically supported the concept since the moment I proposed it.

“This is a unique place of preservation, inspiration and education.”

Mayor Natoli thanked Dr Wishaw for his tireless efforts on the project, which was first raised for investigation in 2018 with strong support from former councillor Jenny McKay.

”This application has been built on years of technical work, monitoring and community consultation, during which our community has told us clearly that dark skies matter,” Mayor Natoli said.

“Taking this action to protect our dark skies is also possible thanks to close collaboration with the community and other key stakeholders, including State Government agencies and Energex.”

Mayor Natoli said the designation would shape future lighting decisions and encourage dark sky friendly practices across the proposed reserve area.

“It’s about using the right light, in the right place, at the right time, so we can protect our night environment while our region continues to thrive.”

A bold commitment to liveability

If successful, the designation would complement our UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation, placing the Sunshine Coast among just eight other Australian locations recognised by the International Dark Sky Places Program and reinforcing Council’s commitment to sustainability, liveability and protecting the region’s unique character.

Other Dark Sky Places in Australia include Winton in Queensland, Palm Beach Headland and Warrumbungle National Park in New South Wales, and the River Murray and Carrickalinga in South Australia.

A Dark Sky Reserve is a specific category of Dark Sky place that protects a core area of excellent night sky quality and involves the local community.

The Sunshine Coast Dark Sky Reserve would be the second Dark Sky Reserve in Australia.

Remember, no matter where we live, we can all help protect our dark skies by ensuring outdoor lighting is:

• useful – use lighting only if it has a clear purpose
• targeted – direct lighting so it falls only where it is needed or use shields on lights
• low level – keep lighting no brighter than necessary
• controlled – use controls such as timers or motion sensors to ensure light is only on when required
• warm coloured – use warmer coloured lights with low blue-violet light where possible.

Find out more about the Dark Sky Reserve project on Council’s website.