Sunshine Coast Council has applied for international designation to establish a Dark Sky Reserve in the hinterland.
At yesterday’s 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, which recognises 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 within the local government area, where the Blackall Range naturally shields skyglow from surrounding more populated areas.
“Our dark skies are precious and they’re part of what make our Sunshine Coast Biosphere so special,” Mayor Rosanna 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.”
Cr Natoli thanked Dr Ken 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,” Cr 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.”
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Dr Wishaw, who was named Senior Citizen of the Year in the 2025 Sunshine Coast Biosphere Community Awards, has been a driving force behind the project.
“The biggest threat to the pristine dark skies of the Obi Obi Valley is to take them for granted, as I learnt 10 years ago from a Florida tour group who had never seen stars before,” he 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.”
Cr 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,” she said.
If successful, the designation would place the Sunshine Coast among just eight other Australian locations recognised by the International Dark Sky Places Program.
Cr Natoli said establishing a Dark Sky Reserve would also support health and wellbeing and create opportunities for nature-based tourism that benefit local businesses.
The application will be formally submitted to DarkSky International for review by the Dark Sky Places Committee.
