The region 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 hinterland.
At the 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 the local government area, where the Blackall Range naturally shields this area from skyglow from more populated areas.
The application will be formally submitted to DarkSky International for review by the Dark Sky Places Committee.
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 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 10 years ago from a Florida tour group who had never seen stars before,” Dr Wishaw says.
“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.
