Let there be starlight!
We’re all well aware of environmental issues such as air pollution and water pollution, but who knew about light pollution? What’s that about? Why are many communities now working to reduce it or, even better, to prevent it?
Light pollution is the 'brightening of the night sky caused by street lights and other man-made sources, which has a disruptive effect on natural cycles and inhibits the observation of stars and planets.' (Oxford Languages, https://languages.oup.com/google-dictionary-en/)
Why is it a problem? There are many issues worldwide associated with light pollution, concerning human health, global warming, energy resources, the environment, astronomy, wildlife conservation, even plant health. Here in Sandy Point there are two vital local factors: our visual access to the natural night sky, and the welfare of our wonderful nocturnal wildlife.
One of the many natural attractions to Sandy Point is our view of the night sky. How many of us have looked up and sucked in our breath at the literally awesome multitude of stars, planets and any other heavenly sights that come by, which are totally unseen or unnoticed in other towns and cities? We are blessed to have minimal artificial lighting in our town to make this possible.
We are blessed also to share this place with our local wildlife, some of which sadly is battling to survive loss of habitat and other human environmental impacts. Much of our wildlife is nocturnal, our iconic koalas are a prime example. Light pollution has been found to have devastating effects on animal feeding, breeding, exposure to predators, seabird migrations. Street lighting is a major contributor to light pollution; keeping it minimal is not just a kindness to our wildlife, it is vital to its survival.
What can we do about it? Many local councils, government departments and energy authorities are now looking at street lighting policies and Dark Sky Ordinances to address light pollution issues.
The National Light Pollution Guidelines for Wildlife (dcceew.gov.au) has as its number one recommendation: “Start with natural darkness and only add light for specific purposes.”
Example of environmentally responsible outdoor lighting from www.vizona.com.au/product/basso-solar-bollard-light/
As a community, we need to advocate strongly and work with our Council to ensure that our concerns and values are understood. Where additional public lighting is deemed essential, we need to ensure that the design and specifications are best practice, including low height level, fully shielded, directing light only where it is needed, and of a colour temperature that is least damaging to wildlife.
As individuals we can help to prevent light pollution by keeping our outdoor lighting to a minimum, and by resisting the urge to have sensor lighting around our property. We can also join our Sandy Point Community Group to maximise our advocacy power on this and other important local issues.
www.sandypoint.vic.au/membership
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