Published on Monday, 14 April 2025 at 12:59:01 PM
PROCLAMATION:
INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY WEEK 2005
The Shire of West Arthur is participating in Western Australia’s Astrotourism Towns Project with two key objectives:
- To support a sustainable tourism industry that promotes our world-class dark night sky and invites visitors to see the spectacular Milky Way at locations including Lake Towerrinning; and
- To strive towards responsible outdoor lighting that preserves the nighttime environment, the cultural heritage of the night sky and nocturnal wildlife for the benefit of our community.
Over the past 12 months, a collaborative effort between WA’s Local Government sector and Astrotourism WA has resulting in the recognition that dark sky initiatives and smart LED streetlights are expected to influence the profile and function of future public lighting assets. Western Power has referred to this in their June 2024 Public Lighting Asset Management Strategy.
In addition, dark sky tourism displays astronomical potential, a recent article from the Australian Government Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) highlights that the Astrotourism Towns Project showcases four pillars of THRIVE 2030, Australia’s national strategy for the long-term, sustainable growth of the visitor economy: - diversification, sustainable tourism, regional tourism and First Nations experiences.
Astrotourism WA CEO, Carol Redford, is a Dark Sky Advocate with DarkSky International that provides leadership to reduce light pollution and promote responsible outdoor lighting. DarkSky International created Dark Sky Week to raise awareness of light pollution, and provide free education, resources, and solutions to the public to encourage the protection of and enjoyment of dark skies and responsible outdoor lighting.
Light pollution - excessive artificial lighting at night that disrupts natural darkness - is a global issue that affects 80% of the world’s population. People living in large cities may never experience the visual wonder or ecological and health benefits of living under a dark sky.
International Dark Sky Week is a global celebration and call to action to reconnect with the night, protect its natural beauty, and inspire change. This is our chance to make a difference in our community and beyond.
In the Shire of West Arthur, I ask each resident to join me, not only in observing and celebrating this important week, but also in raising awareness and support for protecting our precious dark sky so that we can share it with visitors for many decades to come.
Therefore, I, Neil Morrell, Shire President of the Shire of West Arthur, do hereby declare 21-28 April 2025 as:
INTERNATIONAL DAY SKY WEEK
Back to All News