Aireys Inlet to strive for dark sky community status

IN a bid to achieve certification as a dark sky community from the International Dark Sky Association (IDSA), the Aireys Inlet & District Association with be running a community awareness event to preserve the local night sky.

The community-based event on September 24 at the Aireys Inlet Community Hall will aim to educate people on the need to to preserve the night sky from the effects of light pollution, therefore saving it for future generations.

AIDA President Charlotte Allen said the event would shape up to be very important in the town trying to have it’s natural environment protected and showcased.

“This certification will assist AIDA to promote our area as a dark sky community that will certainly come with plenty of environmental and community benefits,” AIDA President Charlotte Allen said.

“The preservation of our night sky has important ramifications for both humans, other animals, birds, and insect life.

“Already there are several examples of fauna becoming endangered due to disruption of their habitat by light pollution and we hope to spread awareness about these issues.”

Allen said that the dark sky accreditation will complement the initiative of the state government and local groups like the Great Ocean Road Coasts and Parks Authority to advance nature-based sustainable tourism along the Great Ocean Road.

“Becoming a dark sky destination would attract more overnight visitors throughout the year which would certainly bring economic benefits,” Allen said.

“It would also encourage the development of ‘slow tourism’ with visitors spending longer in our area.

“This project aims to encourage visitors to stay longer, to appreciate the natural world and to value a special region of Australia.”

September 24’s community engagement event will include guest speakers from the Victorian chapter of the Dark Sky Association and local author Greg Day but will also involve stargazing activities at Painkalac Valley if the weather permits.

The dark sky event is currently fully booked and has a waiting list, however Allen encouraged locals to enjoy the night sky themselves and to assist the cause by turning off external lighting and pulling blinds and curtains down year-round.

Australian locations with current dark sky destination status are the Warrumbungle National Park (NSW), the Jump-Up, Winton (QLD), River Murray Dark Sky Reserve (SA).