Observatory to reopen within weeks after theft

KYOGLE Council says the Mallanganee Observatory-Lookout should be fully operational again within weeks after thieves stole equipment linked to the site’s solar power system earlier this month.

Council has also revised the estimated value of the stolen equipment, reducing it from an initial estimate of about $20,000 to around $3,000.

Kyogle Council general manager Marcus Schintler said the break-in involved equipment essential to the observatory’s solar infrastructure, including an inverter and regulator.

“The break in resulted in the theft of around $3k worth of equipment that operates the solar power system, (inverter and regulator),” he said.

According to council, the incident occurred just 10 days after the observatory officially opened on April 24.

Schintler said council was progressing with repairs and additional reinforcement work at the site.

“We should have the power on again within 3 weeks and are proceeding with repairs and additional structural reinforcing of the site,” he said.

The observatory, perched atop the Richmond Range, was developed as part of efforts to expand dark sky tourism in the region.

Schintler said despite the setback, council remained optimistic about the project.

“The break in and theft of equipment from the Observatory was a blow felt by our community and our staff, but in the next few weeks we will be fully operational again and people from far and wide will be able to enjoy seeing the marvel of the Milky Way from this outstanding site,” he said.

The incident prompted disappointment from community members on social media, with some calling for additional security measures.

“Some investment in Audio Visual Equipment and lighting, maybe even investment in fencing and a lockable gate,” one comment read.

In a previous social media post, Kyogle Council said the incident had been reported to NSW Police.