Fighting back on light pollution

[gaa_ian]

It is worth while, and there are opportunities to raise issues of light pollution and major development proposals are the perfect opportunity.
I have just submitted comment on the on the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the EIS on the proposed AQUIS mega resort and casino near Cairns NQ.
Light pollution was not even in the TOR, it is my aim to make sure it is.
This development is so wrong on so many levels, light pollution is just 1, but as astronomers you can have your say too !
http://www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/resources/project/aquis-resort/aquis-resort-dtor-fact-sheet.pdf

[gaa_ian]

Well, the TOR (Terms of reference) has been set for this EIS.
I am pleased to say that Light Pollution has been included in TOR (http://www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/resources/project/aquis-resort/aquis-resort-tor.pdf) that the proponent has to answer to as quoted below:

Describe and illustrate the visual impact of the construction and operation of the project, including building heights. Include major views, view sheds, outlooks, and features contributing to the amenity of the area, including assessment from private residences and public places such as roads, look-outs, beaches and from the ocean. Describe the proximity of project components to these areas and also to nearby residences and businesses. Explain the impact and management of light pollution on the environment and the community within the proposed project design.

To my mind this shows that it IS worthwhile taking up the battle to curb and even reduce light pollution from its current levels.
I was one of ony 56 respondants to the TOR for the EIS for what is a 4.2 Billion dollar project proposal. YOU can make a difference.

[mark3d]

Well done!

[atkinsonr]

Great result!

[gaa_ian]

Thanks Rich and Mark, It is important that light pollution is part of the discussion in any development that involves outdoor lighting. I encougage every astronomer to engage in this process where ever the opportunity arises ! We may not always get the total outcome we desire with these large developments, but if we do not engage in the process, you can be pretty certain that the result will be far worse.

[gaa_ian]

I am very pleased to see that with the approval of the EIS for the Aquis resort (for better or worse) that the specific recommendations I put forward have been adopted by the Qld Auditor General is his evaluation Report (http://www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/resources/project/aquis-resort/aquis-report-on-final-eis.PDF).
The conditions for approval are heavily centred on reducing the obtrusive effects of outdoor lighting (see page 16 & the conclusion particularly)
I would like to encourage others to do the same when a major development is proposed for their area. This is particularly important with the proposals for gas developments in the Coonabaraban area that could affect the very existence of professional astronomy in Australia.

[ZeroID]

Well done !!!!
Congratulations on making a difference .. :thumbsup:

[glend]

Thanks Ian, I am fighting a marina development (with units, hitel, function centre, cafe, etc) here on th dark side of Lake Macquarie. I will read the report and use what I can but think it maybe too late. I haved already submitted an objection based on light pollution, using the ligh pollution map data, and attacking faulty aspects of the EIS. It would be nice to have a set of sources to use to object to these sort of developments and share strategy advice on what works.

[gaa_ian]

Good on you Glen, we need more people fighting this important battle. I fact I would love to see all clubs and astronomy business across Australia, advocating for our dark night skies. It is a rare thing in the developed world today.

[gaa_ian]

Thanks Brent it is something that has been demonstrated to me that it is worth a little of my time to advocate for.