Cassy O’Connor MP | Greens Leader
With its large tracts of unspoiled wilderness, lutruwita/Tasmania is an ideal location for a Dark Sky Sanctuary.
Founded in 2001, the International Dark Sky Places conservation program recognises and promotes stewardship of the night sky. The program certifies 200 places globally, including three in Australia – all of which are magnets for travellers seeking artificial light-free wonders.
Dark Sky sanctuaries draw visitors for their unique, uninterrupted wonder – just like the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
The Greens’ plan for a Dark Sky Sanctuary works towards funding the TWWHA being accepted for the requirements of the program and to prepare an application. We also provide funding for ongoing tourism promotion.
Declaring the World Heritage Area as a Dark Sky Sanctuary will enhance the connection to nature, add to the already outstanding natural and cultural values of our incredible world heritage wilderness, and expand Tasmania’s visitor appeal as an astro-tourism destination.
Unexploited, undeveloped wilderness is what makes this island so incredible and unlike anywhere else. A Tasmanian Dark Sky Sanctuary would only add to Tasmania’s genuine, quality tourism brand.
Tasmania’s globally significant World Heritage wilderness already meets many of the Dark Sky Sanctuary criteria.
Its remoteness and incredibly powerful views of the southern night skies, including the aurora australis, are a perfect fit.
A Dark Sky Sanctuary in the TWWHA would be an economic boon for Tasmania, strengthening our Brand and further setting our protected areas apart from everywhere else as the most magical places on Earth.
You can read our Dark Sky Sanctuary plan here – https://tasmps.greens.org.au/policy/dark-sky-sanctuary
You can read our full Alternative Budget here – https://tasmps.greens.org.au/policy/alternative-budget-2023-24