Plans to open Sydney’s first internationally accredited Urban Night Sky Park for stargazing and picnics under the stars are in the works in Palm Beach if environmental advocates and residents arrive at an agreement.
Palm Beach is apparently a fantastic site for the Urban Night Sky Park because sections between Governor Phillip Park and Barrenjoey Headland have ideal dark spaces despite its proximity to the city. With water surrounding three sides of these areas, visitors here could see the beauty of the Milky Way without obstructions, as well as thousands of stars and planets like Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn with the naked eye on a clear night.
Twinkling stars were easy to spot before electricity and the progression of city life. Advocates said that low-lighted areas are also attractive to certain wildlife, making a well-maintained Urban Night Sky Park a habitable environment.
To gain international approval, the Urban Night Sky Park should be able to provide education and public outreach activities relating to astronomy and the environment at least four times every year. It should also maintain the night sky-friendly lights with the support of the local government. Northern Beaches Council has backed the proposal but has yet to see a formal submission.
However, residents have yet to warm up to the idea amidst concerns that an Urban Night Sky Park would raise safety and security risks. Mayor Michael Regan filed a motion to look for alternative sites but the councillors voted on the Palm Beach location winning 10 votes over five.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and businesses like the Palm Beach Golf Club and The Boathouse will be consulted on the plans before a formal application.
It comes as the Warrumbungle National Park in regional western NSW gained accreditation as a Dark Sky Park from the International Dark Sky Association in 2016.
