OBJECTIVE — Provide opportunities for key businesses established in the ACT to grow further

The Canberra International Airport, Mount Stromlo Observatory and the agricultural and forestry industries are all recognised as assets for the ACT and surrounding NSW and elements of the local economy that provide opportunities for further growth of related businesses.

Mount Stromlo Observatory

The ACT Government has committed to assisting the Australian National University (ANU) to re-establish the observatory and its associated research and educational facilities, subsequent to their destruction in the fires of January 2003. Special consideration has been given to the impact of light pollution as a result of urban development in the Molonglo Valley.

Policy response

• Any development within the defined low light zone of the Observatory (as shown on Map 11 – Clearance Zones) must be in accordance with acceptable operational requirements of the Observatory.
• Minimise the night sky impact of light pollution from urban development in Molonglo Valley. As development at the same, or higher, altitude as the Observatory significantly increases the amount of light pollution affecting the Observatory, urban design for any such development will ensure light emissions are within acceptable operational requirements of the Observatory. The facilities that cause the greatest light pollution impacts are lighting for public recreation areas, petrol stations and street lights. Measures will be taken to reduce the upward spillage of light and adverse impact of light from these facilities on the Observatory.

Actions

• Detailed structure planning and urban design will be undertaken to ensure that light pollution associated with road alignments, building elevations, street lighting and the location of recreation facilities does not adversely impact the Observatory. This will include introducing standards to minimise upward light spillage and the retrofitting of new light fittings in nearby existing suburbs.
• The impact of light pollution will be minimised within those areas included within the low light zone shown on Map 11 – Clearance Zones. This will be considered in detailed structure planning and urban design to ensure the Observatory is not adversely impacted.
• Further investigation will be undertaken into lifecycle replacement of light fittings elsewhere in the Territory to ensure low upward spill.
• Landscape screening will be reintroduced between the Observatory and urban areas, and particular attention will be given to the design of Deek’s Forest Park which surrounds the Observatory.

Outcome

• Observatory operations unaffected by light emissions from urban development.

Monitoring indicators

• Number of low pressure sodium vapour luminaries installed within the ACT per annum.
• Overall artificial light level within Molonglo Valley and within the defined low light zone.