Winton’s bid to become Queensland’s first International Dark-Sky Community
Winton Shire Council is proud to lead the way in seeking official recognition as Queensland’s first International Dark-Sky Community, reinforcing our dedication to preserving the natural beauty of the night sky. Just 24 kilometres northwest of Australia’s first International Dark-Sky Sanctuary – The Jump-Up – Winton is ideally placed to set the standard for protecting Outback dark skies and reducing light pollution through sustainable lighting and strong community action.
Why is this Dark-Sky designation important?
Dark skies are more than just a stunning backdrop to life in Outback Queensland – they are a natural, cultural, scientific and environmental asset. Designation by DarkSky International would formally acknowledge Winton's commitment to:
- Protecting the natural night environment from light pollution
- Implementing smart lighting practices that reduce energy use and glare
- Supporting public awareness around the importance of dark skies and
- Championing Outback Queensland as a destination for astrotourism.
This recognition will help ensure the stars remain visible for generations to come – not just as a spectacle but as a shared responsibility.
What is an International Dark-Sky Community?
An International Dark-Sky Community is a designation awarded by DarkSky International to towns or cities that demonstrate exceptional commitment to preserving the night sky through responsible lighting policies and public education. These communities actively work to reduce light pollution, thereby protecting nocturnal environments and enhancing the visibility of stars.
The Winton Shire Council has initiated efforts to become the state's first International Dark-Sky Community. Once designated Winton will form a unique pairing with the nearby Jump-Up Dark Sky Sanctuary. This close proximity of a Dark-Sky Community alongside a Dark-Sky Sanctuary is very rare and will firmly establish Winton as Queensland’s Dark-Sky heartland.
What does it mean for tourism?
A Dark-Sky Community designation positions Winton as a world-class dark-sky tourism destination. It builds on our strengths in natural history and Outback experiences by offering:
- New tourism opportunities such as stargazing tours, astrophotography and night-time interpretation
- Longer visitor stays, especially during low-light Moon phases and
- Greater appeal to international and domestic travellers looking for unique, nature-based experiences.
What does it mean for residents?
Protecting dark skies brings benefits close to home, too. Winton’s dark-sky initiative is about more than just tourism – it’s about improving quality of life for everyone who lives here by:
- Reducing glare for safer streets at night
- Lowering energy costs through more efficient, well-directed lighting
- Improving sleep and health by minimising blue light and excessive nighttime brightness
- Preserving nocturnal wildlife and natural environmental cycles and
- Reducing unnecessary artificial lighting to decrease insect attraction, leading to fewer insect-related nuisances for residents and businesses.
Simple ways to reduce light pollution
Everyone can play a part in protecting the night sky. Here are some easy steps residents and businesses can take:
- Use warm-coloured LED lights with a colour temperature of 3,000K or lower.
- Shield outdoor lights to direct light downward, where it’s needed.
- Turn off unnecessary lights at night, especially during sleeping hours.
- Install motion sensors or timers to avoid leaving lights on all night.
- Avoid bright floodlights unless necessary for safety.
Winton Shire Council is committed to working with the community, businesses, tourism operators and environmental groups to make this vision a reality. Together, we can become a global example of environmental leadership and responsible lighting in Outback Australia.