Barrenjoey Lighthouse - Photo Credit: Tom Elliott
The Australasian Dark Sky Alliance (ADSA) is calling on the Australian Government to introduce legislation to limit artificial light at night (ALAN).
Light pollution is one of the fastest-growing environmental threats. It disrupts ecosystems, threatens nocturnal wildlife, impacts human health, wastes energy, and dims the stars that connect us to the universe.
“Voluntary guidelines only go so far,” said Marnie Ogg, Founder of the Australasian Dark Sky Alliance. “Legislation is the most effective way forward. By regulating how both public and private exterior lighting are used at night, we can ensure lights are at safe, fit-for-purpose levels.”
Countries such as France, Germany, and Croatia have already shown what’s possible. France’s decree is one of the strictest in the world, setting standards for brightness, colour temperature, curfews, and light direction. Since its introduction, satellite data has shown a 6% national reduction in light emissions in the first year, and by 2023 a remarkable 25% drop in nocturnal radiance. Beyond the numbers, public engagement has grown too, with hundreds of towns now participating in dark-sky initiatives — a clear example of how well legislation can work when combined with community support.
Closer to home, the success of designated Dark Sky Places shows what is possible when communities embrace the value of darkness. At Palm Beach — the first Urban Night Sky Place in the Southern Hemisphere — residents, councils, and businesses have come together to conserve the night. They have discovered that protecting darkness not only benefits wildlife and the environment, but also creates new opportunities for community pride, tourism, and wellbeing.
To demonstrate strong public support here in Australia, ADSA is urging Australians to sign a national petition calling for light pollution laws. The petition closes 19 September and aims to gather more than 10,000 signatures — but the higher the number, the stronger the message.
Every signature helps to:
⦁ Protect nocturnal wildlife and ecosystems
⦁ Reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions
⦁ Preserve starry night skies for future generations
“By signing and sharing this petition, Australians can help send a powerful message to government: the night matters, and it’s time we protect it,” said Selena Griffith, Chair of the Australasian Dark Sky Alliance.
Sign Petition EN7346 - National Legislation for Light Pollution Regulation and Dark Sky Preservation
Light pollution caused by excessive Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) has harmful effects on human health, is harmful and disruptive to vulnerable species of flora and fauna, and has negative impacts on the economy, including placing unnecessary loads on electrical infrastructure, which leads to increases in greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Reducing ALAN not only helps to reduce the harmful effects listed above, but can also lead to benefits, such as making streets safer by reducing glare and light trespass, and increasing Astrotourism.
Petition Request
We therefore ask the House to interduce legislation to limit light pollution and ALAN, including public and private exterior illumination, ensuring that lighting is only used when and where is it necessary, and is limited to levels which are safe and fit for purpose. Countries such as France, Germany and Croatia have already successfully introduced such legislation which limits light pollution and ALAN.
SIGN THE PETITION TODAY: www.aph.gov.au/e-petitions/petition/EN7346
You will receive a confirmation email - please make sure you click on that link provided in the to make your signature count.
