On Tuesday 25 June, DarkSky International designated Palm Beach Headland as the first Urban Night Sky Place (UNSP) in Australia.

In partnership with National Parks and Wildlife Service, the designation of Palm Beach Headland, consists of Governor Phillip Park and Barrenjoey Headland. Nestled within its natural ocean surroundings, the location boasts remarkable views of our starry night sky.

Governor Phillip Park is accessible to visitors at all times. Barrenjoey Headland (including the lighthouse precinct) is closed from dusk to dawn and is only open for specific approved and supervised DarkSky events.

This prestigious designation highlights this iconic location whilst also serving as a demonstration site to Greater Sydney on responsible lighting practices that ensure both public safety whilst maintaining amenity and supporting the preservation of our night sky.

We sought feedback from the local and broader Northern Beaches community between 6 November 2020 and 6 December 2020 regarding the proposal to apply to have Palm Beach Headland designated as an Urban Night Sky Place. We wanted to gauge community support and understand any questions or concerns before progressing with an application to the International Dark Sky Association.

We also ran an online session on 25 November 2020 to provide you with an opportunity to meet our project team, ask questions and engage in a discussion with other community members.

Thank you to everyone who provided feedback. We received 370 comments during the consultation period. The majority were supportive of the project. Some of the benefits highlighted by community members included: improved lighting, an alternate activity for families and young people under 18 years old and positive environmental impacts. Concerns raised in other comments related to: impacts on safety of the area, overuse of the area, the lighthouse remaining in operation and/or affecting the designation.

A report was presented at the meeting on 24 August 2021 noting the outcomes of community consultation and seeking Council direction on the project.

Council has resolved to progress the project and submit an application to the DarkSky International for Governor Phillip Park, Palm Beach to be designated as an Urban Night Sky Place (and include Barrenjoey Headland if NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service decides to do so).

View the Council Report (Item 11.1) and the Attachment Booklet (Item 11.1)

View the Council minutes (Item 11.1)

Completed and future actions

We have allocated $50,000 to the project so far to undertake works such as improving lighting in the park. The improved lighting that has been installed throughout the park reduces the impact of light to the night sky and biodiversity in the area.

Under the DarkSky International terms and conditions, we are required to undertake outreach activities each year that promote the benefits and importance of good lighting practices and also promote the Urban Night Sky Place itself. As a result, we are currently proposing to hold up to four events, either onsite or offsite, each year.