Dark Sky update: September 2026
There’s plenty happening with Circular Head’s Dark Sky initiative, and from now on we’ll share a short update after each Dark Sky Coordinating Committee meeting once the minutes are available.
The early work has been about exploring the possibilities — from culture and visitor experiences to lighting, accreditation and community involvement.
We’re now starting to bring that work together and share more of it publicly, which means you’ll hear more about what’s being explored, what’s been decided and how you can get involved.
If you’re new to the project, you can catch up here: Our Dark Sky journey.
What came out of the September meeting?
The Committee endorsed a new Communications and Engagement Plan, giving us a clear way to keep people informed and create more opportunities for the community to be part of the journey.
A draft Dark Sky Lighting Policy is being developed to guide how Council manages outdoor lighting.
It looks at simple things that can make a real difference — reducing unnecessary glare and light spill, directing light where it is actually needed, choosing appropriate colour temperatures, and using timers, sensors or dimming where practical. Safety, accessibility and operational needs still come first.
The policy is mainly about Council’s own lighting, infrastructure and areas where Council has an approval or management role. It does not mean residents and businesses will automatically be required to change their existing lighting.
The policy is still being worked through and will come back for consideration after the caretaker period. There will also be community engagement and practical education around what good outdoor lighting looks like and where the policy applies.
There are different types of Dark Sky accreditation, so the Committee is continuing to work through which pathway and area may be the best fit for Circular Head.
We’ve been learning from the Cultural Working Group about sky country and the Aboriginal cultural context of the Dark Sky project— including the way the sky has long been understood as a source of knowledge, connection, story and seasonal information.
Work is also continuing on Aboriginal place names for prospective Dark Sky sites, with those names progressing through the relevant language community process.
Potential Dark Sky viewing spots are also being explored.
Our first official Dark Sky Event - Sidewalk Astronomy – is planned for Saturday 17 October at Tatlows Beach, near the car park adjacent to the Caravan Park from 7:30pm.
What happens next?
This is still a developing project — and that’s part of what makes it exciting.
There’s a lot to work through, but also a lot of opportunity: protecting something special about Circular Head, creating new ways to experience our night skies, and bringing the community into the journey as it grows.
We’ll keep sharing updates as the work progresses, so you can follow along and get involved.
Read the full September Dark Sky Coordinating Committee Minutes.
For more information about the project contact the Committee Chair Sally Collins at:
Email cr.scollins@circularhead.tas.gov.au
Phone 0419 539 707