Donna Burton OAM, known locally as Donna the Astronomer, has joined the push against too much ALAN.

She wants the Australian Government to protect our pristine night sky.

The Australasian Dark Sky Alliance is calling for federal legislation to limit artificial light at night.

They hope to table a petition to reduce light pollution caused by excessive Artificial Light at Night - known as ALAN.

The petition closes tomorrow (Friday 19 September 2025) and is just over 1,000 signatures short of the required ten thousand to have it tabled in Federal Parliament.

The Alliance say a national ruling would ensure public and private lighting is only used where needed and at appropriate levels.

“Western Plains shire councils have shown the way in protecting our night sky,” Donna said.

“The Warrumbungle Dark Sky Park is proof that governments, researchers and local communities can protect pristine night skies while supporting tourism and local economies."

The NSW Government worked with Siding Spring Observatory and the councils of Warrumbungle, Coonamble and Gilgandra to create Australia’s first Dark Sky Park.

The binding agreement embeds the NSW Dark Sky Planning Guideline into planning controls, Local Environmental Plans and conditions of consent.

Rather than a single “light agreement”, the park relies on best-practice planning, the Warrumbungle National Park Lightscape Management Plan and council development controls to ensure new and existing lighting is sky-friendly, shielded, targeted and lower intensity.

Night sky over the Warrumbungles. IMAGE SUPPLIED.

Why this matters to the Western Plains

As well as harmful effects on human health due to excessive ALAN, Donna says there are other compelling reasons to create national regulation.

• Astronomy and science: Siding Spring Observatory and amateur astronomers rely on dark skies to observe the universe. 

• Wildlife and ecosystems: Artificial light at night disrupts nocturnal animals and ecosystems across our region. 

• Energy and emissions: Good lighting saves energy and reduces greenhouse emissions.

• Tourism and local jobs: Dark-sky tourism brings visitors, boosts local businesses and showcases the Western Plains. 

• Community enjoyment: A clear, star-filled night is part of our rural identity and wellbeing.

How the protections work

NSW Dark Sky Planning Guideline provides the technical standards. 

Councils use Local Environmental Plans, Development Control Plans and conditions of consent to require shielded, downward-pointing, lower-temperature and targeted lighting around buildings and other infrastructure. 

Having a Lightscape Management Plan (LMP) certifies lighting to International Dark Sky standards and educates visitors and residents.

At the moment in NSW, only Warrumbungle Shire and Dubbo Regional Council have LMPs in place to protect local observatories.

“What has been accomplished here in the Western Plains and Warrumbungle Dark Sky Park, shows what can be achieved when we work together,” Dr Burton said.

“However, we need national action."

Donna the Astronomer has spent her life under the western skies. IMAGE SUPPLIED.

The final layer of protection

According to Donna, national legislation is the final piece of the puzzle.

“This is the most effective way to protect skies, wildlife and energy resources.

"Countries such as France, Germany and Croatia have shown it can work on a national level.” Donna said. “Locally, we have shown what can be done.

"We need more than 10,000 signatures to table this in federal parliament.

"It literally takes one minute to sign."

She is asking readers to add their name to the list.

“Just as we have beautiful skies, let’s ensure those who live in an area outside of our Western Plains can preserve and improve for future generations.

"The night sky is worth fighting for."