The founder of River Murray Dark Sky Tours and Juggle House Experiences, Kelly Kuhn, says the region has a shining future, following a $20,000 state government grant and a petition with more than 10,000 signatures calling for national laws to reduce light pollution with dark sky–friendly lighting.
The grant is part of the $120,000 Fearless Innovator Grant Program, supporting innovative projects in South Australia that drive regional development.
Astronomers guide guests on the River Murray Dark Sky Tours through stars, constellations, planets, clusters, and galaxies using powerful telescopes and a green laser pointer.
The 3,200sqkm River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve in the Murraylands is Australia’s first Dark Sky Reserve and one of only 21 in the world with international recognition.
Kelly joined ARN’s Adam and Jennie this morning to talk about how the funding will help grow her business, boost tourism, and support local suppliers.
“One in every three people stay an average two nights in our region, that come on this tour. The growth in the area of accomodation is super helpful, Monarto Safari Restort obviously is the number one thing on people’s lips… we go to dinner at the Mannum Community Club, a lot of people stay at the Bridgeport, so it just goes on and on, these people that are coming here from all around the world,” she said.
Beyond expanding her tours, Kuhn and the Australasian Dark Sky Alliance are campaigning to introduce national legislation for dark sky compliant lighting. Excessive artificial light at night (ALAN) can disrupt human health, wildlife, and the environment, while also affecting astrotourism and increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
As of today, the petition has surpassed 10,000 signatures, the threshold needed to present it to Federal parliament. Supporters have until this Friday, the 19th of September, to add their name. The legislation would limit public and private exterior lighting to levels that are safe and fit for purpose, following examples already adopted in countries such as France, Germany, and Croatia.
