LOCAL astronomers say the effects of mining and gas developments stretch beyond the Earth and into the stars.
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Siding Spring Observatory is fearful the light pollution created by the resource industry could prevent it from exploring the mysteries of the universe.
The internationally significant observatory is the second-largest employer for nearby Coonabarabran and needs dark skies to conduct its research.
Siding Spring senior operations manager Peter Verwayen described light pollution as “death by a thousand cuts”.
The Idemitsu and Whitehaven mines near Gun-nedah create more light pollution than Gunnedah and Narrabri combined.
Flares from coal seam gas developments also affect the observatory, as the red light they give off reflects off the dust in the atmosphere more than other types of light.
The single exploratory flare in the Pilliga forest creates more light pollution than Coonabarabran.
While the resource industry isn’t the only thing contributing to light pollution, the observatory has worked closely with Warrumbungle shire and surrounding councils to implement strict planning guidelines around lighting for local developments.
Mining and gas developments fall under state jurisdiction and therefore don’t need to follow councils’ lighting rules.
Mr Verwayen said the observatory wanted to educate resource companies about the efficient use of lighting.
“We’ve spoken to Santos about it and we’ve had good talks,” Mr Verwayen.
“Hopefully they follow through on their promise to ensure they keep the number of flares in the Pilliga to a minimum.”
Mr Verwayen said Siding Spring’s biggest fear was the expansion of nearby resource developments.
“Even if everything we’ve talked about with the resource companies goes to plan, expansion into the Warrumbungle and Coonabarabran region would be harmful,” he said.
“We are not against resource extraction – but setting up flares around Coonabarabran, even one or two, would be devastating for the observatory.
“It would be devastating to the region and its economy if the observatory had to close down.”
Greens mining spokes-man, MP Jeremy Buckingham, said those concerned about the resource industry’s impact on land and water were most likely not aware of the “significant” light pollution issue.
“The resource sector must be made aware of the impact they are having on the capacity of the observatory to operate. It’s another negative aspect of an industry already causing so much concern,” he said.
