ONCE again the desires of the fledgling self-governing ACT have come in conflict with national concerns. This time it is the proposal to build houses on the vacant land between the edge of Duffy and Holder and the Cotter Road. The proposal, if it goes ahead, will jeopardise the functioning of Mount Stromlo astronomical observatory because of extra night lights.
Before this is portrayed as a winner-take-all conflict of the dimensions of the Tasmanian-dams cases, some ought to be made clear. The ACT is not absolutely committed to the project. The position of Mount Stromlo as an optical observatory in the middle of a city has been precarious for perhaps 20 years. It’s relocation is inevitable; it is not a question of if but when.
That said, Mount Stromlo, which is part of the Australian National University, has a very strong case for utmost consideration as the ACT ponders the priority it gives to various in-fill sites and greenfields development. Mount Stromlo is by no means an antiquated observatory. It continues to do work of the highest international standing. It is true that with the general increase in light from Canberra the range of work that can be done is decreasing. However, while international quality work is still possible, Stromlo should be given every opportunity to continue operation. Postponing its relocation makes good economic sense. It will cost at least $40 million to move, according to Stromlo scientists. Staying where it is for as long as possible makes sense because of its proximity to ANU.
The trouble with the Holder-Duffy development is that its proximity to Stromlo will make its impact profoundly more serious than an equivalent amount of light by an equivalent size development elsewhere. It has to do with both the angle of the light (being close it shares the direction of the telescope) and the inverse square law _ under which the intensity of light reduces with the square of the distance.
Another reason to give Stromlo consideration is that the Holder-Duffy proposal has come out of the blue. Stromlo has signed international agreements and invested in upgrades on the assumption that, although Canberra would grow, it would grow on the periphery. In the case, the importance of Stromlo as a centre of intellectual excellence for Canberra should take precedence over a housing estate. The Holder-Duffy development should be put to the bottom of the in-fill list and only go ahead after Stromlo has finished its useful life under previous expectations.