Frequently Asked Questions – Lumina Night Walks Proposal
- Are you against any light shows in Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens?
Yes - Other night events are held at Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens why are you concerned about this particular one called Lumina Night Walks?
It is a permanent commercial installation introducing light pollution into a public space used for education, scientific research and passive recreation. - Brisbane City Council says only “minimal impacts to flora and fauna” so are impacts minimal?
No. Environmental studies were minimal and lacked duration, frequency and details. - Will food and drinks be available for purchase at the event?
None advertised; however, the proponents can apply to council for food trucks. - Who signed off on having this for-profit event in the public Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens?
Brisbane City Council the ‘owner’ and assessor. - Is there enough on-site car parking for patrons?
No. Shuttle buses are to run from the city. - How will the traffic flow and parking be managed?
Two staff and instructions with tickets. - Will any trees be removed or harmed with the installations?
Council states no trees will be removed however permanent elevated nets, wires and cables are to be installed. - Specifically, how will the lighting affect the native animals?
Artificial lighting in this dark location will change the lifecycle of insects and therefore cascade through the whole wildlife food chain to disrupt normal feeding and breeding patterns. Effects of anthropogenic light on species and ecosystems - Were professional wildlife studies over periods of time done?
No, only two studies in winter were completed. - Is there any noise associated with the events?
Yes. Noise from music and thousands of patrons until 11pm on nights of operation. - Isn’t the event only using existing trails in the botanic gardens?
Yes, however the trails are often narrow and with hundreds of patrons arriving every 10 minutes there will likely be plants and small animals trampled. - Will the current community groups regularly using the botanic gardens be impacted?
Yes. The groups have been advised the Botanic Gardens will be closing earlier which means event set-up time for long-term community group users will be restricted. - Were any other venues considered for this long-term event?
The proponent stated other venues like Roma Street Parklands were not dark enough for light shows. - What is the ticket price?
No advertised cost, however similar short-term light shows in Adelaide Botanic Gardens were listed as $45/p for everyone over 5 years. - Will public access to the botanic gardens be affected?
Yes. The Botanic Gardens will close earlier to clear the car park for light show patrons. - How will the lights be powered?
Solar power, however no location was listed for the array of solar panels. - Are there any new buildings required for the installation?
The proponent said no new buildings but the audiovisual equipment potentially requires permanent structures for protection from the elements. - How will the light show patrons be kept out of the remainder of the botanic gardens at night?
Minimal staff and instructions despite more than 30 trails intersecting with the proposed light show trail.