The Australian Maritime Safety Authority, acting pursuant to Schedule 7A of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations (2000), makes this heritage management plan in relation to parts of the Cape Byron Lighthouse within its ownership or control.

this 4th day of September 2020

Mick Kinley

Chief Executive Officer

Copyright

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Except as otherwise specified, all material presented in this publication is provided under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence.

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•  the Commonwealth Coat of Arms

•  this department’s logo

•  content supplied by third parties.

The Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licence is a standard form licence agreement that allows you to copy, distribute, transmit and adapt this publication provided that you attribute the work.

The details of the version 4.0 of the licence are available on the Creative Commons website, as is the full legal code for that licence.

Acknowledgements

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority acknowledges that the Lighthouse is in the traditional Country of the Bundjalung people.

For additional information or any inquiries about this heritage management plan, contact the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, Manager Asset Capability, PO Box 10790, Adelaide Street, Brisbane QLD 4000

Phone: (02) 6279 5000 (switchboard) Email:             Heritage@amsa.gov.au Website: www.amsa.gov.au

Attribution

AMSA’s preference is that you attribute this publication (and any material sourced from it) using the following wording:

Source: Australian Maritime Safety Authority Cape Byron Lighthouse Heritage Management Plan – 2020

Front cover image

© Copyright Garry Searle

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For enquiries regarding copyright including requests to use material in a way that is beyond the scope of the terms of use that apply to it, please contact us through our website: www.amsa.gov.au

Cape Byron Lighthouse

Heritage Management Plan

          2020         

Contents

Executive summary                                                             3

1.  Introduction                                                                        4

1.1     Background and purpose                                           4

1.2     Heritage management plan objectives                    4

1.3     Methodology                                                                 5

1.4     Status                                                                              5

1.5     Authorship                                                                     5

1.6     Acknowledgements                                                     5

1.7     Language                                                                      6

1.8     Previous reports                                                           6

1.9     Sources of information and images                         6

2.  Cape Byron Lightstation site                                         7

2.1     Location                                                                         7

2.2     Setting and landscape                                                8

2.3     Lease and ownership                                                  9

2.4     Access                                                                            9

2.5     Listings                                                                           9

3.  History                                                                              13

3.1     General history of lighthouses in Australia            13

3.2     The Commonwealth lighthouse service               15

3.3     New South Wales lighthouse management         16

3.4     Cape Byron: a history                                                16

3.5     Planning a lighthouse                                               17

3.6     Lighthouse keepers                                                  21

3.7     Chronology of major events                                    22

3.8     Changes and conservation over time                    23

3.9     Summary of current and former uses                    24

3.10   Summary of past and present community

associations                                                                25

3.11   Unresolved questions or historical conflicts          26

3.12   Recommendations for further research                26

4.  Fabric                                                                                27

4.1     Fabric register                                                            27

4.2     Related object and associated AMSA artefact      53

4.3     Comparative analysis                                               53

5. 
Heritage significance                                                    55

5.1     Commonwealth heritage list – Cape Byron Lightstation                55

5.2     NSW State heritage register – Cape Byron Lightstation 57

5.3     Condition and integrity of the

Commonwealth heritage values                             62

5.4     Gain or loss of heritage values                                62

6.  Opportunities and constraints                                     63

6.1     Implications arising from significance                    63

6.2     Framework – sensitivity to change                          64

6.3     Statutory and legislative requirements                   66

6.4     Operational requirements and occupier needs    70

6.5     Proposals for change                                                71

6.6     Potential pressures                                                    72

6.7     Process for decision-making                                   72

7.  Conservation management policies                          74

8.  Policy implementation schedule                                 80

9. Appendices                                                                      81

Appendix 1. Glossary of heritage conservation terms

Appendix 2. Glossary of historic lighthouse terms

relevant to Cape Byron Lighthouse                                   84

Appendix 3. Current Cape Byron light details                  86

Appendix 4. Opening of the Cape Byron Lightstation (1901) and transcription   88

Appendix 5. Table Demonstrating Compliance with

the EPBC Regulation (2000)                                              90

Reference List                                                                     92

Website URLs                                                                      94

List of figures

Executive summary

The Cape Byron Lightstation was  placed  on the Commonwealth Heritage List in 2004 for its contribution to the establishment of marine Aids

to Navigation (AtoN) along the New South Wales coast, the rarity of its Henry-Lepaute optic, it’s aesthetic characteristics, unique technical features, and immense social value.

The Cape Byron Lightstation was placed on the NSW State Heritage Register in 2019 for its historical, associative, aesthetic and social significance, its research potential, rarity and

representativeness. The site is also of high cultural significance to the Bundjalung of Byron Bay Arakwal People who are the native title holders.

Situated 1.6 kilometres from Byron Bay town centre, the lightstation is located on the most easterly point of the Australian mainland. Built in 1901, the Cape Byron Lighthouse was one of the last lightstations

to make up the ‘highway of lights’ illuminating the New South Wales coastline. Its concrete block construction was designed by Charles Harding who modelled the lighthouse after the work of former colonial architect James Barnet. Apart from the tower and attached pavilion rooms, the lightstation also encompasses a flag locker, flagpole, the Cape Byron pillar, and two cottages. As a working aid

to navigation, the lighthouse tower remains the property of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

Although the lighthouse remains fitted with its  original lens assembly, it now runs on an automated mechanism as part of our network of AtoN. The equipment is serviced by AMSA’s maintenance contractor who visits at least once per year.

Our officers visit on an ad hoc basis for auditing,

project and community liaison purposes.

The larger part of the lightstation which includes the two cottages lies outside of our lease and is managed by the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). The lightstation is open to visitors all year round.

This heritage management plan  is concerned mainly with the lighthouse, but also addresses the management of the surrounding precinct and land. The plan is intended to guide our decisions and actions. We have prepared  this plan to integrate the heritage values of the lightstation in accordance with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000.

Being well built and  generally  well  maintained, the lighthouse precinct is in relatively good, stable

condition. The policies and management guidelines set out in this heritage management plan strive to ensure that the Commonwealth heritage values

of the Cape Byron Lightstation are recognised, maintained, and preserved for future generations.

1.   Introduction

1.1  Background and purpose

AMSA is the Commonwealth  agency  responsible for AtoNs. Our network includes the Cape Byron Lighthouse (NSW) built by the Department of Public Works in 1901.

The Environment Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) requires us to prepare management plans that satisfy the

obligations included in Schedule 7A and 7B of the EPBC Regulations 2000. The principal features of this management plan are:

•     a description of the place, its heritage values, their condition and the method used to assess its significance

•     an administrative management framework

•     a description of any proposals for change

•     an array of conservation policies that protect and manage the place

•     an implementation plan

•     the ways the policies will be monitored and how the management plan will be reviewed.

We have commissioned this heritage management plan to guide the future conservation of the place.

This plan provides the framework and basis for the conservation and best practice management of the Cape Byron Lighthouse in recognition of  its

heritage values. The policies in this plan indicate the objectives for identification, protection, conservation and presentation of the commonwealth heritage values of the place. Figure 2. shows the basic planning process applied.

1.2  Heritage management plan objectives

The objectives of this heritage management plan are to:

•     protect, conserve and manage the Commonwealth heritage values of the Cape Byron Lightstation.

•     interpret and promote the Commonwealth heritage values of the Cape Byron  Lightstation.

•     manage use of the lightstation

•     use best practice standards, including ongoing technical and community input, and apply

best available knowledge and expertise when

Figure 2. Planning process applied for heritage management (Australia ICOMOS, 1999)

considering actions likely to have a substantial impact on Commonwealth heritage values.

In undertaking these objectives, this plan aims to:

•     Provide for the protection and conservation of  the heritage values of the place while minimising any impacts on the environment by applying

the relevant environmental management requirements in a manner consistent with Commonwealth heritage management principles.

•     Take into account the significance of the region as a cultural landscape occupied by Aboriginal people over many thousands of years.

•     Recognise that the site has been occupied by

lease holders since the early 20th century.

•     Encourage site  use that is compatible with the historical fabric, infrastructure and general environment.

•     Record and document maintenance works, and changes to the fabric in the Cape Byron Lighthouse fabric register.

The organisational planning cycle and associated budgeting process is used to confirm requirements, allocate funding, and manage delivery of maintenance activities. Detailed planning for the  aids to navigation network is managed through our internal planning processes.

An interactive map showing many of AMSA’s heritage sites, including Cape Byron, can be found online at AMSA Heritage Lighthouses Interactive Mapa.

1.3         Methodology

The methods used in the preparation of this plan are consistent with the recommendations of The Burra Charter. The plan addresses:

•     The history of the site based on information sourced from archival research, expert knowledge, and documentary resources.

•     The description of the site based on information sourced from site inspection reports, and fabric registers.

•     The Commonwealth heritage criterions satisfied by Cape Byron as set out by the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000 (EPBC Regulations).

The EPBC Regulation Section 7A (h) (i-xiii)

was used to develop the necessary policies for management of the Cape Byron Lightstation, and  the Department of Environment and Energy advised on best practice management approaches.

The draft management plan was advertised in accordance with the EPBC Regulations and the comments received were incorporated into the final document. A developed draft was then submitted to the Minister through the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population  and Communities and in that process the Minister’s delegate sought advice from the Australian Heritage Council.

No updates or amendments have been made in this version of the plan. Future updates and amendments will be listed here.

1.4         Status

This plan has been adopted by AMSA in  accordance with Schedule 7A (Management plans for Commonwealth Heritage places) and Schedule 7B (Commonwealth Heritage management principles) of the EPBC Regulations (2000) to guide the management of the place and for inclusion in  the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments.

1.5         Authorship

This plan has been prepared by AMSA. At the initial time of publication, AMSG is the contract maintenance provider for the Commonwealth Government’s AtoN network including Cape Byron Lighthouse.

1.6         Acknowledgements

AMSA acknowledges the professional assistance of

conservation architect, Peter Marquis-Kyle.

1.7         Language

For clarity and consistency,  some words in this  plan such as restoration, reconstruction, and preservation, are used with the meanings defined  in the Burra Charter 1. See Appendix 1, Glossary of heritage conservation terms.

Also see Appendix 2, Glossary of lighthouse terminology relevant to Cape Byron Lighthouse which sets out the technical terminology used in this plan.

1.8         Previous reports

A Supplementary Information report on Cape Byron by Graham Brooks and Associates Pty Ltd was produced for NSW NPWS in November 2001.b

A Conservation Management Plan was prepared in 2008 by Donald Ellsmore Pty Ltd (and contributors) for Freeman Ellsmore, Conservation Architects and Planners for the NSW Department of Lands and Water Conservation.c

1.9         Sources of information and images

This plan has used a number of sources of information. This includes the National Archives of Australia (NAA), the National Library of Australia (NLA), as well as the heritage collection of AMSA.

Photos with no credit are solely owned by AMSA.

Website URLs are found in Appendix 5. and are referenced via superscript letters in main text. Example: Cape Byron Reportx

1 Australia ICOMOS Burra Charter, (2013)

2.   Cape Byron Lightstation site

2.1         Location

The Cape Byron Lighthouse is located on  Lighthouse Road, Cape Byron, NSW, 1.6 kilometres from Byron Bay town centre and 143 kilometres

south of Brisbane’s central business district. The Cape is considered the most easterly point of the Australian mainland.

Coordinates: 28° 38.3131’ S, 153° 38.1845’ E

Figure 3. Location of Byron Bay (NSW)

Figure 4. Location of Cape Byron Lighthouse (NSW)

2.2         Setting and landscape

The lightstation is located on Cape Byron approximately 1.6 kilometres from Byron Bay’s town centre.

Situated atop a rocky cliff, the Cape Byron Lighthouse is surrounded by coastal beaches. The Cape is considered the most easterly point of the Australian mainland.

The thick vegetation found to its south-south-east is listed under the Cape Byron State Conservation Authority, which hosts the Cape Byron walking

track, a trail that loops around the Cape. This region

is registered as a protected area.

Due to its elevated position, views from the

lightstation are uninterrupted.

Figure 5. View of Cape Byron Lighthouse and surrounding cliffs (2005)

The Cape Byron Lighthouse precinct comprises of:

•     a lighthouse tower and attached pavilion rooms

•     a signal house/flag room

•     a head lightkeeper’s quarters – currently a visitor

information centre

•     an assistant lightkeeper’s quarters

•     a signal mast

•     a retaining wall

•     steps

•     a toilet block

•     a walkway

AMSA is responsible for the lighthouse tower and surrounding paved area only.

Fauna and flora

The Byron Bay district is home to a number of native fauna species including flying foxes, koalas, and frogs.

A number of endangered ecological communities have been identified in the Arakwal National Park surrounding the Cape Byron Lightstation. The Graminoid Clay Heath, an endangered ecological community containing a large collective of native plants including, but not limited to, the fern-leaved banksia, hairy bushpea, kangaroo grass, and broad sword sedge.

The Themeda grasslands, another endangered ecological community, contains the following species:

•     Acacia sophorae

•     Banksia integrifolia subsp. Integrifolia

•     Commelina cyanea

•     Glycine clandestina

•     Glycine microphylla

•     Hibbertia scandens

•     Isolepis nodosa

•     Kennedia rubicunda

•     Lepidosperma spp.

•     Leptospermum laevigatum

•     Lomandra longifolia

•     Monotoca elliptica

•     Opercularia aspera

•     Pimelea linifolia

•     Poranthera microphylla

•     Sporobolus virginicus

•     Themeda australis

•     Viola banksii

•     Westringia fruticosa

The endangered ecological community of the Littoral Rainforest has been identified within the Byron Bay region. The community is dominated by rainforest species but also includes Angophora costata, Banksia integrifolia, Eucalyptus botryoides and Eucalyptus tereticornis which are scattered throughout.

A restoration project is currently in place to assist in preserving the native landscape.

Information on fauna and flora camp management plans can be access from the Byron Shire Council: Native Animals and Plants webpage.d Furthermore, the Arakwal National Park plan of management

is available via the NSW Department of Planning,

Industry and Environment webpage.e

2.3         Lease and ownership

The Cape Byron Lighthouse and surrounding land is owned by the New South Wales Government. AMSA lease the lighthouse and land from the NPWS.

The AMSA lease consists of two parcels with a

combined total of 639.8 metres-squared:

•     Lot 1: 405.4 sq. m

•     Lot 2: 234.4 sq. m

The current lease was signed on 8 October 1998 and terminates on 8 June 2022. The lease has an option to renew for a period of 25 years. The lease stipulates that AMSA must comply with any applicable management plan and state environmental laws.

Due to the popularity in tourism on the site, there was a tourist licence signed between the NSW Minister for Environment and AMSA on 1 July 1997 and terminates on 13 June 2022. There is an option to renew this licence for a further 25 years.

2.4         Access

The precinct has an elevated position and there is only one vehicle access track, a well-maintained sealed road (Lighthouse Road). It terminates as a vehicle parking site at the base of Lot 2 (lighthouse block) between the assistant lighthouse keeper’s cottages and tourism facilities blocks. A restricted vehicle access road exists between the  base  of the lighthouse and this parking site however all visitors are required to complete the last 80 metres (approximately) by foot.

Walking access is available along the Cape Byron walking track (approximately a 3.7 kilometre loop) which includes the Cape Byron Lighthouse along its State Conservation Area route. These access points are located to the south and the north-north-east

of Lot 2. A concrete apron paving allows walking

access around the entire base of the  lighthouse.

2.5         Listings

Figure 6. View of Tallow Beach from Cape Byron Lighthouse tower (2009)

Figure 7. Lease Plan detailing land parcels under AMSA control (AMSG, 2015)

Figure 8. Cape Byron Lightstation NSW State Heritage Register Plan 3210 (NSW State Heritage Council, 2019)

Figure 9. Cape Byron Lightstation NSW State Heritage Register Plan 3210 (NSW State Heritage Council, 2019)

3.   History

The following sections outline the history of lighthouses in Australia and Cape Byron Lighthouse. Some sections were provided by heritage architect, Peter Marquis-Kyle, and are referenced via footnote.

3.1         General history of lighthouses in Australia

The first lighthouse to be constructed along Australian soil was Macquarie Lighthouse, located at the entrance to Port Jackson, NSW. First lit in 1818, the cost of the lighthouse was recovered through the introduction of a levy on shipping. This was instigated by Governor Lachlan Macquarie, who had ordered and named the light.

The following century oversaw the construction of hundreds of lighthouses around the country. Constructing and maintaining a lighthouse were costly ventures that often required the financial

Figure 10. Early technology used in lighthouses 2

support of multiple colonies. However, they were deemed necessary aids  in assisting the safety of mariners at sea. Lighthouses were firstly

managed by the colony they lay within, with each colony developing their own style of lighthouse and operational system. Following Federation in 1901, which saw the various colonies unite under one Commonwealth government, lighthouse management was transferred from State hands to the Commonwealth Lighthouse Service.

1 Figure 10 – The Lantern room of the 1834 Belle Tout lighthouse, south west England. ‘The apparatus here employed is that of the “catoptric” system, in which a revolving frame has a number of large concave reflectors, with an Argand fountain lamp in each, fitted to each side of the frame. The shape and position of the reflectors are precisely calculated to throw the rays of light, in a combined flood of light, upon certain parts of the surface of the sea, and to prevent their being wasted in the sky.’ (Parts of a wood engraving and article published in the Illustrated London News, 5th January, 1884.); Figure [10] right – Early example of a rotating catadioptric apparatus, made for the 1844 lighthouse at Skerryvore, Western Scotland (Steel engraving from Tomlinson’s Cyclopaedia of Useful Arts, 1854)

Lamps and optics – an overview

Lighthouse technology has altered drastically over the centuries. 18th century lighthouses were lit using parabolic mirrors and oil lamps. Documentation

of early examples of parabolic  mirrors  in the United Kingdom, circa 1760, were documented as consisting of wood and lined with pieces of looking

glass or plates of tin. As described by Searle, “When light hits a shiny surface, it is reflected at an angle equal to that at which it hit. With a light source is placed in the focal point of a parabolic reflector,

the light rays are reflected parallel to one another,

producing a concentrated beam”3.

In 1822, Augustin Fresnel invented the dioptric glass lens. By crafting concentric annular rings with a convex lens, Fresnel had discovered a method

to reduce the amount of light absorbed by a lens. The Dioptric System was adopted quickly with Cordouran Lighthouse (France),  fitted  with  the first dioptric lens in 1823. The majority of heritage-

listed lighthouses in Australia house dioptric lenses made by others such as Chance Brothers (United Kingdom), Henry-LePaute (France), Barbier, Bernard & Turenne (BBT, France) and Svenska Aktiebolaget Gasaccumulator (AGA of Sweden).

These lenses were made in a range of standard sizes, called orders—see Appendix 2. Glossary of lighthouse Terms relevant to Cape Byron Lighthouse.

Early Australian lighthouses were originally fuelled by whale oil and burned in Argand lamps, and multiple wicks were required in order to create a large flame that could be observed from sea. By the 1850s,  whale oil had been replaced by colza oil, which was  in turn replaced by kerosene, a mineral oil.

In 1900, incandescent burners were introduced.  This saw the burning of fuel inside an incandescent mantle which produced a brighter light  with  less fuel within a smaller volume. Light keepers were required to maintain pressure to the burner by manually pumping a handle as can be seen in Figure 11.

Figure 11. Incandescent oil vapour lamp by Chance Brothers

Figure 12. Dioptric lens on display at Narooma

2 Searle. G, First Order: Australia’s Highway of Lighthouses, (2013). Page 34

In 1912, Gustaf Dalén, a Swedish engineer, was awarded the Nobel Prize in physics for a series of inventions relating to acetylene-powered navigation lights. Dalén’s system included the sun valve,

the mixer, the flasher, and the cylinder containing compressed acetylene. Due to their efficiency and reliability, Dalén’s inventions led to the gradual demanning of lighthouses. Acetylene was quickly adopted by the Commonwealth Lighthouse Service from 1915 onwards.

Large dioptric lenses, such as that shown in Figure 12, gradually decreased in popularity due to cost and the move towards unmanned automatic lighthouses. By the early 1900s, Australia had stopped ordering these lenses with the last installed at Eclipse Island in Western Australia in 1927.

Smaller Fresnel lenses continued to be produced and installed until the 1970s when plastic lanterns, still utilising Fresnel’s technology, were favoured instead. Acetylene remained in use until it was finally phased out in the 1990s.

In current day, Australian lighthouses are lit and extinguished automatically using mains power, diesel generators, and solar-voltaic systems.

3.2         The Commonwealth lighthouse service

When the Australian colonies federated in 1901, it was decided that the new Commonwealth Government would be responsible for coastal

lighthouses. This included only the major lights used by vessels travelling from port to port, not the minor lights used for navigation within harbours and rivers. There was a delay before this new arrangement came into effect and the existing lights continued to be operated by the states.

Since 1915, various Commonwealth departments have managed lighthouses. AMSA, established under the Australian Maritime  Safety  Authority Act 1990, is now responsible for operating

Commonwealth lighthouses and other marine aids

to navigation, along with its other functions.

Figure 13. Dalén’s system – sunvalve, mixer, flasher and cylinder

3.3         New South Wales lighthouse management

The table below details the authorities of NSW

lighthouse management from 1915 to  present.

3.4         Cape Byron: a history

Indigenous presence

Prior to European occupation, the Bundjalung  people (containing the subgroups of Arakwal and Galibal) claimed the coastal lands around Cape Byron (regarded by custodians as ‘Walgun’) as their tribal territories.

The rich surrounding nature reserve was a key area for hunting and gathering, and also as a camping site 4. Various shell middens have been identified in the area with one site (4-5-0037, the pippi midden) regarded as the oldest dated foredune shell midden on the north coast of NSW with a date estimate of 1440+/- 70 BP.

Further consultation with traditional stakeholders will be undertaken to gain a greater understanding of Cape Byron’s history. This plan will be updated in future versions to reflect the accumulation of information.

Early European history

Captain Cook is believed to have been the first European to sight, record and name Cape Byron during his travels along what would become the New South Wales coast in mid-May 1770. Naming the Cape after fellow circumnavigator Vice-Admiral John Byron (1723–1786), it was also on this same day that Cook observed people walking along a beach believed to be just south of Byron 5.

The region appeared to forgo further European interaction until 1828 when the Rainbow docked in Byron and the ship’s master, William Johns, charted the bay. This remains the earliest known landing at Byron Bay 6.

1Boyd, W. E., et al, ‘The accumulation of charcoal within a midden at Cape Byron, northern New South Wales, during the last millennium’ Australian Archaeology (51) 2000, pg. 21; Pratten C., and R. Irving., Cape Byron Headland Reserve Heritage Study, (1991), pg. 10.

2Beaglehole, J.C., (ed.), The Journals of Captain James Cook on his Voyages of Discovery. I The Voyage of the Endeavour 1768- 1771, (Cambridge University Press), 1955; Brooks, G., and Associated Pty Ltd NPWS Lighthouses Conservation Management and Cultural Tourism Plan - Cape Byron Lighthouse: Supplementary Information, (2001) pg. 4.

3 Stubbs, B.J., History of the Cape Byron Lightstation Precinct, Crown (2008) pg. 2.

4  Stubbs, B. J., History of the Cape Byron Lightstation Precinct, (2008) pg. 1.

5  Brooks, G and Associates Pty Ltd, Cape Byron Lighthouse: Supplementary Information, (2001) pg. 5.

6  “A lighthouse for Cape Byron,” The Northern Star, Dec 1st, 1897, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/ article/71758856?searchTerm=Cape%20Byron%20lighthouse%20&searchLimits=dateFrom=1897-01-01|||dateTo=1901-12-31

7    Brooks, G., and Associates Pty Ltd, Cape Byron Lighthouse: Supplementary Information, (2001), pg. 5.

Figure 15. Blueprints for Cape Byron Lighthouse tower and attached pavilions (c.1899)

Figure 16. Design plan of Cape Byron’s lens and lantern room (1982)

Construction

Tenders for the construction of Cape Byron Lighthouse were called in March 1900 and Mitchell and King were successfully chosen as contractors for the project at a cost of £9970.

Construction started in July of 1900 where the area was levelled (undertaken by day labour) and plots were outlined for:

•     the lighthouse tower

•     workroom

•     kerosene store room

•     two lighthouse keeper’s cottages

•     a signal station.

However, construction was reportedly delayed temporarily owing to the lack of a nearby water source 11. Once construction  commenced,  the main tower was built out of pre-cast concrete units placed in a cylindrical formation with the workroom and storeroom at its base. A mercury floatation mechanism was installed in the light tower (see Sub-section ‘Equipment when built’ below) which was designed by lighthouse engineer Mr. Douglass

and erected under the supervision of Mr. HC Cooper (engineer representative of WF Douglass Victoria Street Firm, London). The lighthouse keeper’s quarters were constructed from concrete and tiled roofs.

The lighthouse was connected telephonically to the Telegraph Office in Byron Bay by means of electric bells.

Construction was complete by 1901 and it was intended that the Lighthouse be officially opened by the Honourable John See, Premier of New South Wales on Saturday evening, 30 November.

However, due to inclement weather, the government steamer Victoria carrying the ministerial party was delayed and the Cape Byron Lighthouse was not officially opened until midday the following day on Sunday 1 December. The light was first lit that night.

Equipment when built

The completed lighthouse was regarded highly for

its modern fittings and composition.

As reported by The Northern Star (local newspaper) on 4 December 1901,

Figure 15. a) Ministerial Party at official opening (1901), b) view of Cape Byron lighthouse (1901)

8    Stubbs, B. J., History of the Cape Byron Lightstation Precinct (2008), pg. 6.

9    “The Cape Byron lighthouse,” The Northern Star, Dec 4th, 1901, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/ article/72080223?searchTerm=Byron%20Lighthouse%20construction%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20 &searchLimits=exactPhrase|||anyWords|||notWords|||requestHandler|||dateFrom=1899-01-01|||dateTo=1901-12-31|||sortby

The light consists of a first-order lantern 12 feet internal diameter, and a first order revolving bi- valve double floating, “feu eclair” optical apparatus, manufactured by the Societie des Establiesement Henry Lepaute of Paris. The intensity of the flash is

145,000 standard English candles, and the apparatus rotates in a mercury bath at the rate of one complete revolution in 10 seconds 12.

The article also detailed the unique mercury float mechanism the lighthouse operated in conjunction with – the first of its kind in Australia:

The lamp takes six concentric wicks, the outer one five inches in diameter, and fed by kerosene oil…The occulting or revolving gear is worked by a clockwork arrangement, and winding up massive weights in

the centre of the tower. This gear, instead of working on rollers as with other revolving lights, is floated in a mass of 850 lbs of mercury and the weight of the machinery so floated is about four and half tons. A great deal of wear and tear and friction is avoided 13.

The equipment and mechanisms installed permitted rapid bursts of light from the tower which was reported as lasting one-fifth of a second, six times every minute.

3.6         Lighthouse keepers

The Cape Byron Lighthouse was manned from its construction in 1901 right up until 1989, thirty years after the introduction of electricity to the lighthouse. Alongside the chief lighthouse keeper and their family, there were also assistant lighthouse keepers who lived with their families on the precinct in their own cottages. The first chief lighthouse keeper stationed at Cape Byron  was William Warren  and he was accompanied by two assistant light keepers, one being Mr Richard Sullivan. Both men had previously worked on the Solitary Island light. A comprehensive list of the names of those stationed as keepers at Cape Byron has been collated

and a copy is available within the Cape Byron Lighthouse museum. In addition to their lighting duties, the keepers were required to carry out minor maintenance duties on the precinct such as painting structures and managing the roads.

By 5 December 1959, the same year the lighthouse was converted from kerosene to electricity, the role of 2nd assistant keeper was made redundant. Thirty years later in 1989, the lighthouse was officially

de-manned. The cottages which had hosted the keepers were repurposed. The assistant lighthouse keeper’s residence was converted into a tourism destination with  accommodation  services.  The chief lighthouse keeper’s quarters was converted into an office complete with meeting rooms, an interpretative centre and shop.

10  “The Cape Byron lighthouse,” The Northern Star, Dec 4th, 1901, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/ article/72080223?searchTerm=Byron%20Lighthouse%20construction%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20 &searchLimits=exactPhrase|||anyWords|||notWords|||requestHandler|||dateFrom=1899-01-01|||dateTo=1901-12-31|||sortby

18  “Struck by lightning: Cape Byron lighthouse,” The Telegraph, Nov 23rd, 1920, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/ article/179639297?searchTerm=byron%20lighthouse&searchLimits=exactPhrase|||anyWords|||notWords|||requestHandler|||dateFr om=1901-01-01|||dateTo=2011-12-31|||sortby

19  “Byron Bay lighthouse damaged,” Casino and Kyogle Courier and North Coast Advertiser, Feb 20th, 1929, https://trove.nla.gov.au/ newspaper/article/233837230?searchTerm=byron%20lighthouse&searchLimits=exactPhrase|||anyWords|||notWords|||requestHan dler|||dateFrom=1901-01-01|||dateTo=2011-12-31|||sortby

20  “Lighthouse reserve banned,” Tweed Daily, Sep 5th, 1939, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/ article/194657696?searchTerm=byron%20lighthouse&searchLimits=exactPhrase|||anyWords|||notWords|||requestHandler|||dateFr om=1901-01-01|||dateTo=2011-12-31|||sortby

21  “Weather station at lighthouse,” The Northern Star, Dec 1st, 1948, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/ article/99036744?searchTerm=byron%20lighthouse&searchLimits=exactPhrase|||anyWords|||notWords|||requestHandler|||dateFr om=1901-01-01|||dateTo=2011-12-31|||sortby

3.7         Chronology of major events

The table below details the chronology of major events to have occurred at the Cape Byron Lighthouse.

18    Prabhu, Harsha “Gee, 20 occupy lighthouse,” Echonetdaily, Nov 18th, 2014, https://www.echo.net.au/2014/11/gee-20-occupy-

lighthouse/

3.8         Changes and conservation over time

Cape Byron Lighthouse has undergone minimal changes since its construction in 1901.

The small changes made were largely in relation to the light source and electrical systems rather than the structure itself.

The Brewis Report (1913)

Commander CRW Brewis, retired naval surveyor,

was commissioned in 1911 by the Commonwealth Government to report on the condition of existing lights and to recommend any additional ones.

Brewis visited every lighthouse in Australia between June and December 1912 and produced a series of reports published in their final form in March 1913. These reports were the basis for future decisions made in relation to the individual lighthouses.

Brewis’s recommendations for Cape Byron included increasing the power of the light from 145,000 candlepower (cp.) to 545,000 cp. by installing an incandescent mantle.

19 Brewis, C.R.W., Lighting of the East Coast of Australia: Cape Moreton to Gabo Island (Including Coast of New South Wales), (1913). Page 12.

Alterations to the light

Major alterations made to the Cape Byron Light are listed below:

Conservation works

Large refurbishments have been undertaken at the Cape Byron Lighthouse in recent years in an effort to take proactive measures to preserve the tower’s fabric and materials.

3.9         Summary of current and former uses

From its construction in 1901, the Cape Byron Lighthouse has been utilised as a marine aid to navigation for mariners at sea. Its AtoN capabilities remains its primary utilisation.

The Cape Byron Lighthouse as a key tourism site developed over recent decades following the de- manning of the light. This provided the opportunity  to transform the original assistant keeper’s cottage into a visitor information centre, and to commence guided tours inside the lighthouse.  The  guided tours remain secondary to the lighthouse’s use as a working AtoN.

3.10      Summary of past and present community associations

The Cape Byron Lighthouse is firmly embedded within the Byron Bay community and surrounding areas.

Indigenous associations – Bundjalung/Arakwal People

The site continues to hold immense value to the Bundjalung of Byron Bay Arakwal People, who are the native title holders which hold Native Title under the recent Consent Determination from the Federal Court of Australia in April 2019. The Consent Determination established that native title holders are to be exclusively consulted regarding protection and management of Aboriginal cultural heritage within the native title claim area, which includes the Cape Byron Lighthouse.

Arakwal people recognise the site to be one of ceremony, learning, spiritual inspiration, and a key part of many dreaming stories. Arakwal people maintain a critical role in the management of

the Cape Byron Marine Park due to their strong connection to country. The relationship with this country is more than just a place to live. It’s the  living, breathing source of all life, their spiritual home and home of their ancestors’ spirits.

Arakwal National Park is the first national park in Australia to be created under an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) with traditional owners. A joint management agreement between Bundjalung of Byron Bay Arakwal people and NPWS allows both parties to jointly manage and care for country. Through this agreement, a commitment for Arakwal people to be employed and working on country

has been a success - many Arakwal people are employed in a variety of positions working on  country and are on the management committees for the park and the Cape Byron State Conservation Area.

The Arakwal National Park, which surrounds the lightstation, remains a significant cultural landscape for Arakwal people. The heathland that forms the park was maintained through back-burning to regenerate plant-growth.

Further consultation with the traditional owners

- Bundjalung of Byron Bay Arakwal  people  of Cape Byron will be undertaken to gain a greater understanding of the past and present connections on surrounding country.

For more information on Bundjalung of Byron Bay Arakwal people, go to their website: http://arakwal.com.au

Local, national, and international associations

Due to its prominent coast position, the Cape Byron Lightstation maintains a number of local, national and international associations.

The NSW Marine Rescue operates within the Cape Byron Lighthouse precinct with an  office  onsite, and the Bureau of Meteorology operates a weather station onsite.

With its position as the most easterly point on the Australian mainland, and its proximity to the Pacific Highway, the Cape Byron Lighthouse site is an established tourist destination.

Events (for example, weddings and parties) are frequent on the site due to the scenic views and the catering/celebrant facilities that have been made available in recent decades. Additionally, the annual whale migration in the winter months attracts a large number of tourists and locals.

3.11      Unresolved questions or historical

conflicts

Any unresolved questions and historical conflicts concerning the history of the Cape Byron Lighthouse discovered will be included in this section in future versions of this plan.

3.12      Recommendations for further research

Research is currently being undertaken by local NPWS discovery education staff on the past lighthouse keepers at Cape Byron. Such work will  be benefical in determining the full extent of the social value placed on the site within the Byron Bay community.

Additionally, archaeological investigation of the site may reveal further information on prehistoric and historic uses of Cape Byron to broaden understandings of the site’s intrinsic value 20.

20     Heritage approvals are essential in undertaking archaeological excavations/investigations within the site.

4.   Fabric

4.1         Fabric register

The cultural significance of the lighthouse resides in its fabric, and also in its intangible aspects,   such as the meanings people ascribe to it, and the

connections to other places and things. The survival of its cultural value depends on a well-informed understanding of what is significant, and on clear thinking about the consequences of change. The Burra Charter sets out good practice for conserving cultural significance.

Criterion listed  under  ‘Heritage  Significance’ refer to the criterion satisfied within the specific Commonwealth heritage listing (see section 5.1).

Description and condition

1901 French-made part-spherical dome of copper

sheets lapped and screwed.

•       Ribs – Not visible but presumed to be cast iron

radial ribs.

•       Inner skin – Copper sheets screw fixed to ribs.

•       Ventilator – Drum type with wind vane attached.

•       Wind vane – Intact and complete with cardinal direction indicators, spindle, gears, and internal pointer (no index).

•       Lightning conductor – Vertical pole beside ventilator, with four spikes at top, and two braces to ventilator. Eight vertical spikes attached near the gutter.

•       Gutter – Circular ring of cast iron pieces bolted

together.

•       Handrails – One circular hand rail attached to lantern roof, another attached to top of ventilator drum.

•       Ladder rail – Attached to underside of gutter.

•       Curtain rail – None; curtain hooks fixed to the

top of each vertical astragal.

•       Drip tray – Copper dish suspended under ventilator, with central hole for heat tube closed off.

•       Heat tube support – Framework with eight radial members of rolled ferrous T section, attached to gutter and to central ring.

Heritage significance: High

The lantern roof is an original and essential part  of a lighthouse associated with the development  of marine aids to navigation along the NSW coast (criterion a).

The lantern roof contributes to the aesthetic value of

the lighthouse (criterion e).

Description and condition

1901 French-made, cylindrical in form.

•       Panes – Curved rectangular glass, three tiers.

•       Astragals – Vertical and horizontal astragals of rectangular section iron, bolted to gutter ring at top, and to lantern base below.

•       Downpipes – Two copper downpipes. Four

short spitters inserted in bottom of  gutter.

•       Handholds – Three cast metal handholds bolted to each vertical astragal, except where downpipes are/were fitted.

Heritage significance: High

The lantern glazing is an essential part of a lighthouse associated with the development of marine aids to navigation along the NSW coast (criterion a).

Description and condition

1901 cast iron lattice floor panels supported on solid

cast iron brackets bolted to lantern base.

•       Ladder – Fixed ladder with cast iron treads on

wrought iron strings.

Heritage significance: High

The internal catwalk is an original and essential part of a lighthouse associated with the development

of marine aids to navigation along the NSW coast

(criterion a).

Description and condition

1901 cast iron lattice floor panels supported on openwork cast iron brackets bolted to lantern base with modern socket head bolts.

•       Handrail – Rectangular section metal stanchions, round topped section rail, bolted to floor panels.

Heritage significance: High

The external catwalk is an original and essential  part of a lighthouse associatd with the development of marine aids to navigation along the NSW coast (criterion a).

The external catwalk contributes to the aesthetic

value of the lighthouse (criterion e).

Description and condition

1901, cylindrical in form. Curved panels of cast iron bolted together with flanged joints.

•       Internal lining – Curved iron plates screwed to

the outer cast iron panels.

•       Vents – Horizontal slot near the middle of exterior of each panel, covered with cast metal cowl with opening in the bottom, feeding air into the void behind the internal lining. Large round copper alloy regulators below internal catwalk, small ones above.

•       Door – 2009, fibreglass door re-fitted with internal brass vent and door handle (a replica of original iron framed and sheeted door) hung on copper alloy hinges.

Heritage significance: High

The lantern base is an original and essential part of a lighthouse associated with the development  of marine aids to navigation along the NSW coast (criterion a).

Description and condition

1901 cast iron panels supported on rolled steel joists.

Heritage significance: High

The lantern floor is an original and essential part of a lighthouse associated with the development  of marine aids to navigation along the NSW coast (criterion a).

Description and condition

Sealite SL-LED-324-W; 12 sided – 36 Light-emitting diode (LED) light source mounted on original cast iron pillar.

Heritage significance: High

The pillar is an original and essential part of a lighthouse associated with the development of marine aids to navigation along the NSW coast (criterion a).

Description and condition

1901 Henry-Lepaute assembly of Fresnel central lenses and surrounding prisms set in gunmetal frame. A rotating bi-valve assembly.

Integrity                    high

Maintenance           keep in service, clean at normal

Rectification

works

none

Heritage significance: High

The lens assembly is an original and essential part of a lighthouse associated  with  the  development of marine aids to navigation along the NSW coast (criterion a).

The lighthouse’s Henry-Lapaute lens is the only example within Australia (criterion b; criterion f).

The lens assembly contributes to the aesthetic

value of the lighthouse (criterion e).

Description and condition

1901 Henry-Lepaute mercury-float pedestal, in the form of a large cylinder supporting the mercury trough.

•       Mercury trough – Cast iron circular trough, still

in service.

•       Mercury float – Cast iron annular float supported by mercury inside the trough. Three screw jacks are attached to the pedestal for lifting the float out of the mercury.

•       Lamp platform – Cast iron platform.

•       Drive mechanism – Electric motor and gearbox. Original clock removed to ground floor.

Heritage significance: High

The pedestal is an original and essential part of  a lighthouse associated with the development of marine aids to navigation along the NSW coast (criterion a).

The pedestal’s first order mercury float mechanism is only one of six (6) found in Australian lighthouses (criterion b; criterion f).

Description and condition

1901 stone slab floor, with integral gutter and spitters. Recent built up waterproof membrane. Perpend joints are aligned with the spitters, and are vulnerable to water penetration. These joints were repointed in 2008.

Heritage significance: High

The balcony floor is an original and essential part of a lighthouse associated with the development  of marine aids to navigation along the NSW coast (criterion a).

Description and condition

1901 Solid stone wall of Bowral trachyte, with sunk panels and engaged piers and moulded coping showing to outside.

•       Finish – Bare stone.

Heritage significance: High

The balcony balustrade is an original and essential part of a lighthouse associated with the

development of marine aids to navigation along the

NSW coast (criterion a).

The balcony balustrade contributes to the aesthetic

value of the lighthouse (criterion e).

Description and condition

1901 cylindrical tower of precast concrete units with joints expressed externally.

•       Lightning conductor.

Heritage significance: High

The walls are an original and essential part of a lighthouse associated with the development of marine aids to navigation along the NSW coast (criterion a).

The form, fabric and height of the tower walls contribute to the aesthetic value of the lighthouse (criterion e).

The walls are an early example of concrete  block

construction in Australian lighthouses (criterion  f).

Description and condition

1901 cast copper alloy metal frames set into  masonry. Cast copper alloy sashes, opening inwards with copper alloy hinges and locking handles.

Heritage significance: High

The window openings are original and essential parts of a lighthouse associated with the development of marine aids to navigation along the NSW coast (criterion a).

The windows contribute to the aesthetic value of the

lighthouse (criterion e).

Description and condition

Window is similar to other tower windows, except

for widely splayed embrasure.

•       Beacon – Tideland ML-300 self-contained fixed beacon with red lens, on a fabricated steel post.

Heritage significance: Moderate

The auxiliary light is an essential part of a lighthouse associated with the development of marine aids to navigation along the NSW coast (criterion a).

Description and condition

The door into the tower at ground floor is 1901 cedar four-panel framed door with bolection moulds and fielded panels.

•       Clear glazed fanlight

•       Original brass door furniture and mortise lock.

Added modern cylinder rim lock.

Heritage significance: High

The door is an original and essential part of a lighthouse associated with the development of marine aids to navigation along the NSW coast (criterion a).

The door contributes to the aesthetic value of the

lighthouse (criterion e).

Description and condition

1901 reinforced concrete, topping of square black and white ceramic tiles, rendered on other surfaces.

Heritage significance: High

The intermediate floors are an original and  essential part of a lighthouse associated with the development of marine aids to navigation along the NSW coast (criterion a).

Description and condition

1901 precast concrete, topping of slate, rendered

on other surfaces.

•       Balustrade – Copper alloy tubular hand rail on wrought iron balusters. Later barrier of clear plastic sheet reversibly fixed to balusters with clamps.

Heritage significance: High

The stairs are an original and essential part of a lighthouse associated with the development of marine aids to navigation along the NSW coast (criterion a).

Description and condition

1901 reinforced concrete slab, topped with black

and white square ceramic tiles.

•       Clockwork mechanism – The clockwork mechanism is kept at the ground floor level adjacent to the visible clock weights to form  a display for lighthouse tours. The clockwork

mechanism has had the crank handle removed

and the gears fixed to make it inoperable.

Heritage significance: High

The ground floor is an original and essential part of a lighthouse associated with the development  of marine aids to navigation along the NSW coast (criterion a).

Description and condition

Iron circular trunk running up the centre of the tower

from the ground floor to the lantern floor.

The curved door into the weight tube at ground floor level has been removed, and the opening covered with clear plastic sheeting to allow the clock weights to be seen.

Heritage significance: High

The weight tube is a historic and essential part of a lighthouse associated with the development of marine aids to navigation along the NSW coast (criterion a).

Description and condition

1901 walls of pre-cast concrete units with joints

expressed externally. Rendered inside.

Heritage significance: High

The pavilion room walls are an original and essential part of a lighthouse associated with the development of marine aids to navigation along the NSW coast (criterion a).

The pavilion room walls contribute to the aesthetic

value of the lighthouse (criterion e).

Description and condition

Flat roof of reinforced concrete, topped with recent built-up waterproof membrane.

Heritage significance: High

The pavilion roof is an essential part of a lighthouse associated with the development of marine aids to navigation along the NSW coast (criterion a).

The pavilion roof contributes to the aesthetic value

of the lighthouse (criterion e).

Description and condition

1901 cedar doors.

•       Entrance door – Half-glazed cedar door in timber frame with sidelights and fanlight glazed with etched glass. External faces of glazing  fitted with clear plastic sheets as anti-vandalism measure.

•       Room doors – 4 panel doors.