Built in 1878, North Reef Lighthouse was constructed to assist vessels traversing the Queensland coast to carry trade to the port of Brisbane. The lighthouse is notable for its heritage significance and was placed on the Commonwealth Heritage List in 2004 for its association with the establishment of aids to navigation (AtoN) along the coast of Queensland following the separation of the State from New South Wales. The lighthouse is also notable for its rare design which included the keepers’ quarters at the base of the tower, in conjunction with being built on a coral reef. Furthermore, the lighthouse is also considered a structure of significant technical achievement due to the construction of a water tank below the residences.

Situated approximately 100 kilometres north-east of Gladstone, the lighthouse stands on North Reef, a small sand island within the Great Barrier Reef. Once a migratory sand bank entirely covered by water during high tide, sand accumulated around North Reef until a small, vegetated island formed. The lighthouse was designed by Colonial Architect F. D. G. Stanley, and construction of the lighthouse began in 1877. As a working AtoN, the lighthouse tower is operated and managed by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

The lighthouse was originally fitted with a 2nd Order rotating dioptric lens which was removed alongside the original lantern house in 1927. A Chance Bros. lantern house, 2nd Order lens and mercury pedestal were installed in its place. The Chance Bros. lens and mercury were later removed in 1976. A Vega Beacon was installed in the lantern room in 2005, and this operates on an automated mechanism as part of AMSA’s network of AtoN. The equipment is serviced by AMSA’s maintenance contractor who visits at least once per year. AMSA officers visit on an ad hoc basis for auditing, project and community liaison purposes.

AMSA lease the lighthouse and surrounding land from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA). The lighthouse tower and the North Reef site in general are not open to the public.

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 AMSA’s 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 (Cth), and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000 (Cth).

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 North Reef Lighthouse are recognised, maintained, and preserved for future generations.     

1.1 Background and purpose

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is the Commonwealth agency responsible for coastal aids to navigation. AMSA’s network includes North Reef Lighthouse, built in 1878.

Section 341S of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act) requires AMSA to prepare a management plan for North Reef Lighthouse that addresses the matters prescribed in Schedules 7A and 7B of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000 (Cth) (EPBC Regulations). 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
• ways the policies will be monitored and how the management plan will be reviewed.

AMSA has prepared 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 North Reef 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 North Reef Lighthouse.
• interpret and promote the Commonwealth heritage values of North Reef Lighthouse.
• manage use of the lighthouse.
• use best practice standards, including ongoing technical and community input, and apply best available knowledge and expertise when 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 North Reef 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 AtoN network is managed through our internal planning processes.

An interactive map showing many of AMSA’s heritage sites, including North Reef Lighthouse, can be found at AMSA Heritage Lighthouses Interactive Map¹.

1.3 Methodology

The methodology used in the preparation of this plan is consistent with the  recommendations of The Burra Charter and with the requirements of Chapter 5, Part 15 Division 1A of the EPBC Act. In particular, the plan:

• 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 criteria satisfied by North Reef Lighthouse as set out by schedule 7A of the EPBC Regulations. 

The criterion set out at Schedule 7A (h) (i-xiii) informed the development of the required policies for the management of Goods Island Lighthouse, in conjunction with input from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water on best practice management.

Consultation

In preparation of the plan, AMSA sought engagement with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) and the Gidarjil Development Corporation in September 2021 under direction from GBRMPA. At the time of preparation, consultations are still currently on-going, and future versions of this plan will provide an update on these consultations.

The draft management plan will be advertised in accordance with the EPBC Regulations and the comments received will be incorporated into the final document. A developed draft will then be submitted to the Minister through the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment and in that process the Minister’s delegate will seek 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 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, the Australian Maritime Systems Group (AMSG) is the contract maintenance provider for the Commonwealth Government’s AtoN network including North Reef Lighthouse.

1.6 Acknowledgements

AMSA acknowledges the professional assistance of GBRMPA and the Gidarjil Development Corporation.

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 Charter2. (See Appendix 1 Glossary of heritage conservation terms). Also see ‘Appendix 2 Glossary of lighthouse terminology relevant to North Reef which sets out the technical terminology used in this plan.

1.8 Previous reports

• Peter Marquis-Kyle prepared a Heritage Lighthouse Report for AMSA in 2007.3
• A Heritage Asset Condition Report (3rd Revision) was generated by AMSG in 2019 for AMSA.4

 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) and AMSA’s heritage collection.  

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Footnotes

1 “AMSA Interactive heritage lighthouse map,” Australian Maritime Safety Authority, accessed October 2020      

2 Australia ICOMOS, The Burra Charter: The Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural Significance (Australia ICOMOS, 2013).

3 Peter Marquis-Kyle, Heritage Lighthouse Report: North Reef (Australian Maritime Systems Group, 2007).

4 Australian Maritime Systems Group, North Reef Lighthouse: Heritage Asset Condition Report, 3rd Revision (Australia Maritime Safety Authority, 2019).

2.1 Location

North Reef Lighthouse is located on North Reef, a small sand island within the southern perimeter of Great Barrier Reef. Situated off the coast of the State of Queensland approximately 100 kilometres north-east of the city of Gladstone, the lighthouse was originally constructed on a sand bank which would be completely surrounded by water during high tide. Over time, the sand bank transformed into a small vegetated sand island which is how it is found today.   

Lighthouse coordinates: 23 11.1010'S, 151 54.1780'E

2.2 Setting and landscape

Originally built on a small sand bank which was covered by water during high tide, North Reef Lighthouse is now situated on a small sandy island. Changes to the bank were caused by the accumulation of sand over a long period of time, and vegetation developed gradually. A coral reef encircles the perimeter of the island.   

Fauna and flora

As one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which encompasses North Reef, is home to a plethora of native species of invertebrate, animals and coral. Management of the marine park is administered under the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 (Cth). For more information on the Great Barrier Reef environment and measures in place for protection of its ecosystem, please visit the GBRMPA website.⁵

Regarding North Reef, turtles are known to breed on the small sand island. Nests and tracks have been observed, and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) provide advice to AMSA and their chosen contractor on how to best avoid disturbance of the nests. Nesting seabirds have also been observed on the island between October and March, and the invasive African big-headed ant species has been located on-site.  

2.3 Lease and ownership

AMSA lease the lighthouse and land from GBRMPA, the state body responsible for the Great Barrier Reef. The AMSA lease consists of two parcels of land:

• Lease J: Lighthouse tower, 256 meters-squared
• Lease K: 289 meters-squared

A site lease agreement commenced on 3 June 2003. The lease stipulates that AMSA must comply with any applicable management plan and State environmental laws.  

2.4 Access

North Reef Lighthouse can only be reached by boat. North Reef and the lighthouse are not currently open to the public, and access to the site and inside the tower are restricted to authorised personnel only.

2.5 Listings

North Reef Lighthouse is listed on the following heritage registers:

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Footnotes

5 “Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority home website,” Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, accessed October 2020

6 “North Reef Lightstation, North Reef via Curtis Island, QLD, Australia,” Australian Heritage Database, accessed October 2020

7 “North Reef Lightstation, North Reef via Curtis Island, QLD , Australia,” Australian Heritage Database, accessed October 2020

3.1 General history of lighthouses in Australia

The first lighthouse to be constructed on 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 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 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. 

Lamps and optics: an overview

Lighthouse technology has altered drastically over the centuries. Eighteenth 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”.⁸

In 1822, Augustin Fresnel invented the dioptric glass lens. By crafting concentric annular rings with a convex lens, Fresnel had discovered a method of reducing the amount of light absorbed by a lens. The Dioptric System was adopted quickly with Cordouran Lighthouse (France), which was 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 North Reef 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 9.

In 1912, Swedish engineer Gustaf Dalén, 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 destaffing of lighthouses. Acetylene was quickly adopted by the Commonwealth Lighthouse Service from 1915 onwards.

Large dioptric lenses, such as that shown in Figure 10, 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 the 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, they decided that the new Commonwealth government would be responsible for coastal lighthouses—that is, major lights used by vessels travelling from port to port—but not the minor lights used for navigation within harbours and rivers. There was a delay before this new arrangement came into effect. 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 (Cth), is now responsible for operating Commonwealth lighthouses and other aids to navigation, along with its other functions.

3.3 North Reef: a history

Aboriginal history

Further consultation with Traditional Stakeholders is required.

Early European history

On 11 June 1770, English explorer Captain James Cook ran his ship the Endeavour aground on a reef. Cook and his crew had travelled from England in search of a southern continent and were just under two years into their voyage when they ran into trouble just north of what Cook would later name Cape Tribulation. The Endeavour and its crew was stuck for roughly a day and freed only by dumping a large amount of cargo overboard. This incident, perhaps frustrating to Cook, was significant as it was the first time a European directly encountered one of the world’s largest underwater ecosystems – the Great Barrier Reef.⁹

Although very little observation of the Reef was carried out during Cook’s voyage, the European scientific communities were now aware of the vastness of the Reef. The name ‘Great Barrier Reef’ was devised by English explorer Matthew Flinders during his 1802 voyage aboard the Investigator, a voyage that also saw Flinders’ ship become wrecked on Wreck Reef.¹⁰ Various shipwrecks have occurred on the Reef including the Yongala (1911) which was wrecked during a cyclone near Cape Bowling Green and claimed the lives of 122 passengers.¹¹

North Reef was left relatively undisturbed by human interaction until the construction of the lighthouse in 1878.

3.4 Why North Reef?

In 1873, the marine departments of the various Australian colonies assembled in Sydney for discussions on the current placement of lighthouses along the country’s coastline. Regarding Queensland, it was discussed that two lighthouses be built at Booby Island and North Reef. This was due to a recent surge of shipping from Asian ports which had revealed the risks that came with attempting to navigate the stretch of coast to Brisbane. North Reef sat at the southwest edge of the Capricorn Channel, a stretch of water that ran along the coast near Gladstone. It was argued that placing a light in this vicinity would alert ships to nearby shoals and coral reefs.¹²

3.5 Building a lighthouse

Design and construction

On 7 July 1875, the Colonial Architect for Queensland, F. D. G. Stanley, visited the proposed site alongside foreman of works Robert Ferguson.¹³ Stanley described that ‘…the reef consists of coral rock covered by about 6 feet of water at high tides and having in centre a bank of sand about 600 ft in length by 40 feet in width.’¹⁴ On 28 October 1875, Stanley submitted plans for the design of the lighthouse.¹⁵ The tower was to replicate earlier timber-framed lighthouses, such as Lady Elliot Island Lighthouse, on a larger-scale. With a site that was predominately under water at high tide, Stanley proposed the following in his memo:

‘It is proposed to erect the tower as a centre, the dwellings for lightkeepers being arranged round the base of the same. The foundation for the whole structure will be in cement concrete contained within a cast iron cylinder 40 feet in diameter carried down 15 feet through the sand bank to the cap of the coral reef and 2 feet into same. In order to provide storage for water and also to economise the quantity of concrete required it is proposed to form circular tanks below floor level as shown in section. These can be supplied from water shed from sides of tower and roof of Quarters, no fresh water is, of course, obtainable on the site.

It is suggested that the building be constructed in the first place either at Rockhampton, Maryborough or Brisbane, a contract being taken to include this portion of the work and the erection on the site and that freight of material from either of the above places to the reef be provided by Government.’¹⁶

Stanley’s circular room design for the base of the tower was entirely unique for an Australian lighthouse, and offered a resolution for the impracticality of establishing a place of residence on a sand bank.

It was decided a 2nd Order rotating dioptric light be ordered for the light.

Tenders were called in January 1876 by the Department of Public Works, and several offers were received including what was considered a low tender of £13,793 from John Walker & Co. of Maryborough, Queensland. Unfortunately, records show that the call for tenders was withdrawn by the Executive Council on 28 March 1876. Walker & Co. subsequently contacted the Council in April detailing that they were willing and able to progress with the works – it is understood they had purchased a schooner that would allow transport of materials to site. Eventually, their second tender was accepted on 2 December 1876. Construction was complete by 1878, and North Reef Lighthouse was lit for the first time on 14 November 1878.¹⁸         

Equipment when built

Following construction, the lighthouse stood as a 15 metre tall, timber-framed tower atop a hollow concrete base encircled by an iron caisson. The following ‘Notice to Mariners’ was published in November 1878:

‘On and after this date, a Fixed and Flashing Light will be exhibited from the Lighthouse recently erected on North Reef. The Tower, which is circular, is painted white, and is 80 feet in height. The illuminating apparatus is dioptric, of the second order, showing two flashes in succession, at an interval of one minute, followed by two minutes of fixed light, the series of changes occupying four minutes. The light, which shows all round the horizon, is 72 feet above high water, and is visible from the deck of a small craft about 13 miles.’²⁰

3.6 Light keeping

North Reef Lighthouse was originally staffed by three lightkeepers – a superintendent, and a first and second assistant. Lightkeeping at this particular lighthouse was no easy feat due to the complete isolation experienced, as well as the cramped living space. From the get-go, bachelors were considered the ideal employee to be stationed at North Reef as the sheer lack of living space did not permit wives and children to reside there also.²¹

The keepers, completely surrounded by open water, were at the mercy of the supply ships that were due to complete regular trips to the lighthouse with food and fresh water. However many accounts of the time detail that supply ships were sometimes few and far between. In 1921, the Lyola arrived at the lighthouse with timber and ‘domestic supplies’, only to find the keepers had been ‘practically starving for a week, their only food having been turtle eggs and a little cornflour.’ The Kyogle Examiner newspaper continued with the following:

‘It was found that nine weeks had elapsed since the last Government steamer has been to the island with provisions and wood, and had it not been for the rationing of what little they did have the occupants of this lonely isle would have been in a very sorry plight. Only three calls had been made by the Government steamer within the last seven months.’²²

The Queensland Government was heavily criticised for what was perceived by the general public as a complete lack of care for the keepers. North Reef keepers were reportedly only permitted one month of leave per year. This, combined with the lack of food and isolation led publications to refer to the keepers as ‘inmates’.²³

The isolation and lack of communication was exemplified in May 1932 when the steamer Saros passed the lighthouse and received a Morse signal from the keepers. One of the keepers, Mr William Cleaver, required immediate medical assistance and the Saros passed along the message to the Deputy Director of Navigation and Lighthouses, Captain N. G. Roskruge, who organised for a launch to deliver Mr Cleaver from the lighthouse to Gladstone.²⁵ Leaving the lighthouse in a hurry, even in moments of emergency, was in no way possible.

Lightkeepers remained stationed at North Reef Lighthouse until 1978 following the light’s conversion to electric operation – exactly 100 years from when the light was first lit.

3.7 Chronology of major events

The following table details the major events to have occurred at North Reef Lighthouse.

3.8 Changes and conservation over time

The following section details the changes and conservation efforts to have been carried out at North Reef Lighthouse since its construction.

The Brewis Report

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 for each of the individual lighthouses and provide a snapshot of the lightstation in the early 20th century.

Brewis recommended that North Reef be provided with an incandescent mantle installed to increase intensity of the light. It was also recommended that an acetylene Morse lamp be provided for the keepers due to their isolated situation.³²

Alteration to the light

The following table details the changes to the North Reef light since its exhibition in 1878.

For information on current light details, see ‘Appendix 4 North Reef Lighthouse current light details’.

Recent conservation works

The following table details the recent conservation works to have occurred at North Reef Lighthouse.

3.9 Summary of current and former uses

From its construction in 1878, North Reef Lighthouse has been used as a marine AtoN for mariners at sea. Its AtoN capability remains its primary use. The quarters, once used to house keepers stationed at the tower, are now utilised to house battery equipment for the light.

3.10 Summary of past and present community associations

Aboriginal associations

The Gidarjil Development Corporation maintain interests in North Reef Island. Further consultation is required with traditional stakeholders.

Local, national and international associations

The lighthouse maintains strong familial links due to its extensive history as a manned site. Numerous men were stationed at North Reef over the course of a century, and their experiences residing in the middle of a coral reef were captured by contemporary sources.

The lighthouse, located within the Great Barrier Reef, maintains associations with both national and international environmental communities, and world heritage organisations.

3.11 Unresolved questions or historical conflicts

Any unresolved questions or historical conflicts brought to light will be addressed in this section within future versions of the plan.

3.12 Recommendations for further research

Further investigation on the original construction process experienced would provide greater detail on the history of the lighthouse and its original fabric.

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Footnotes

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.

Below, each part of the lighthouse is listed and the description, condition and significance of each part is discussed. Criterion listed under ‘Heritage Significance’ refer to the criterion satisfied within the specific Commonwealth heritage listing (see ‘Section 5.1’).

Lighthouse feature: Lantern roof

Description and condition

Chance Bros part-spherical dome of copper sheets lapped and riveted. Ex-Black Peak lighthouse, WA.

• Ribs – standard Chance Bros cast iron radial ribs.
• Inner skin – removed 2011 (stored on site in ground floor room).
• Ventilator – drum type with wind vane attached. Tail of wind vane replaced with stainless steel in 2011.
• Lightning conductor – vertical pole beside ventilator, with three spikes at top, and two braces to ventilator.
• Gutter – circular ring of cast iron pieces bolted together.
• External ladder – three rungs attached to lantern roof; one circular hand rail attached to lantern roof, another attached to top of ventilator drum.
• Handrails – one circular hand rail attached to lantern roof, another attached to top of ventilator drum.
• Ladder rail – missing.
• Curtain rail – two concentric rails—outer ring fixed to roof lining (for ordinary lantern curtains), inner ring hung from radial rods (for curtains to control parasitic flashes from previous auxiliary light).
• Drip tray – copper dish suspended under ventilator, with central hole for chimney. Wind direction index, but indicator hand is missing.

Heritage significance: High

The lantern roof is an early feature of a lighthouse associated with the establishment of navigational aids along the Queensland coast (criterion a).

The lantern roof is an early feature of a lighthouse built on a coral reef (criterion b).

Lighthouse feature: Lantern glazing

Description and condition

Chance Bros, cylindrical in form.

• Panes – curved rectangular glass, three tiers.
• Astragals – Chance Bros vertical and horizontal astragals of rectangular section iron, bolted to gutter ring at top, and to lantern base below.
• Downpipes – copper downpipes discharging onto balcony floor. Since the ladder rail and its brackets have been removed, rainwater runs out through holes in the bottom of the gutter. One copper downpipe replaced with new copper downpipe in 2011.
• Handholds – two cast metal handholds bolted to each vertical astragal, except where downpipes are/were fitted.

Heritage significance: High

The lantern glazing, including features, are an early feature of a lighthouse associated with the establishment of navigational aids along the Queensland coast (criterion a).

The lantern glazing, including features, are an early feature of a lighthouse built on a coral reef (criterion b).

Lighthouse feature: Internal catwalk

Description and condition

Chance Bros, 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 early feature of a lighthouse associated with the establishment of navigational aids along the Queensland coast (criterion a).

The internal catwalk is an early feature of a lighthouse built on a coral reef (criterion b).

Lighthouse feature: External catwalk

Description and condition

Chance Bros, cast iron lattice floor panels supported on openwork cast iron brackets bolted to lantern base.

• Handrail – ferrous rod stanchions and flat bar rail bolted to floor panels.

Heritage significance: High

The external catwalk is an early feature of a lighthouse associated with the establishment of navigational aids along the Queensland coast (criterion a).

The external catwalk is an early feature of a lighthouse built on a coral reef (criterion b).

Lighthouse feature: Lantern base

Description and condition

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

• Internal lining – bottom three quarter height removal in 2011 works. Short top section remains.
• Vents – two horizontal slots in the bottom of exterior of each panel, designed to feed air into the void behind the internal lining. These slots have black HDPE covers fitted to stop air feed into lantern room. Rectangular copper alloy regulators below internal catwalk.
• Door – Chance Bros, iron skin with flat frame applied outside; inner frame and lining missing. Iron hold-open quadrant fixed to sill of door opening, but bolt on door is missing. Copper alloy hinges. Copper alloy rim lock, no longer in use; inside knob in place, but outside knob missing.

Heritage significance: High

The lantern base is an early feature of a lighthouse associated with the establishment of navigational aids along the Queensland coast (criterion a).

The lantern base is an early feature of a lighthouse built on a coral reef (criterion b).

Lighthouse feature: Lantern floor

Description and condition

1878 timber floor. Hardwood joists in radial arrangement, with stop chamfers. Hardwood tongue and groove floor boards. Replacement Chance Brothers maker’s plaque fit to underside of hatch door.

Heritage significance: High

The lantern floor is an original feature of a lighthouse associated with the establishment of navigational aids along the Queensland coast (criterion a).

The lantern floor is an original feature of a lighthouse built on a coral reef (criterion b).

Lighthouse feature: Beacon

Description and condition

Vega VRB-25 self-contained rotating beacon.

Heritage significance: Low

Lighthouse feature: Pedestal

Description and condition

Chance Bros mercury-float pedestal, adapted to support the Vega beacon.

• Base – Chance Bros cast iron, with central circular base for pillar, and offset mounting base for clock.
• Pillar – Chance Bros cast ferrous pillar with machined thread for adjustment of mercury trough.
• Mercury trough – Chance Bros cast iron circular trough with integral circular and radial strengthening ribs underneath, fitted to threaded top of the pillar. The mercury has been removed. Manhole and iron ladder to allow access to lamp. Driving pinion, spindle and carrier still in place.
• Mercury float – Chance Bros cast iron annular float still in place within the trough.
• Lamp platform – Chance Bros cast iron platform with ribbed top surface. Manhole covered with square aluminium plate. Central hole covered with circular aluminium plate.
• Beacon pedestal – stainless steel fabricated stand to support the Vega beacon.

Heritage significance: High

The pedestal is an early feature of a lighthouse associated with the establishment of navigational aids along the Queensland coast (criterion a).

The pedestal is an early feature of a lighthouse built on a coral reef (criterion b).

Lighthouse feature: Balcony floor

Description and condition

(Continuation of lantern floor) 1878 timber floor. Hardwood joists in radial arrangement. Hardwood tongue and groove floor boards (partial replacement of floorboards in 2011). Original sheet lead covering was previously replaced with a bituminous membrane. In 2011, the bituminous membrane was removed and a fibre cement sheet laid over the balcony timberwork. An elastomeric acrylic membrane was placed over the fibre cement sheeting.

Heritage significance: High

The balcony floor is an original feature of a lighthouse associated with the establishment of navigational aids along the Queensland coast (criterion a).

The balcony floor is an original feature of a lighthouse built on a coral reef (criterion b).

Lighthouse feature: Balcony balustrade

Description and condition

Railing with stainless steel stanchions bolted to balcony floor, with eyes for top, middle and bottom rails of stainless steel pipe. Round stanchion bases bolted to balcony floor. The stainless steel materials are a 2011 replacement of the earlier solid wrought iron stanchions and gas pipe rails.

Heritage significance: Low

Lighthouse feature: Tower walls

Description and condition

1878 timber frame with iron plating.

• Plating – galvanised iron plate about 2mm thick, curved to comply with the conical form of the tower and the curved balcony soffit, with lapped joints secured by solid rivets. 2011 complete replacement of both the wrought iron curved sheeting to balcony soffit with new 3mm “Galvabond” sheeting and the wrought iron balcony fascia with stainless steel sheet.
• Frame – hardwood studs joined with mortise and tenon joints to horizontal plates and girts. Diagonal braces housed into studs. Some connections are reinforced with forged iron straps. 2011 complete replacement of curved hardwood timber arch supports for balcony.
• Base plate – cast iron ring made in sections bolted together. The base plate incorporates vertical tags to which the studs are bolted. The base plate is anchored to hold-down bolts set into the concrete filled caisson.

Heritage significance: High

The tower walls are an original feature of a lighthouse associated with the establishment of navigational aids along the Queensland coast (criterion a).

The tower walls are an original feature of a lighthouse built on a coral reef (criterion b).

Lighthouse feature: Windows

Description and condition

20 tower windows have glass in aluminium sashes fixed in place (replacing the original timber sashes). Hardwood sills project beyond the iron plating.

Heritage significance: High

The window openings are an original feature of a lighthouse associated with the establishment of navigational aids along the Queensland coast (criterion a).

The window openings are an original feature of a lighthouse built on a coral reef (criterion b).

Lighthouse feature: Intermediate floors

Description and condition

Four intermediate floors, with hardwood joists and pine tongue and groove boards.

Heritage significance: High

The intermediate floors are an original feature of a lighthouse associated with the establishment of navigational aids along the Queensland coast (criterion a).

The intermediate floors are an original feature of a lighthouse built on a coral reef (criterion b).

Lighthouse feature: Stairs

Description and condition

Winding timber stairs wrapped around square timber weight tube. Treads and risers housed into strings. Hardwood posts from floor to floor at the four corners of the stairway support handrail and intermediate rail.

Heritage significance: High

The intermediate floors are an original feature of a lighthouse associated with the establishment of navigational aids along the Queensland coast (criterion a).

The intermediate floors are an original feature of a lighthouse built on a coral reef (criterion b).

Lighthouse feature: Ground floor

Description and condition

Concrete slab topping on concrete caisson filling. Cylindrical concrete upstand and iron manhole cover for access to water tank in concrete caisson filling. Rectangular concrete upstand with semi-rotary hand-pump and gulley. 2011 shallow grout repair to complete perimeter of ground floor just inside base ring with cementitious grout.

Heritage significance: High

The ground floor is an original feature of a lighthouse associated with the establishment of navigational aids along the Queensland coast (criterion a).

The ground floor is an original feature of the residence’s established within the tower of the lighthouse (criterion b).

The ground floor is an original feature of a lighthouse built on a coral reef (criterion b).

Lighthouse feature: Ground floor roof

Description and condition

1878 roof in the form of a truncated cone attached to the tower.

• Frame – timber radial beams, dressed and stop-chamfered, spanning from the tower to the outer curved wall. Timber curved purlins (some replaced 2011 with matching Kairi pine timber species), dressed and stop chamfered, mortised into the radial beams.
• Ceiling – radial timber boards, tapered, with beaded tongue and groove joints, laid on top of the beams and purlins. Partial replacement of tapered ceiling boards in 2011 to match original Kairi pine species.
• Sheeting – tapered colorbond stainless steel sheets “surfmist colour” in 2011 full replacement of post-1975 flat sheets of flexible fibrous cement.
• Gutter – stainless steel square profile eaves gutter, curved. Installed 2011.

Heritage significance: High

The ground floor roof is an original feature of a lighthouse associated with the establishment of navigational aids along the Queensland coast (criterion a).

The ground floor roof is an original feature of the residence’s established within the tower of the lighthouse (criterion b).

The ground floor roof is an original feature of a lighthouse built on a coral reef (criterion b).

Lighthouse feature: Ground floor walls

Description and condition

1878 timber framed walls enclosing the quarters and subdividing the eight rooms.

• Outer wall – curved timber top and bottom plates, timber studs, sills and heads. (2011 replacement of complete perimeter curved bottom plate along with some parts of the wall framing structure in the outer wall with unspecified hardwood). Original corrugated iron external sheeting was replaced with corrugated asbestos-cement sheets. Asbestos cement sheets removed 2011 and replaced with corrugated stainless steel sheet in ‘surfmist’ colour.
• Dividing walls – radial walls generally sheeted both sides with a combination of hardboard and VJ timber (2011 replacement of all asbestos cement hardboard and re-sheeted with asbestos free hardboard with timber joining strips. Original VJ timber retained in original locations.)

Heritage significance: High

The ground floor walls are an original feature of a lighthouse associated with the establishment of navigational aids along the Queensland coast (criterion a).

The ground floor walls are an original feature of the residence’s established within the tower of the lighthouse (criterion b).

The ground floor walls are an original feature of a lighthouse built on a coral reef (criterion b).

Lighthouse feature: Equipment

Description and condition

64 batteries on galvanised steel racks; control gear; eight solar panels mounted on platform of quarters roof.

Heritage significance: Low

Lighthouse feature: Ground floor windows

Description and condition

Timber double hung sash windows. A number of windows and frames were replaced in 2011. The replacement window joinery was done in white beech timber species as per the original fabric.

Heritage significance: High

The ground floor window openings are an original feature of a lighthouse associated with the establishment of navigational aids along the Queensland coast (criterion a).

The ground floor window openings are an original feature of the residence’s established within the tower of the lighthouse (criterion b).

The ground floor window openings are an original feature of a lighthouse built on a coral reef (criterion b).

Lighthouse feature: Ground floor doors

Description and condition

• External doors – two pairs of timber framed and sheeted doors on opposite sides of the quarters. The main entrance pair of doors is solid core ply with stainless steel external sheeting and has a set of stainless steel louvres to match previous door. This pair installed in 2011. The other pair is 1878 timber framed and sheeted with no external hardware.
• Internal doors – eight 1878 timber framed and sheeted doors, in the doorways between the base of the tower and the rooms in the quarters. One later timber framed and panelled door in dividing wall.

Heritage significance: High

The ground floor doors are an original feature of a lighthouse associated with the establishment of navigational aids along the Queensland coast (criterion a).

The ground floor doors are an original feature of the residence’s established within the tower of the lighthouse (criterion b).

The ground floor doors are an original feature of a lighthouse built on a coral reef (criterion b).

Lighthouse feature: Iron Caisson

Description and condition

1878 caisson of cast iron panels bolted together and filled with concrete, incorporating voids for fresh water storage. 1898 external wrought iron bands were applied around the outside. The iron bands were removed in 2011 during the lighthouse major overhaul. The top section of the 1878 cast iron panels was also removed and a new concrete ring beam of 800mm depth cast completely around the circumference of the structure containing the earlier lower strength concrete within, and replacing the iron panels in this area. Approximately 300mm of the new concrete ring beam is visible above ground level.

Heritage significance: High

The iron caissons are an original feature of a lighthouse associated with the establishment of navigational aids along the Queensland coast (criterion a).

The iron caissons are an original feature of the residence’s established within the tower of the lighthouse (criterion b).

The iron caissons are an original feature of a lighthouse built on a coral reef (criterion b).

4.2 Related object and associated AMSA artefacts

There are currently no AMSA artefacts at North Reef Lighthouse.

4.3 Comparative analysis

North Reef Lighthouse bears strong similarities with Lady Elliot Island Lighthouse (Queensland). First lit in 1873, Lady Elliot Island Lighthouse was the first large scale lighthouse to be built with a timber frame and iron plating. The lighthouse’s design featured a truncated cone form with a tapering profile. This was later replicated in the North Reef design, although North Reef was notably larger and incorporated the keeper’s quarters at the base of the tower. The timber framed and iron plated tower design was also replicated in ten other lighthouses including Flat Top Island and Booby Island.³⁴

Figure 15. Blueprint design for Lady Elliot Island Lighthouse. Courtesy of the National Archives of Australia. NAA: J2775, HS152. (© Commonwealth of Australia, National Archives of Australia)35

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Footnotes

³⁴ Marquis-Kyle, Queensland’s timber and iron lighthouses, 4.

³⁵ NAA: J2775, HS152.

5.1 Commonwealth heritage listing – North Reef Lighthouse

The following information is taken directly from the Commonwealth Heritage listing for North Reef Lighthouse (Place ID: 105368).

Commonwealth statement of significance

The following statement of significance is taken directly from North Reef Lighthouse’s Commonwealth heritage listing:

North Reef Lighthouse, built in 1878 is significant as a rare example of a lighthouse built on a coral reef, incorporating a residence at the base of the tower with a rain water tank underneath the structure (Criteria B.2 and F.1). The North Reef Lighthouse is significant as an important element in the establishment of navigational aids along the Queensland coast, which reflects the development of the coastal regions of Queensland after its separation from New South Wales (Criterion A.4).

Commonwealth heritage criteria

There are nine criteria for inclusion in the Commonwealth Heritage List, meeting any one of these is sufficient for listing a place. These criteria are similar to those used in other Commonwealth, state and local heritage legislation, although thresholds differ. In the following sections, North Reef Lighthouse is discussed in relation to each of the criteria as based on the site’s current Commonwealth Heritage Listing (Place ID: 105368)

These heritage values, identified and explained in the Commonwealth Heritage List, will form the basis of the management of North Reef Lighthouse. In the event of necessary works, all criteria will be consulted to inform best practice management of the values associated with the lightstation. (See ‘Section 7. Conservation management policies’ for further information on strategies to conserve heritage values of North Reef Lighthouse).

5.2 Condition and integrity of Commonwealth heritage values

A heritage monitoring program was implemented in 2016. Each site is visited and reviewed every two years where the heritage fabric and values of the site are evaluated. Assessment of the condition and integrity of lighthouse's Commonwealth heritage values are derived from the latest available Heritage asset condition report produced by AMSA’s maintenance contractor. 

‘Condition’ is measured from good to poor and incorporates the current condition of the specific value. Integrity is measured from high to low and incorporates the value’s intactness. The Commonwealth heritage values for North Reef Lighthouse exhibits good condition and a high level of integrity. The lighthouse, complete with intact residences and a water tank at its base, has remained an important navigational aid along the Queensland coast.  

5.3 Gain or loss of Commonwealth heritage values

Evidence for the potential gain or loss of heritage values will be documented within this section in future versions of the plan.

6.1 Implications arising from significance

The Commonwealth statement of significance (section 5.1 above) demonstrates North Reef Lighthouse is a place of considerable heritage value due to its association with lighthouse development in Queensland, its rare location on a coral reef, and its formation of the tower with water tank and keepers quarters at its base.  

The implication arising from this assessment is that key aspects of the place should be conserved to retain this significance. The key features requiring conservation include:

• architectural quality of the building
• interior spaces and features, which are notable for their design, details and/or their original lighthouse function. These include:
  • lantern room including catwalk
  • pedestal
  • intermediate floors
  • tower stairs
  • ground floor
• external spaces and features, which are notable for their design, details, and/or their original lighthouse function. These include:
  • lantern roof
  • lantern glazing
  • tower walls
  • balcony, including balustrades
  • windows and doors
  • ground floor roof
  • ground floor walls
  • iron caisson

Referral and approvals of action

The EPBC Act requires approval from the Minister for the Environment for all actions likely to have a significant impact on matters of National Environmental Significance (NES).

The Act provides that actions taken:

• on Commonwealth land which are likely to have a significant impact on the environment will require approval of the Minister.
• outside Commonwealth land which are likely to have a significant impact on the environment on Commonwealth land will require approval of the Minister.
• by the Australian Government or its agencies which are likely to have a significant impact on the environment anywhere will require approval of the Minister.

The definition of ‘environment’ in the EPBC Act includes the cultural heritage values of places.

Heritage strategy

If an Australian Government agency owns or controls one or more places with Commonwealth heritage values, it must prepare a heritage strategy within two years from the first time they own or control a heritage place (section 341ZA).

A heritage strategy is a written document that integrates heritage conservation and management within an agency’s overall property planning and management framework. Its purpose is to help an agency manage and report on the steps it has taken to protect and conserve the commonwealth heritage values of the properties under its ownership or control. The latest heritage strategy for AMSA’s AtoN assets was completed and approved by the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment in 2022 and is available online."³⁶

Heritage asset condition report

A heritage asset condition report is a written document that details the heritage fabric of a site with an in-depth description of each architectural and structural element. The document includes: a brief history of the site, the Commonwealth Heritage statement of significance and value criteria, a heritage significance rating for each individual element, and a catalogue of artefacts on-site. The document is also accompanied by up-to-date photos of each structural element. This document operates as a tool for heritage monitoring, and is reviewed and updated biennially.

Natural and Aboriginal heritage values

North Reef and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park as a whole are notable for their Aboriginal cultural and natural heritage values. The potential remains for future works at the lighthouse to impact these values. At the time this plan was written, no plans have been made for future works at North Reef Lighthouse. In the event major works at the lighthouse are to be carried out, AMSA will seek to minimise impacts to the surrounding area by:

• Abiding by any relevant environment management plans for the marine park
• Ensuring no damage is made to surrounding vegetation or animal habitats
• Ensuring project footprint is limited to the AMSA lease. In any instance that work is required outside of this footprint, approvals will be sought from the appropriate stakeholders.
• Implementing an appropriate discovery plan in the instance Aboriginal cultural heritage is suspected and/or found.

6.2 Framework: sensitivity to change

Owing to the site’s association with Queensland’s maritime history, its rarity as a lighthouse tower complete with residences built atop a coral reef, and its unique technical achievement due to the water tank at its base, North Reef Lighthouse is of high significance. Therefore, work actioned by AMSA on the lighthouse’s fabric harnesses the potential to reduce or eradicate the significance of the site’s heritage values.

Conservation works, including restoration and reconstruction, or adaption works of the absolute minimum so as to continue the lighthouse’s usefulness as an AtoN are the only works that should be actioned by AMSA on North Reef Lighthouse. Some exceptions are made for health and safety requirements, however any and all work carried out must be conducted in line with heritage considerations and requirements of the EPBC Act.  

The table below demonstrates the level of sensitivity attributed to the various elements of the fabric register in the face of change. These are measured from high to low depending on the action’s possible threat to the site’s heritage values.    

High sensitivity

High sensitivity to change includes instances wherein a change would pose a major threat to the heritage value of a specific fabric, or the lightstation as a whole. A major threat is one that would lead to substantial or total loss of the heritage value.

Moderate sensitivity

Moderate sensitivity to change includes instances wherein a change would pose a moderate threat to the heritage value of a specific fabric, or to the heritage significance of a specific fabric in another part of the building. A moderate threat is one that would diminish the heritage value, or diminish the ability of an observer to appreciate the value.

Low sensitivity

Low sensitivity to change includes instances wherein a change would pose little to no threat to the heritage value of a specific fabric, or to the heritage significance in another part of the building.

6.3 Statutory and legislative requirements

The following table lists the Acts and codes relevant to the management of North Reef Lighthouse.

6.4 Operational requirements and occupier needs

As a working AtoN, the operational needs of North Reef Lighthouse are primarily concerned with navigational requirements. Below are the operational details and requirements of the North Reef light as outlined by AMSA.

NAVIGATIONAL REQUIREMENT FOR AMSA’S ATON SITE

AMSA’s goals

AMSA is responsible, under the Navigation Act, for maintaining a network of marine AtoN around Australia’s coastline that assist mariners to make safe and efficient passages. AMSA’s present network of approximately 500 marine AtoN includes traditional lighthouses such as North Reef, beacons, buoys, racons, automatic identification system stations, metocean sensors including broadcasting tide gauges, current meter, directional wave rider buoys and a weather station.

Technological developments in the area of vessel traffic management have also contributed to increasing navigation safety and helped promote marine environment protection. AMSA aims to meet international standards for the reliability of lighthouses set by the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA).

At the time of preparing this management plan, the major goal for North Reef Lighthouse primarily encompassed continuing its utilisation as an AtoN (for as long as necessary), while upkeeping the appropriate maintenance to conserve and preserve the heritage values of the lightstation.

Lighthouse performance standards

AMSA aims to meet international standards for the reliability of lighthouses set by IALA. North Reef light is designated as an IALA Availability Category 1 AtoN (within a scale of Category 1 to Category 3, Category 1 aids are most critical). Category 1 aids have an availability target of 99.8 per cent.

Access to the lighthouse

One practical effect of this performance standard is that the operational equipment and structure of the light need to be kept in good repair by regular maintenance. Routine maintenance and emergency repairs are carried out by AMSA’s maintenance contractor. The contractor needs reliable access to the site for this work, and AMSA officers need access for occasional inspections of the site including to audit the contractor’s performance.

6.5 Proposals for change

Preventative maintenance works are carried out on the lighthouse to maintain its status as a working marine AtoN, and to assist in the site’s conservation.

A list of scheduled preventative maintenance work is identified within the latest available site inspection report. The information provided below was taken from this report.

6.6 Potential pressures

A significant pressure that harnesses the potential to affect the Commonwealth heritage values of the place would be the obligation to remove or replace original fabric materials from the lightstation owing to unavoidable and irreversible deterioration. At the time this plan was written, no current plans exist to remove or replace any original fabric materials from North Reef Lighthouse. In the event plans are made to modify or remove original fabric, work will be conducted in line with the heritage considerations and requirements of the EPBC Act.

6.7 Processes for decision-making

Processes for decision-making are required in the event of an incident that impacts the heritage values of the site. The following incidents are included due to their likelihood of occurrence at North Reef Lighthouse.

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Footnotes

Policies

Note: The management of sensitive information is not relevant to AMSA’s heritage strategy and therefore bears no relevance in this management plan.

Fabric and setting

Policy 1 – Protect and conserve the significant external and internal fabric of the lightstation, including existing buildings, layout and setting.

AMSA’s main purpose is to facilitate the ongoing operation of the site as a marine AtoN while preserving the site’s heritage values. As part of a heritage monitoring program, Heritage Asset Condition Reports are produced for each site every two years to evaluate the condition of the heritage fabric and values. Routine servicing is also carried out by maintenance contractors. Regular written reports from these visits will be sent to AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness for review and any work requirements identified will be scheduled accordingly. Should for some unforeseen reason the site no longer be viable as a marine AtoN, ownership will be passed to an appropriate state or federal authority to ensure preservation of the heritage assets. 

Implementation strategy:

• AtoN Maintenance Contractor will continue scheduled periodic maintenance of the lighthouse and marine aids to navigation every 12 months to ensure condition is monitored for early warning of deterioration. Schedule must be approved by AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness.
• AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to arrange for maintenance to be carried out on the lighthouse as required while continuing to operate as an AMSA marine AtoN.
• AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to continue the scheduled heritage monitoring visits to North Reef Lighthouse and review of the Heritage Asset Condition Reports every two years.
• AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to arrange for the replacement and upgrading of marine AtoN equipment in the lighthouse as required to meet AMSA’s service commitment, in a manner that preserves the original fabric of the lighthouse.
• AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to maintain information on the heritage fabric of the lighthouse including any and all actions, treatments and inspection outcomes within the heritage fabric register. See ‘Section 4.1 for Fabric register’.
• AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to conserve all the fabric elements identified as significant in the heritage fabric register.
• AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to seek expert materials conservation advice when considering repair, restoration and reconstruction of historic fabric. The relevant local, state and Commonwealth heritage approvals must be sought prior to repair, restoration and reconstruction.
• AMSA AtoN Heritage Coordinator to conserve the distinctive character of the lightstation by collecting photographic evidence and historical documentation of the original fabric.

Uses

Policy 2 – Install and operate equipment in the lighthouse, so it continues to function as an effective marine AtoN, in such a way as to impose the least possible harm to the significant fabric.

North Reef Lighthouse’s use as a working marine AtoN is of high priority. Carrying out maintenance, including upgrades to navigational equipment, is necessary to its function and continued marine safety along the QLD coast. In the event of the installation or upgrade to AtoN equipment, proper precaution will be taken to ensure the least possible harm is done to significant fabric.

Implementation strategy:

• AtoN Maintenance Contractor to monitor North Reef’s AtoN equipment every 12 months and propose maintenance in the instance of necessary installation or removal. Proposed maintenance is to be approved by AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness.
• AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to outline all possible risks to significant fabric (external and internal) associated with the installation, removal and operation of navigational equipment.
• AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to ensure works carried out are those that ensure the least possible harm to significant fabric.
• AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to seek expert heritage conservation advice on best practice management of the site during installation, removal and operation of AtoN equipment.  

Policy 3 – Monitor possible impacts to the site resulting from tourism and control appropriate access to the lighthouse for contractors and visitors.

North Reef Lighthouse is not currently open as a tourist site and access inside the lighthouse is restricted to authorised personnel, such as contractors and AMSA employees. AMSA personnel and contractors require easy access inside the lighthouse precinct and tower for periodical site visits to carry out inspections and routine maintenance.

Implementation strategy:

• AtoN Maintenance Contractor to ensure control of access to all buildings within the AMSA lease area is maintained by periodically inspecting restricted access areas every 12 months.
• AtoN Maintenance Contractor to inspect lighthouse for signs of wear and tear attributed to visitor intake during yearly maintenance visit, and note changes in Heritage Asset Condition Report.
• AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to ensure access to the lightstation complies with workplace health and safety measures.
• AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to ensure contractors are made aware of the heritage values of the lighthouse.
• AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to ensure access to site is available for Aboriginal people to maintain cultural traditions.

Interpretation

Policy 4 – Accurate and relevant interpretation of the history and significance of the place should be made available to site users/visitors and for offsite external research.

AMSA will continue to make information available through the maintenance of site interpretive signage and its website.

Implementation strategy:

• All relevant information concerning the history and significance of the place will be checked for accuracy and updated appropriately.
• Information will be presented primarily as online resources accessible to relevant personnel and the general public. On-site interpretative signage will be installed where appropriate.
• This information will be maintained and updated in accordance with changes to the history and significance of the place.

Management

Policy 5 – AMSA will continue to conserve the lighthouse in accordance with Commonwealth heritage listing requirements.

For works requiring heritage approval, AMSA will obtain permission from any relevant state or federal authorities. Continuous and as-needed conservation works will be undertaken as required.

Implementation strategy:

• Liaise with the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (Heritage Branch) and GBRMPA when proposing work on the site.
• Approval in writing from the relevant Commonwealth heritage authorities must be granted for any proposals for development.

Policy 6 – The cultural significance of the lightstation will be the basis for deciding how to manage it.

The heritage values or cultural significance of the place must be conserved. This heritage management plan includes relevant background information to support this policy (see ‘Section 3 History’).

Implementation strategy:

• Conserve the lightstation to protect its heritage values (cultural significance).
• When possible, strive to maintain the original fabric of the lightstation.
• Use the Burra Charter as the primary guide for treatment of fabric.
• Engage appropriately qualified heritage consultants when making decisions regarding impact on heritage values.
• Assess impacts on the heritage values of the place when considering proposed alterations or adaptations.

Policy 7 – Monitor, review and report the Commonwealth heritage values of the lightstation every five years or sooner if major changes to the lightstation occur.

The Commonwealth heritage values of the lighthouse are to be monitored and reported on a regular basis. A Heritage Asset Condition Report is updated for North Reef Lighthouse every two years. The report records historical information, condition, and maintenance requirements for fabric within the lighthouse to ensure a gain and/or loss of heritage value is identified.  

Implementation strategy:

• AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to regularly monitor the lightstation for possible impacts on the identified Commonwealth heritage values.
• AMSA AtoN Maintenance Contractor to update the Heritage Asset Condition Report every two years, and AMSA AtoN Heritage Coordinator to review the reports.
• AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to review the current Commonwealth heritage values at least once every five years and assess any gain/loss of values.
• This review must be undertaken in the event of any major alterations to the lightstation.
• AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to report any changes to the Commonwealth heritage values of the lightstation to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (Heritage Branch).
• AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to update AMSA’s Heritage Strategy and this plan to reflect any changes identified.

Policy 8 – Maintain historical, management and maintenance records within AMSA and make available these records. 

As part of the proper process for managing change in significant places, the Burra Charter points out the importance of making records before any change, and advocates placing records in a permanent archive and making them available where this is appropriate. AMSA’s collection of records, which include documents pertaining to heritage intervention, management and maintenance, are subject to this process. Heritage Asset Condition Reports are routinely generated for each heritage lighthouse and stored in AMSA’s record-keeping system. AMSA will continue to practice such processes via their records management systems.

Implementation strategy:

• AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to maintain, review and update records through existing AMSA record management system.
• AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to ensure records are made available to the relevant personnel and parties.

Policy 9 – Develop and provide appropriate training and resources to all relevant AMSA staff, contractors and licensees.

In order to ensure best practice management of AMSA-operated lighthouses, all staff, contractors and licensees are required to have access to the appropriate training and resources in order to provide best practice conservation of the site.  

Implementation strategy:

• AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to provide staff, contractors and licensees access to up-to-date versions of the AMSA Heritage Strategy, heritage management plans and fabric registers.
• When funds are made available, AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness staff will undertake the appropriate training to ensure comprehension of the Commonwealth heritage and EPBC Act statutory requirements.
• Contractors engaged with heritage sites will undertake appropriate training to ensure comprehension of the Commonwealth heritage and EPBC Act statutory requirements.
• AMSA representatives will attend Commonwealth-run heritage workshops, programs and conferences for up-to-date information on statutory requirements and best-practice management of sites of national and state heritage significance.
• All current and incoming tour guides operating within AMSA lighthouses will be required to take the lighthouse tour guide safety induction e-learning module once every two years to stay informed on heritage values, visitor safety and lighthouse duty-of-care.

Policy 10 – Use contractors and service providers with appropriate experience.

AMSA is to ensure parties carrying out work have appropriate knowledge and use effective methods to ensure conservation of the lighthouse.

Implementation strategy:

• Engage staff and contractors with the relevant experience and expertise concerning conservation of the lightstation.
• Develop and provide the appropriate training on heritage conservation matters for AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness staff and other relevant parties who hold responsibility for heritage management.

Policy 11 – Seek heritage advice and apply best heritage practice.

AMSA will continue to use in-house heritage expertise, external consultancy, or a combination of both as required in order to successfully apply best heritage practice. Should in-house heritage expertise be limited in responding to a requirement, external heritage expertise will be engaged to address the issue. 

Implementation strategy:

• Apply in-house heritage expertise when required.
• Use tools such as the Burra Charter and Working Together: Managing Commonwealth Heritage Places³⁹ to measure the likely impact of proposals.
• Seek external heritage expertise in the event of limited in-house capability.

Policy 12 – Appropriate protocol in the event of unforeseen discoveries or disturbances of heritage within the AMSA site.

AMSA’s scope of work rarely involves excavation. Should such work need be undertaken, AMSA will implement a suitable discovery plan and seek advice from suitably qualified personnel as required. In the event of any unforeseen discovery or disturbance of heritage-related items on the AMSA site, notification to the appropriate organisation will occur in accordance with the conditions of the discovery plan. This plan will also be updated accordingly. 

Note: In most cases, AMSA’s leases are limited to the immediate vicinity of the lighthouse and therefore this scenario is not anticipated as a likely occurrence.

Implementation strategy:

• Notify Gidarjil Development Corporation and GBRMPA in the event of an unforeseen discovery/suspected discovery.
• Seek appropriate heritage advice and apply best practice in the event of unforeseen discoveries/disturbances.

Policy 13 – Make this heritage management plan available to all persons involved in decision-making on the management of the lighthouse and its setting.  

The plan will be made available to all personnel intrinsic to management of the lighthouse and its setting, for example AMSA maintenance contractors, staff and other relevant parties.

Implementation strategy:

• Provide links to this plan via the AMSA publicly accessible website.
• Provide copies to all relevant personnel and parties.

Future developments

Policy 14 – Adaptation of the place using methods or processes that minimise impact on heritage values and significance in accordance with the Burra Charter principles.

It is likely that over time the lighthouse will house new equipment as technology changes and improves. The Burra Charter principles will be used as the basis for decision-making.

Implementation strategy:

• Assess the likely impacts of changes on the heritage values and significance of the place.
• Preserve the original fabric of the place and do only what is necessary for the continued use and care of the place.
• Engage expert heritage advice and use the Burra Charter in adapting the place. 

Policy 15 – When required, engage with adjacent landowners to maintain an appropriate setting for the lighthouse in its visual and natural context.

Any changes to the surrounding land, or AMSA leased area, requires careful consideration. AMSA will liaise with all adjacent landowners in the event of any proposed changes that may affect the setting and attempt to influence a positive outcome.

Implementation strategy:

• AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to engage with stakeholders through consultation when changes are proposed regarding the wider visual and natural context.

Policy 16 – In the event of adaptive re-use or divestment (an instance(s) which would no longer place the lighthouse under AMSA control), AMSA will strive to ensure the Commonwealth heritage values of the site are recognised and preserved.

In the event North Reef Lighthouse is no longer identified as a working AtoN, AMSA will withdraw its standing as lessee and hand over all authority to the lessor. This process must be conducted in line with s 341ZE of the EPBC Act.

Implementation strategy:

• AMSA will negotiate with lessor to have site lease terminated.
• All available heritage information within AMSA’s collection, including this heritage management plan, will be shared with the relevant parties to ensure the Commonwealth heritage values of the site are recognised and preserved. 

Community Involvement

Policy 17 – Consult with Traditional Stakeholders and community groups in the preparation of the management plan.

AMSA will give community and Traditional Stakeholder groups, as well as the general public, an opportunity to review and comment on this management plan through a public consultation process.

Implementation strategy:

• Undertake community consultation when preparing the heritage management plan in accordance with EPBC Regulations.
• Seek advice from any relevant Traditional Stakeholders communities and refer to Engage Early—Guidance for proponents on best practice Indigenous engagement for environmental assessments under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).⁴⁰ to guide consultations. 

Review

Policy 18 – Review this plan within five years of its adoption or sooner if major changes are needed.

This plan will be reviewed every five years. This review should:

• assess the content of the plan.
• determine its effectiveness in protecting the identified heritage values.
• provide any necessary recommendations for updating or re-writing of the plan. If major changes occur at the site in the interim, this plan will be reviewed and updated earlier than the specified five years.

Implementation strategy:

• Review this heritage management plan at least five years after its adoption.
• Review and update this heritage management plan in the event of a major change to the lightstation.
• Submit revised plan for approval.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Footnotes

8.1 Plan and schedule

8.2 Monitoring and reporting

As stipulated by Schedule 7A of the EPBC Regulations, the outlined implementation plan and associated policies listed above are required to be monitored and updated accordingly. The below review process timetable will be adhered to over the next five years:

Other key actions in monitoring and reporting include:

• Ensuring the implementation plan and policies are readily available for all relevant personnel,
• Delegating AMSA staff to periodically check the implementation plan is up-to-date and being utilised appropriately by the relevant personnel,
• Ensuring the timeframes outlined within the plan are followed,
• Delegating AMSA Response staff to review this plan and the associated policies at least every five years and determine whether its contents are relevant and effective in terms of continuing to conserve the place.

The Burra Charter, from its first version (1979) and its current version (2004), defined a set of terms that have since been widely adopted in Australian heritage conservation practice.

Where the following terms are used in this heritage management plan, the particular meanings defined in the charter are intended. The definitions are quoted from Article 1 of the Burra Charter.

Adaptation means modifying a place to suit the existing use or a proposed use.

Associations means the special connections that exist between people and a place.

Compatible use means a use which respects the cultural significance of a place. Such a use involves no, or minimal, impact on cultural significance.

Conservation means all the processes of looking after a place to retain its cultural significance.

Cultural significance means aesthetic, historic, scientific, social or spiritual value for past, present or future generations. Cultural significance is embodied in the place itself, its fabric, setting, use, associations, meanings, records, related places and related objects. Places may have a range of values for different individuals or groups.

Fabric means all the physical material of the place including components, fixtures, contents, and objects.

Interpretation means all the ways of presenting the cultural significance of a place.

Maintenance means the continuous protective care of a place and its setting. Maintenance is to be distinguished from repair which involves restoration or reconstruction.

Meanings denote what a place signifies, indicates, evokes or expresses to.

Place means a geographically defined area. It may include elements, objects, spaces and view. Place may have tangible and intangible dimensions.

Preservation means maintaining a place in its existing state and retarding deterioration.

Reconstruction means returning a place to a known earlier state and is distinguished from restoration by the introduction of new material.

Related object means an object that contributes to the cultural significance of a place but is not at the place.

Related place means a place that contributes to the cultural significance of another place.

Restoration means returning a place to a known earlier state by removing accretions or by reassembling existing elements without the introduction of new material.

Setting means the immediate and extended environment of a place that is part of or contributes to its cultural significance and distinctive character.

Use means the functions of a place, including the activities and traditional and customary practices that may occur at the place or at dependant on the place.

A

Apron paving – the concrete paving surround the base of the lighthouse tower.

Astragal – the bars which support the glazing of a lantern. They may also support the roof. A frame between the glazing bars in the lantern glazing. In its true meaning an astragal is a moulding that has a rounded profile, in lanterns this is almost never the case.

B

Balcony – a walk way around the outside of the lantern, used for maintenance and (formerly, when lighthouses were manned) for observing ships. Principal parts are the balcony floor and the balcony balustrade. (Synonym: gallery deck).

Balcony floor – floor of the balcony. North Reef has a balcony floor of 1878 timber.

Balcony balustrade – a handrail together with its supports. The supports are called balusters. Simply a railing or wall on the outer perimeter of the balcony, to prevent people from falling off the balcony. Generally made of metal stanchions and rails – North Reef has balcony balustrades of recent stainless steel. 

Balcony door – door in the lantern base to give access to the balcony. In AMSA lanterns two doors are sometimes fitted but only one is operational. (Synonym: parapet hatch, service room door). North Reef has an iron skin, flat frame Chance Bros. balcony door.

C

Candelas – International unit of measurement for the luminous intensity of a light.

Cast iron – a mixture of iron and carbon with a relatively high carbon content and a low melting point, produced directly from a blast furnace.

Chance Bros – English manufacturer of optical apparatus, lanterns, cast iron stairs, cast iron towers, and other lighthouse components. The Chance family established a glass-making business in Smethwick, England in 1824 and is often described as ‘near Birmingham’. The business was absorbed into the Pilkington group of companies in 1951 and now ceases to exist.

Character – pattern of flashes of light emitted by a lighthouse, designed to identify that particular lighthouse.

Copper – a red malleable metal of low resistivity.

I

Intensity – the strength of a light measured by candelas.

Intermediate floors – levels found mid-way up a building. North Reef has four intermediate floors.

Iron – there were two common types of iron used in lighthouse construction; wrought and cast. Older lights will almost certainly contain these iron types. Wrought iron has been worked by hand and is an iron alloy with a very low carbon content in contrast to steel, it also has fibrous inclusions. Cast iron is iron which has been heated until it liquefies, and is then poured into a mould to solidify.

Iron Caisson - a large watertight chamber, open at the bottom, from which the water is kept out by air pressure.

L

Lantern – the glazed enclosure, usually of cylindrical or polygonal shape, at the top of a lighthouse, which surrounds and protects the optical apparatus. It contains the optical apparatus, made up of the lantern roof, lantern glazing and lantern base sections.

Lantern floor – the level in a lighthouse at which the lantern is installed, and by which access may be gained to the optical system and to the inside and outside of the lantern glazing. The lantern floor is generally at or near the same level as the catwalk and cane be made from steel, concrete, or timber. North Reef has a lantern floor of 1878 timber.

Lantern glazing – the middle section of the lantern, circular or polygonal in plan, between the lantern roof above and the lantern base below, made up of glass panes held in a framework of glazing bars. On the landward side there may be blank panels in place of glass, or other opaque construction. Types of lantern glazing include: flat & curved trapezoidal panes and curved diamond/triangular panes. North Reef has curved rectangular glazing panes.

Lantern roof – the roof of the lantern. Usually made of copper sheeting over a framework of rafters.

Lens assembly – a transparent optically refracting element of glass. The surface is usually spherical in form.

Light source – electric bulbs now illuminate most lighthouses.

Lighthouse – the principal structure of a lightstation, generally made up of a lantern, balcony and tower.

Lightstation – a precinct containing a lighthouse structure and other related buildings, for example. Keepers’ cottages, store room, signal house. 

O

Order – a shorthand expression of the size of an optical apparatus or lantern. At the time the system of orders was established, when kerosene burners were used, longer range lights needed larger burners, and larger burners needed lens assemblies of longer focal length to ensure a sharply defined beam. Thus in turn the lantern rooms were required to be larger to house these lens assemblies. AMSA historic lantern rooms range from 1st to 4th order.

P

Pedestal – part of the optical apparatus, consisting of a metal column or base standing on the balcony floor inside the lantern and supporting the lens assembly and light source. Some later Chance documentation (such as their tariffs 1908) also refer to the lantern base as a pedestal.

T

Tower –  structure to support the lantern at a sufficient height above the ground. The most common types are the masonry tower, timber-framed tower, cast iron tower, and lattice tower. North Reef has walls consisting of 1878 timber frame and recent corrugated stainless steel.

NORTH REEF LIGHT - QLD

(Est: 1878; Solar conv 28/7/87; Demanned Jan 1978, Major Refurbishment 2010/11)

IALA AVAILABILITY

CATEGORY:                       1

PERFORMANCE

CRITERIA

(AVAILABILITY):                99.8%

POSITION:                          Latitude:                         23 11.1010'S

                                           Longitude:                      151 54.1780'E

                                           Datum:                           WGS 84

BA LIST OF LIGHTS:          K 3014

CHARACTER:                      Flashing (2) every          15.00 seconds

                                           Flash                              0.04 seconds

                                           Short Eclipse:                  4.96 seconds

                                           Long Eclipse:                  9.96 seconds

COLOUR OF LIGHT:           White

DAYMARK:                         White iron clad tower and white lantern room

HEIGHT OF DAYMARK:      24 metres

LANTERN:                          Chance 10'9" dia

BEACON:                            VRB-25 (Mounted inside lantern)

ELEVATION:                       23 meters

RANGE:                              Nominal:                        17 nautical miles

                                           Geographical:                14.3 nautical miles

Advocate (Burnie). “Stranded Cooma: Passengers transhipped.” July 9, 1926.

Australia ICOMOS. The Burra Charter: The Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural Significance. Australia ICOMOS, 2013.

Australian Heritage Database, “North Reef Lightstation, North Reef via Curtis Island, QLD, Australia.” Accessed October 2020.

 Australian Heritage Database, “North Reef Lightstation, North Reef via Curtis Island, QLD , Australia. Accessed October 2020.

Australian Maritime Safety Authority. AMSA Heritage Strategy 2022-2025

Australian Maritime Safety Authority. “AMSA Interactive heritage lighthouse map.” Accessed May 2020.  

Australian Maritime Safety Authority. Annual Report 2017-18. Australian Maritime Safety Authority, 2018.

Australian Maritime Systems Group. North Reef Lighthouse: Heritage Asset Condition Report, 3rd Revision. Australian Maritime Systems Group, 2019.

Brewis, C.R.W. Report on the lighting of the north-east coast of Australia Torres Strait to Cape Moreton: Recommendations as to existing lights and additional lights. Department of Trade and Customs: Acting Government Printer, 1912.

Brisbane Courier. “Arrival of the SS Sunfoo.” December 13, 1873.

Brisbane Courier. “SOS from lighthouse.” May 20, 1932.

Canberra Times. “Lighthouse keeper succoured.” February 21, 1951.

Capricornian. “Parliamentary.” December 2, 1876.

Commonwealth of Australia. Engage Early—Guidance for proponents on best practice Indigenous engagement for environmental assessments under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). Commonwealth of Australia, 2016. 

Commonwealth of Australia. Working Together Managing Commonwealth Heritage Places: a guide for Commonwealth agencies. Commonwealth of Australia, 2019.

Cook, James. Captain Cook’s Journal during his first voyage round the world: Made in H.M. Bark “Endeavour”, 1768-71: A literal transcription of the original MSS. Edited by William James Lloyd Wharton. Cambridge University Press, 2014.

Daily Commercial News and Shipping List (Sydney). “Notice to Mariners.” January 16, 1929.

Daily Standard (Brisbane). “Mishap at North Reef.” December 8, 1913.

Evening News (Sydney). “Cooma aground.” July 8, 1926.

Examiner (Launceston). “SS. Cooma aground: Passengers safe.” July 8, 1926.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. “Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority home website.” Accessed October 2020.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. “Legislation, regulations, agreements and policies.” Accessed October 2020.

Kyogle Examiner. “On a lonely lighthouse isle.” March 23, 1921.

Marquis-Kyle, Peter. Heritage Lighthouse Report: North Reef. Australian Maritime Systems Group, 2007.

Marquis-Kyle, Peter. “Queensland’s timber and iron lighthouses: 19th century colonial innovation.” Paper presented at the 3rd Australasian Engineering Heritage Conference. 2009. Accessed October 2020. 

Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton). “Correspondence: North Reef and Lady Elliot Lighthouse Mails.” September 28, 1922. 

Nambour Chronicle and North Coast Advertiser. “Lighthouse call for help.” May 27, 1932.

National Archives of Australia: Australian Maritime Safety Authority, Central Office; A9568, Drawings and Plans of Lighthouses and of Associated Buildings and Equipment, 01 Jan 1833 - 31 Dec 1968; 3/7/1, Lighthouse North Reef: Elevation and Section,         1876 – 1876.

National Archives of Australia: Australian Maritime Safety Authority, Eastern Region, Brisbane; J2775, Lightstation drawings, alpha numeric series, 01 Jan 1854 - 31 Dec 1954; HS152, Lady Elliot Island Tower [Light house], 1874 – 1874.

National Archives of Australia: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Central Office; A1200, Black and white photographic negatives and prints, single number series with 'L' [Library] prefix, 01 Jan 1911 - 30 Jun 1971; L11611, Lighthouses and beacons - North Reef Lighthouse, Queensland - Lighthouse keeper [photographic image]. 1 photographic negative: b&w, acetate,         1949 – 1949.

Northern Times. “The Yongala wreck.” June 24, 1911.

Queensland Government Gazette. Vol xxiii. 1878.

Queensland State Archives. ‘Memo from the colonial architect to the undersecretary of works, 28 October 1875.’ Item ID 107877.

Queensland State Archives. ‘Proof print of the advertisement.’ Item ID 107877.

Queenslander. “Current news: By telegraph and otherwise.” March 20, 1886.

Rockhampton Bulletin. “Melbourne.” July 7, 1875.

Searle, Garry. First Order: Australia’s Highway of Lighthouses. SA: Seaside Lights, 2013.

State Library New South Wales. “From Terra Australis to Australia: Matthew Flinders' journeys.” Accessed October 2020.

Thorburn, J. H. “Major lighthouses of Queensland.” Queensland Heritage 1, no. 6 (1967): 18-29.

Tomlinson, Charles. Cyclopaedia of Useful Arts, mechanical and chemical, manufactures, mining and engineering, Vol II. London & New York: ca. 1866.

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Acknowledgements

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community.

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

Phone: (02) 6279 5000 (switchboard)

Email: Heritage@amsa.gov.au

Website: www.amsa.gov.au

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Front cover image

Figure 1. Cover photo of North Reef Lighthouse (©AMSA, 2021)

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