Built in 1875, Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse was first lit that same year to assist vessels traversing waters near Seal Rocks, which was considered a ‘danger point’ along the coast. The lighthouse contributed to the ‘highway of lights’ designed by the colony authorities to illuminate the coast of New South Wales throughout the mid to late 19th century.

Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse is notable for its heritage significance and was placed on the Commonwealth Heritage List in 2004. As included within its listing, the lighthouse is recognised for its association with the development of navigational aids along the New South Wales coast during a period renowned for the expansion of the colony’s lighthouse network. Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse is notable for its rarity, due to its external stairway and original Chance Brothers optics, and its technical achievement with rendered brick shaft and bluestone gallery. The lighthouse is also significant for its aesthetic position on the headland, its social value, and its association with renowned Colonial Architect James Barnet.

Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse is also listed on the New South Wales Heritage Register. As included within its listing, the lighthouse is recognised for its historical and associative significance, as well as for its social and aesthetic value. The lighthouse is also recognised for its rarity, research potential and representativeness. 

Situated on Sugarloaf Point within the Myall Lakes National Park, the Lightstation stands in the estate of the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service (NSW NPWS) approximately 285 kilometres north of the Sydney central business district. Originally operated and maintained by the state of New South Wales, the Commonwealth assumed responsibility for coastal lights, including Sugarloaf Point, in 1915. As a working marine aid to navigation (AtoN), the lighthouse tower is operated and managed by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). AMSA lease the lighthouse from NSW NPWS who manage the larger lightstation complex and surrounding land.

The lighthouse was originally fitted with a Chance Bros. optic which is still in service today. The light now runs on an automated mechanism as part of AMSA’s network of AtoN. The equipment is serviced by AMSA’s maintenance contractor who visits as least once per year. AMSA officers visit on an ad hoc basis for auditing, project and community liaison purposes. 

This heritage management plan concerns the lighthouse, however it also addresses the management of the surrounding 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 Sugarloaf Point 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 AtoN. AMSA’s network includes Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse, built in 1875.

Section 341S of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act) requires AMSA to prepare a management plan for Sugarloaf Point 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 Sugarloaf Point 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 Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse.
• interpret and promote the Commonwealth heritage values of Sugarloaf Point 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 Sugarloaf Point 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 AMSA’s internal planning processes.

An interactive map showing many of AMSA’s heritage sites, including Sugarloaf Point 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:

• details the history of the site based on information sourced from archival research, expert knowledge, and documentary resources.
• provides a description of the site based on information sourced from site inspection reports and fabric registers.
• details the Commonwealth heritage criteria satisfied by Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse as set out by the EPBC Regulations.  

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

Consultation

The draft management plan is required to be advertised in accordance with the EPBC Act and the EPBC Regulations and any comments received are to be incorporated into the final document. 

In the process of preparing the plan, AMSA sough engagement with the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service (NSW NPWS). NSW NPWS provided information on the management of the larger complex, and recommendations of clarity within sections pertaining to management of the site. 

AMSA also sought engagement with the Seal Rocks Protection Society who provided AMSA with insight of the significance of the lighthouse in present day, and marked significant features within the tower. 

AMSA sought engagement with Aboriginal stakeholder parties with interests in the Sugarloaf Point region under direction from Heritage NSW (Department of Premier and Cabinet, NSW). AMSA received is yet to receive responses from all stakeholders and future versions of the plan will provide an update on this consultation process. Of the responses received, these have offered positive comments. 

A developed draft will be submitted to the Minister through the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water 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 Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse.

1.6 Acknowledgements

AMSA acknowledges professional assistance of the NSW NPWS and the Seal Rocks Protection Society on this heritage management plan.

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 Sugarloaf Point which sets out the technical terminology used in this plan. 

1.8 Previous reports

• Clive Lucas, Stapleton and Partners PTY. LTD prepared a Conservation Management Plan for AMSA in 1995.3
• Suters Architects PTY LTD prepared a Conservation Management Plan for AMSA in 1999.4
• Graham Brooks and Associates PTY LTD prepared a Conservation Management and Cultural Tourism Plan for NSW NPWS in 2001.5
• NSW NPWS prepared a Myall Lakes National Park Plan of Management in 2002.6
• Graham Brooks and Associates PTY LTD prepared a Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse Precinct Conservation Management Plan for NSW NPWS in 2004.7
• Peter Marquis-Kyle prepared a Heritage Asset Condition Report for AMSA in 2007.8
• Australian Maritime Systems Group prepared an  Heritage Asset Condition Report (3rd Revision)  for AMSA in 2019.9

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. 

Footnotes

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

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

³ Clive Lucas, Stapleton and Partners, Sugarloaf Point Lightstation Conservation Management Plan (Canberra: Australian Maritime Safety Authority, 1995).

⁴ Suters Architects, Sugarloaf Point Lightstation Conservation Management Plan (Department of Land and Water Conservation, 1999).

⁵ “NPWS Lighthouses: Conservation Management and Cultural Tourism Plan,” Graham Brooks and Associates Pty Ltd (NSW NPWS, 2001)

⁶ “Myall Lakes National Park: Little Broughton Island and Stormpetrel Nature Reserves Plan of Management,” NSW NPWS, (2002)

⁷ “NPWS Lighthouses Conservation Management and Cultural Tourism Plan: Supplementary Information for Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse,” Graham Brooks and Associates Pty Ltd (NSW NPWS, 2004)

⁸ Peter Marquis-Kyle, Heritage Lighthouse Report: Sugarloaf Point (Australian Maritime Systems Group, 2007). 

⁹ Australian Maritime Systems Group, Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse: Heritage Asset Condition Report, 3rd Revision (Australia Maritime Safety Authority, 2019).

2.1 Location

Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse is located within the Myall Lakes National Park, approximately 285 kilometres north of the Sydney central business district within the Myall Lakes National Park. 

Lighthouse coordinates: 32° 26.4630’ S, 152° 32.3450’ E.

2.2 Setting and landscape

Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse is located on the eastern side of Sugarloaf Point. This area comprises the north–eastern portion of Myall Lakes National Park. Sugarloaf Point is a significant landmark along the coastline with views from the Lighthouse to Charlotte Head in the north and south to Broughton Island and Yacaaba Headland. The underlying geology reflected in the jagged and inclined rock platforms and sheer cliffs provides a strong character that dominates the environment.

Fauna and flora 

The headland consists of coastal forests and eucalypt woodlands with the associated dune vegetation communities behind the beaches. The vegetation along the cliffs is largely coastal heathland and shows evidence of the strong winds that sweep the peninsula. Weed infestation varies depending on the exposure to settlement patterns; particularly the vehicular tracks that link the area.

2.3 Lease

AMSA lease the lighthouse and a small parcel of land from the Minister administering the National Parks and Wildlife Act (NSW) through the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NSW NPWS), the state body responsible for Myall Lakes National Park and larger Sugarloaf Point Lightstation complex.

There are two AMSA leases which cover Lot 1 (the lighthouse tower) and Lot 2 (access paths and the Signal hut) of DP847752, a land area of approximately 560 m² which sits wholly within the Myall Lakes National Park. The current leases were signed on 1 July 1997, and both have an option for extension for a further 25 years.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 

AMSA maintains a collaborative working relationship with NSW NPWS. AMSA and NSW NPWS have coordinated the admittance of official tour groups for significant events at the lightstation throughout the 21st century.
Project works and works impacting the larger lightstation require prior notification, and access rights are subject to negotiations between AMSA and NSW NPWS due to the nature and location of the site. The lease also stipulates that AMSA must comply with any applicable management plan and State environmental laws. In the case of Sugarloaf Point, AMSA must comply with the Myall Lakes National Park Plan of Management for the precinct which can be found here.

2.4 Access

A sealed road runs from Seal Rocks village for approximately one kilometre to the lightstation, with vehicle access limited to service vehicles and holiday tenants of the Keeper’s cottages who can leave vehicles near the garages. General public access is by walking trails from Seal Rocks. The last few hundred meters up to the Lighthouse itself is pedestrian only.

Access to the Sugarloaf Point headland is via a sealed road that winds up from the Seal Rocks village to the keepers’ cottages. From the parking area in the village there is only pedestrian access for the public unless staying at the cottages. There is no vehicle access beyond the Keepers’ Quarters, only a sealed pedestrian way up to the Lighthouse. The Keepers’ trolley way is no longer in use.

2.5 Listings

Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse is listed on the following heritage registers:

The place is also located in local government area “Great Lakes region” within the Mid-Coast Council and is listed in the Great Lakes Local Environment Plan as Local Heritage Item number I30.

Footnotes

⁹ “Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse, Seal Rocks Rd, Seal Rocks, NSW, Australia,” Australian Heritage Database

¹⁰ “Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse (Commonwealth), Seal Rocks Rd, Seal Rocks, NSW, Australia,” Australian Heritage Database

¹¹ “Sugarloaf Point Lightstation Group,” New South Wales State Heritage Register

3.1 General history of lighthouses in Australia

The first lighthouse to be constructed along Australian soil was Macquarie Lighthouse, located at the entrance to Port Jackson, NSW. First lit in 1818, the cost of the lighthouse was recovered through the introduction of a levy on shipping. This was instigated by Governor Lachlan Macquarie, who 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”.¹²

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 Sugarloaf Point 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 8.

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 demanning of lighthouses. Acetylene was quickly adopted by the Commonwealth Lighthouse Service from 1915 onwards.

Large dioptric lenses, such as that shown in Figure 9, 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, is now responsible for operating Commonwealth lighthouses and other aids to navigation, along with its other functions.

3.3 Sugarloaf Point: a history

Aboriginal history

The history of the Myall Lakes National Park stretches back many thousands of years. The landscape and its natural resources provided for the Worimi Aboriginal People. Family clans upheld hunter-gatherer lifestyles and thrived off the native fauna and flora, the coastal waterways and freshwater lakes. The park contains a number of significant sites showcases this extensive history, including middens, scar trees, petroglyphs and campsites. 

Further consultation with Traditional Stakeholders is required.   

Early European history

In May of 1770, Captain Cook sailed along the NSW coastline in the Endeavour and made the first European record of the coastal area adjacent to the Myall Lakes, including Sugarloaf Point and the rocky outcrops known as Seal Rocks.13 It is believed that the first Europeans to set foot in the area were survivors of the Jane, the Edwin, and the Governor shipwrecks in 1816 which occurred within the vicinity of the rocks. Allegedly five survivors made it ashore, including the captain of the Edwin, and travelled by foot to the settlement of Newcastle.14

In 1825, the area formed part of a land grant to the newly established Australian Agricultural Company. However, much of the coastal area was reverted back to the Crown.15

3.4 Why a lighthouse on Sugarloaf Point?

By the early to mid-19th century, shipping along the coast had increased exponentially. Port Macquarie and Moreton Bay to the north had developed into penal settlements, and cedar trade along the coast meant that Port Stephens, to the south of Sugarloaf, was regularly used as a haven for shipping. It became obvious that the rocky outcrops of Sugarloaf Point and Seal Rocks were shipping hazards. A number of ships were wrecked around this time including the Sally in 1843 and the schooner the Mary Ann only one month after.16

A Select Committee of the NSW Legislative Council was appointed in 1863 to consider the construction of additional lighthouses on the coast. The Committee identified that there was 600 kilometres of unlit coast between Cape Moreton and Port Stephens.17 Marine Board President Captain Hixson, who held a grand plan to light the coast of NSW “like a highway”, recommended that a lighthouse be erected on Seal Rocks, rather than on the mainland on Sugarloaf Point.18 As explained by Garry Searle in First Order: Australia’s Highway of Lighthouses, ‘These rocks were a navigational turning point and steamers leaving Sydney at night arrived there before daylight’.19 However it was a further ten years before funds were allocated towards the construction of the Lighthouse.

In April 1873, the Marine Board attempted to visit Seal Rocks with Colonial Architect James Barnet, however they found it impossible to land on any of the offshore locations.20 It was decided that a new site on Sugarloaf Point be selected instead, and the area for a lighthouse was marked out on the mainland.21 The first sum of £10,000 was placed on the estimates and in October 1873 was voted in for a Lighthouse on Seal Rocks.22

3.5 Building a lighthouse 

Design and construction

Once the funds were made available, Barnet prepared plans for the proposed lightstation. The designs featured a rendered brick tower with curved balustrades and an external stairway, and the larger lightstation included three Regency-style keepers’ cottages. 

Tenders were invited in February 1874, and a site visit was arranged for Barnet, the tenderers and some of the Marine Board, landing in Seal Rocks Bay. In April 1874, the calls for tender were readvertised as no tenders had been accepted.23

The tender of Mr John McLeod, £13,383, was accepted shortly afterwards which included the erection of the lighthouse and quarters, the fixing of the lantern and carriage, as well as the road to Myall Lake.24 The contractors also constructed a 1500 feet long jetty at Sugarloaf Bay and Boat Beach primarily for the offloading of construction materials for the lightstation.25

In November 1873, a 16-panel 1st order lens was ordered from Messrs. Chance Bros. & Co., a prominent company located near Birmingham, England. In May 1874, Chance Bros. recommended that a 4th order subsidiary dioptric apparatus be added to the order to assist lighting the rocks below the mainland. The lantern and subsidiary light were delivered to Sydney and landed safely at Seal Rocks bay by July 1875.26

Construction of the keepers’ cottages and various outbuildings required the headland to be cut into and the construction of stone retaining walls in order to provide the cottages with shelter. The fill removed from these works was allegedly used to level the site of the tower.27

For the duration of the works, a construction camp consisting of a barracks, contractor’s office, kitchen office store and school was built along the road to Myall Lake.28

The construction of the lighthouse was officially complete by 29 October 1875.

Equipment when built

Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse was officially lit on 1st December 1875, the first Barnet-designed lighthouse to be completed.29 The lighthouse consisted of two stories approximately 21 feet 6 inches above the ground floor and 11 feet in diameter on the inside. With asphalted ground and intermediate floors, and an iron lantern floor, the tower was built of brick and cemented inside and out.

Barnet’s plans had been followed meticulously, including the installation of the unique external stairs. The balcony, consisting of sixteen bluestones, also incorporated what would become a classic feature of Barnet’s lighthouses: the outward curved gunmetal balustrades.30

The 1st order lens with a white flashing light had a recorded intensity of 50,000 candelas. The green subsidiary light located below the lantern room lit the rocky outcrops below, covering approximately three miles with an arc of sixty degrees and intensity of 150 candelas.31

The keepers’ cottages stood on the headland’s southern side, the Head Keeper’s cottage consisting of five rooms including a pantry, detached kitchen and water closet. The Assistant Keeper‘s cottages were semi-detached, three-roomed residences with a store, a detached kitchen and water closet.

3.6 Lighthouse keeping

The first head keeper to be stationed at Sugarloaf Point was Henry Hoadley, and his assistants Daniel Watson and George Morris. Lightkeepers were tasked with a number of duties including: conservation of the surrounding landscape, coastal and meteorology surveillance, and search and rescue efforts.32

Keepers and their families were relatively isolated as the road to Sugarloaf Point was largely inaccessible. Once telegraph communications to the lighthouse were established in March 1877 however, a proper road was constructed from Bulahdelah out to the lighthouse.33

The jetty built during the construction of the lighthouse served as a lifeline to the keepers, as it enabled supplies to be delivered via boat, and also permitted traveller and school teachers to access to region. 

As the decades progressed and domestic travel grew, tourists visited the lightstation and a small fishing village at Seal Rocks developed gradually from 1917 onwards.34

3.7 Chronology of major events

The following table details the major events to have occurred at Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse

3.8 Changes and conservation over time 

The following section details the changes and conservation efforts to have been carried out at Sugarloaf Point 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 in relation to the individual lighthouses and provide a snapshot of the lightstation in the early 20th century.

Brewis recommended that Sugarloaf Point’s subsidiary green light be discontinued.37

Alteration to the light

The following table details the changes to the Sugarloaf Point light since its exhibition in 1875. 

For information on current light details, see ‘Appendix 4 Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse current light details’, and ‘Appendix 5 Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse auxiliary light details’. 

Recent conservation works

At the time of preparing this management plan, no recent, major conservation works have occurred at Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse outside of general maintenance. This section will be updated in future versions of this plan. 

3.9 Summary of current and former uses

From its construction in 1875, Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse has been used as a marine AtoN for mariners at sea. Its AtoN capability remains its primary use. 

The lightstation complex consists of:

• The light tower
• Head Keeper’s quarters
• Assistant Keeper’s cottages
• Other buildings and elements including generator building, garage, paint storage shed, and signal house.
• Other features include the stone retaining walls at the cuttings for the Keepers’ Quarters buildings and the brick drainage gutters located on the levelling of the slope above, various timber fences including pickets, palings and railings, the signals mast and inclinator.

Approximately 32 hectares of crown land, including the Sugarloaf Point Lightstation, was added to Myall Lakes National Park in March 2003.

Plaques on the grassed slope east of the lighthouse record memorials to Tom Chalker, Head Lighthouse Keeper who passed away in 1997, Albert Stevens and Freya Girvin Sherriff.

Within the curtilage of the Commonwealth Heritage Listed place are the Lighthouse Tower and Signal House. The remaining buildings including the Keepers’ Cottages are important contribution to the understanding of the place but are not considered in this report as they lie outside the boundary of the Commonwealth Heritage listed place.

3.10 Summary of past and present community associations

Aboriginal associations

The Myall National Parks holds immense significance to local Aboriginal parties who maintain strong connections to the landscape. This country contains a number of sites which continue to uphold strong connections to spirituality, ceremony and family. Further consultation with Traditional Stakeholders is required.

Local, national and international associations

Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse is considered a significant site of New South Wales and Australian history. The headland and lightstation maintain strong familial associations due to the lighthouse’s extensive history as a manned site. This is particularly notable due to the various memorials located onsite which assist cementing ties to the lightstation.

3.11 Unresolved questions or historical conflicts

The date that the lightstation was de-manned is contested. Searle determines that the lighthouse was officially de-manned in 1987, however some determine that the site was not officially de-manned until 1997.38 A caretaker resided at the lightstation following this period to carry out maintenance until NSW NPWS assumed full responsibility for the upkeep of the station.  

3.12 Recommendations for further research

Further investigation into life at the lightstation during the late 19th century and early 20th century would provide greater insight into the social history of the lighthouse. 

Footnotes

¹² Garry Searle, First Order: Australia’s Highway of Lighthouses, (SA: Seaside Lights, 2013), 34.

¹³ Graham Brooks and Associates, NPWS Lighthouses Conservation Management and Cultural Tourism Plan: Supplementary Information for Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse (National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2004), 6.

¹⁴ Graham Brooks and Associates, NPWS Lighthouses Conservation Management and Cultural Tourism Plan¸ 6.

¹⁵ Graham Brooks and Associates, NPWS Lighthouses Conservation Management and Cultural Tourism Plan¸ 6.

¹⁶ It is understood that the survivors of the Mary-Ann shipwreck found the bodies of those killed in the Sally shipwreck. Graham Brooks and Associates, NPWS Lighthouses Conservation Management and Cultural Tourism Plan¸ 6.

¹⁷ Searle, First Order¸ 161.

¹⁸ Searle, First Order¸ 161.

¹⁸ Searle, First Order¸ 161.

²⁰ Clive Lucas, Stapleton and Partners, Sugarloaf Point Lightstation Conservation Management Plan, 54.

²¹ Graham Brooks and Associates, NPWS Lighthouses Conservation Management and Cultural Tourism Plan¸ 7; Clive Lucas, Stapleton and Partners, Sugarloaf Point Lightstation Conservation Management Plan, 54; Searle, First Order¸ 162.

²² Clive Lucas, Stapleton and Partners, Sugarloaf Point Lightstation Conservation Management Plan, 54.

²³ Clive Lucas, Stapleton and Partners, Sugarloaf Point Lightstation Conservation Management Plan, 55.

²⁴ Clive Lucas, Stapleton and Partners, Sugarloaf Point Lightstation Conservation Management Plan, 55.

²⁵ Graham Brooks and Associates, NPWS Lighthouses Conservation Management and Cultural Tourism Plan¸ 6.

²⁶ Graham Brooks and Associates, NPWS Lighthouses Conservation Management and Cultural Tourism Plan¸ 7; Clive Lucas, Stapleton and Partners, Sugarloaf Point Lightstation Conservation Management Plan, 55-56.

²⁷ Graham Brooks and Associates, NPWS Lighthouses Conservation Management and Cultural Tourism Plan¸ 8.

²⁸ The camp and its buildings were removed by 1876. Graham Brooks and Associates, NPWS Lighthouses Conservation Management and Cultural Tourism Plan¸ 8.

²⁹ Graham Brooks and Associates, NPWS Lighthouses Conservation Management and Cultural Tourism Plan¸ 8.

³⁰ Graham Brooks and Associates, NPWS Lighthouses Conservation Management and Cultural Tourism Plan¸ 8.

³¹ Graham Brooks and Associates, NPWS Lighthouses Conservation Management and Cultural Tourism Plan¸ 8.

³² Kijas Histories, Life under the light: Lighthouse families of New South Wales (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service), 13

³³ Graham Brooks and Associates, NPWS Lighthouses Conservation Management and Cultural Tourism Plan¸ 6. 

³⁴ Graham Brooks and Associates, NPWS Lighthouses Conservation Management and Cultural Tourism Plan¸ 6-7.

³⁵ “The wreck of the Catterthun,” Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser, August 14, 1895

³⁶ C.R.W. Brewis, Lighting of the East Coast of Australia: Cape Moreton to Gabo Island, Including coast of New South Wales (Victoria: Acting Government Printer, 1913), 52. 

³⁷ Graham Brooks and Associates, NPWS Lighthouses Conservation Management and Cultural Tourism Plan¸ 9.

³⁸ Australian Maritime Safety Authority, AMSA Heritage Strategy (Australian Maritime Safety Authority, 2018) PDF5.08 MB

4.1 Fabric register

The cultural significance of the lighthouse resides in its fabric, and 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’).

(All photos in Section 4. Fabric – Source: AMSA)

Lighthouse feature: Lantern roof

Description and condition

1875 Chance Bros part-spherical dome of copper sheets lapped and screwed to ribs.

• Ribs – Chance Bros cast iron radial ribs
• Inner skin – removed and stored in old oil storeroom under staircase in lower part of tower
• Ventilator – 1875 ball type 
• Wind vane – mounted centrally on top of ball type ventilator
• Lightning conductor – trident mounting of long copper rod with 3 spikes set above the wind vane, two stays are fixed from the lightning rod to the lantern roof
• Gutter – polygonal fabricated copper gutter attached to ring of cast iron pieces bolted together 
• Downpipes – four PVC downpipes discharging onto balcony floor. Downpipe brackets attached to glazing cover strips
• Ladder rail – attached to underside of gutter
• External ladder – curved iron ladder fixed to outside of roof 
• Drip tray – copper dish suspended under ventilator 
• Heat tube support – framework with four radial members of rolled ferrous T section, attached to gutter and to central ring.

Heritage significance: High

The lantern roof is an original part of a lighthouse associated with the development of New South Wales maritime navigational aids (criterion a).

The lantern roof is an original part of the lighthouse and adds to the aesthetic and social value of the lighthouse (criterion e, g). 

The lantern roof is an original part of a lighthouse designed by James Barnet (criterion h).

Lighthouse feature: Lantern glazing

Description and condition

1875 Chance Brothers, polygonal in form.

• Panes – flat rectangular panes, three tiers of 16 panes
• Astragals – Chance Brothers vertical and horizontal astragals of rectangular and triangular section, bolted to gutter ring at top, and to lantern base below
• Handholds – two hand holds incorporated into each vertical cover strip.

Heritage significance: High

The glazing astragals are an original part of a lighthouse associated with the development of New South Wales maritime navigational aids (criterion a).

The glazing astragals are an original part of the lighthouse and add to the aesthetic and social value of the lighthouse (criterion e, g). 

The glazing astragals are an original part of a lighthouse designed by James Barnet (criterion h).

Lighthouse feature: Internal catwalk

Description and condition

1875 Chance Brothers, cast iron lattice floor panels supported on openwork cast iron brackets bolted to the top of the lantern base. Recent galvanised end rail fixed to cast floor panel at end of catwalk.

• Ladder – fixed curved ladder with cast iron treads on wrought iron strings, wrought iron stanchions support a copper alloy balustrade.

Heritage significance: High

The internal catwalk is an original part of a lighthouse associated with the development of New South Wales maritime navigational aids (criterion a).

The internal catwalk is an original part of the lighthouse and adds to the aesthetic and social value of the lighthouse (criterion e, g). 

The internal catwalk is an original part of a lighthouse designed by James Barnet (criterion h).

Lighthouse feature: External catwalk

Description and condition

1875 Chance Brothers, cast iron lattice floor panels supported on openwork cast iron brackets bolted to lantern base.

• Handrail – none.

Heritage significance: High

The external catwalk is an original part of a lighthouse associated with the development of New South Wales maritime navigational aids (criterion a).

The external catwalk is an original part of the lighthouse and adds to the aesthetic and social value of the lighthouse (criterion e, g). 

The external catwalk is an original part of a lighthouse designed by James Barnet (criterion h).

Lighthouse feature: Lantern base

Description and condition

1875 Chance Bros, cylindrical in form. Curved panels of cast iron bolted together with flanged joints.

• Internal lining – curved iron plates screwed to the outer cast iron panels
• Vents – round external air inlets cast as part of wall panels. Large copper alloy circular regulators below catwalk level on inside
• Door – iron framed and sheeted door hung on copper alloy hinges. Iron door leaf curved to match the lantern base. Copper alloy hinges. Recent D handles fixed inside and out with two screw locks internally to seal door.

Heritage significance: High

The lantern base is an original part of a lighthouse associated with the development of New South Wales maritime navigational aids (criterion a).

The lantern base is an original part of the lighthouse and adds to the aesthetic and social value of the lighthouse (criterion e, g). 

The lantern base is an original part of a lighthouse designed by James Barnet (criterion h).

Lighthouse feature: Lantern floor

Description and condition

1875 floor of cast iron panels supported on rolled I beams built into masonry. The central disc of the floor is a solid cast panel with cast lattice panels on its circumference.

Heritage significance: High

The lantern floor is an original part of a lighthouse associated with the development of New South Wales maritime navigational aids (criterion a).

The lantern floor is an original part of the lighthouse and adds to the aesthetic and social value of the lighthouse (criterion e, g). 

The lantern floor is an original part of a lighthouse designed by James Barnet (criterion h).

Lighthouse feature: Lens assembly 

Description and condition

1875 Chance Brothers 920mm focal radius rotating 16 panel catadioptric lens assembly of glass and gunmetal.

Heritage significance: High

The lens assembly is an original part of a lighthouse associated with the development of New South Wales maritime navigational aids (criterion a).

The lens assembly is the original assembly installed at the lighthouse, one of few lighthouses that house their original optical array (criterion b).

The lens assembly is an original part of the lighthouse and adds to the aesthetic and social value of the lighthouse (criterion e, g). 

The lens assembly is an original part of a lighthouse designed by James Barnet (criterion h).

Lighthouse feature: Light source

Description and condition

Sealite SL-LED-324-W; 12 sided- 36LED light source mounted on existing steel pillar.

Heritage significance: Low

Lighthouse feature: Pedestal

Description and condition

1875 Chance Brothers cast iron and glass cabinet pedestal with CLS bearing and electric drive gear and 1966 first order optic table above. Clockwork has been decommissioned, but some parts remain inside the cabinet as a display.

• Loose Piece – a single cast iron component sitting on lantern floor. Apparently, part of the 1875 lens carrier assembly.

Heritage significance: High

The pedestal is an original part of a lighthouse associated with the development of New South Wales maritime navigational aids (criterion a).

The pedestal is the original pedestal installed at the lighthouse, one of few lighthouses that house their original optical array (criterion b).

The pedestal is an original part of the lighthouse and adds to the aesthetic and social value of the lighthouse (criterion e, g). 

The pedestal is an original part of a lighthouse designed by James Barnet (criterion h).

Lighthouse feature: Balcony floor

Description and condition

1875 granite slab flooring supported on the masonry wall and rendered stone brackets. Resilient joint caulking.

Heritage significance: High

The balcony floor is an original part of a lighthouse associated with the development of New South Wales maritime navigational aids (criterion a).

The balcony floor is an example of the fine design and craftsmanship employed when constructing the lighthouse (criterion f).

The balcony floor is an original part of the lighthouse and adds to the aesthetic and social value of the lighthouse (criterion e, g). 

The balcony floor is an original part of a lighthouse designed by James Barnet (criterion h).

Lighthouse feature: Balcony balustrade

Description and condition

1875 gunmetal railing with closely spaced balusters of rectangular section canted outward, cruciform stiffeners bolted to balusters, rectangular bottom rail, half round top rail, turned bulbous fixing bolts at bottom. The balustrade has the year of manufacture along with royal emblem (18 V [crown] R 75) punched into the surface in several places.

Heritage significance: High

The balcony balustrade is an original part of a lighthouse associated with the development of New South Wales maritime navigational aids (criterion a).

The balcony balustrade is an original part of the lighthouse and adds to the aesthetic and social value of the lighthouse (criterion e, g). 

The balcony floor is an original part of a lighthouse designed by James Barnet (criterion h).

Lighthouse feature: Walls

Description and condition

1875 tapered tower of brick masonry with a constant inside diameter. The tower is rendered outside and plastered inside.

Heritage significance: High

The walls are an original part of a lighthouse associated with the development of New South Wales maritime navigational aids (criterion a).

The walls are an example of the fine design and craftsmanship employed when constructing the lighthouse (criterion f).

The walls are an original part of the lighthouse and adds to the aesthetic and social value of the lighthouse (criterion e, g). 

The walls are an original part of a lighthouse designed by James Barnet (criterion h).

Lighthouse feature: Windows

Description and condition

Four rectangular windows with gunmetal casement sashes, hinges, latches and frames built into the masonry walls. Cement rendered internal reveals.

Sector hazard light at the entrance level has red glass.

Heritage significance: High

The windows are an early part of a lighthouse associated with the development of New South Wales maritime navigational aids (criterion a).

The windows are an early part of the lighthouse and adds to the aesthetic and social value of the lighthouse (criterion e, g). 

The windows are an early part of a lighthouse designed by James Barnet (criterion h).

Lighthouse feature: Auxiliary light

Description and condition

1875 red sector light marking the hazard of Seal Rocks, in the room below the lantern.

• Window – red glass panes fixed into tower wall.
• Optical apparatus – 250mm focal radius catadioptric drum (90 degrees section) with an incandescent light source.
• Enclosure – single barricade chain placed around the sector light to prevent unauthorised access.

Heritage significance: High

The sector light is an original part of a lighthouse associated with the development of New South Wales maritime navigational aids (criterion a).

The sector light is an original part of the lighthouse and adds to the aesthetic and social value of the lighthouse (criterion e, g). 

The sector light is an original part of a lighthouse designed by James Barnet (criterion h).

Lighthouse feature: Doors

Description and condition: 

Early timber doors to tower room and oil store.

• Tower door – square topped framed, braced and sheeted timber door with V jointed sheeting, hung in timber frame. It has a fixed stainless-steel louvre on the lower part.
• Oil store door – arch topped framed and sheeted timber door with V jointed sheeting, hung in timber frame. Perforations for ventilation are made through the timber on the lower part of door.

Heritage significance: High

The doors are an early addition to a lighthouse associated with the development of New South Wales maritime navigational aids (criterion a).

The doors are an early addition to the lighthouse and add to the aesthetic and social value of the lighthouse (criterion e, g). 

The doors are an early addition to a lighthouse designed by James Barnet (criterion h).

Lighthouse feature: Intermediate floor

Description and condition

1875 mass concrete suspended floor with shallow vaulted soffit. 1900 wrought iron support ring and corbels supporting the outer edge.

• Fitments at entrance level – timber flag locker, wall mounted top opening desk and storage cupboard. Mounted on the walls are several framed lighthouse photographs.

Heritage significance: High

The intermediate floor is an original part of a lighthouse associated with the development of New South Wales maritime navigational aids (criterion a).

The intermediate floor is an original part of the lighthouse and adds to the aesthetic and social value of the lighthouse (criterion e, g). 

The intermediate floor is an original part of a lighthouse designed by James Barnet (criterion h).

Lighthouse feature: Stairs

Description and condition

1875 geometric stair made from cast iron treads and risers built into the masonry wall. Treads and risers are bolted together. The treads of the stairway have a relief pattern.

• Balustrade – square section wrought iron stanchions are fixed one per tread and topped with half round wrought iron balustrade.

Heritage significance: High

The stairs are an original part of a lighthouse associated with the development of New South Wales maritime navigational aids (criterion a).

The stairs are an original part of the lighthouse and add to the aesthetic and social value of the lighthouse (criterion e, g). 

The stairs are an original part of a lighthouse designed by James Barnet (criterion h). 

Lighthouse feature: External stairs

Description and condition

Geometric external staircase built into tower masonry walls with granite slab treads. Resilient joint caulking.

• Balustrade – gunmetal rectangular section stanchions set into granite treads with lead. Mid rail formed by bolted intermediate braces at each stanchion. Round top handrail.

Heritage significance: High

The external stairs are an original part of a lighthouse associated with the development of New South Wales maritime navigational aids (criterion a).

The external stairs are significant as Sugarloaf Point is one of only a few lighthouses to have an external staircase (criterion b). 

The external stairs are an original part of the lighthouse and add to the aesthetic and social value of the lighthouse (criterion e, g). 

The external stairs are an original part of a lighthouse designed by James Barnet (criterion h).

Lighthouse feature: Weight tube

Description and condition

1875 cylindrical iron tube in the centre of the tower between the lantern floor and the base of the tower. There is a hinged iron access door at both levels. The length of the weight tube has been extended into the tower floor. Sub floor tube is formed by brickwork with a manhole access on the side. The clockwork weights and hanger are located on the ground floor of the tower.

Heritage significance: High

The weight tube is an original part of a lighthouse associated with the development of New South Wales maritime navigational aids (criterion a).

The weight tube is an original part of the lighthouse and adds to the aesthetic and social value of the lighthouse (criterion e, g). 

The weight tube is an original part of a lighthouse designed by James Barnet (criterion h).

Lighthouse feature: Ground floor

Description and condition

1875 mass concrete floor. Formed brickwork weight tube pit. Lighthouse memorabilia collection is stored on this level. Assorted items tagged with identification tags by a private collector. A small storeroom under the external staircase is accessed from this level. It is also used as storage for lighthouse memorabilia and the internal roof lining sheets of the lantern.

Heritage significance: High

The ground floor is an original part of a lighthouse associated with the development of New South Wales maritime navigational aids (criterion a).

The ground floor is an original part of the lighthouse and adds to the aesthetic and social value of the lighthouse (criterion e, g). 

The ground floor is an original part of a lighthouse designed by James Barnet (criterion h).

Lighthouse feature: Apron, path and wall

Description and condition

Paved apron and surrounding wall; path to keepers’ houses.

• Apron – 1875 apron around the base of the tower, surfaced with paving bricks. Granite slab walkway from gate to oil store.
• Wall – 1875 rendered brick masonry balustrade wall, circular in plan. Gateway with two columns with pyramidal tops, gate removed.
• Path – recent concrete footpath with a low square timber rail from the apron entrance to both the signal station and down the hill to the keepers’ quarters.

Heritage significance: High

The apron and wall are original features of a lighthouse associated with the development of New South Wales maritime navigational aids (criterion a).

The apron and wall are original features of the lighthouse and add to the aesthetic and social value of the lighthouse (criterion e, g). 

The apron and wall are original features of a lighthouse designed by James Barnet (criterion h).

Lighthouse feature: Generator building 

Description and condition

1983 generator shed and workshop, containing redundant standby diesel generator and various lighthouse memorabilia on display and mounted on walls. Power supply, control equipment and back-up power supply for the lighthouse are located in this building.

This building is divided into two sections and leased separately; the front being AMSA and the rear part for others.

Heritage significance: High

The generator building is a significant feature of a lightstation associated with the development of New South Wales maritime navigational aids (criterion a).

The generator building is a significant feature of a lightstation and its use as a museum adds to the aesthetic and social value of the lightstation (criterion e, g). 

4.2 Related object and associated AMSA artefacts

The following AMSA artefacts are located at Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse.

Artefact description:	telephone	©AMSA 2019
MAXIMO ID:	AR0045
Location in Lighthouse:	lantern room
Condition:	good

Artefact description:	240mm acetylene flasher	©AMSA 2019
MAXIMO ID:	AR0569
Location in Lighthouse:	engine room
Condition:	good

Artefact description:	Marconi Lodestar direction finder	©AMSA 2019
MAXIMO ID:	AR0547
Location in Lighthouse:	engine room
Condition:	good

Artefact description:	Lister LT2 generator	©AMSA 2019
MAXIMO ID:	AR0368
Location in Lighthouse:	engine room
Condition:	good

4.3 Comparative analysis

There are several lighthouses that are of similar design to Sugarloaf Point 1875 in many respects, notably Cape Byron and Point Perpendicular Lighthouse (New South Wales). Point Perpendicular was built 24 years after Sugarloaf Point in 1899, and similarly designed by Barnet. Although Barnet retired before Cape Byron Lighthouse was constructed in 1901, it is understood that the design for the lighthouse was largely inspired by Barnet’s work. As with Sugarloaf Point, the reduced height of Cape Byron was due to the steepness of the topography - a sheer cliff face of approximately 90 metres. 

Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse is celebrated for its unusual external stairs. The only other masonry tower to have external stairs is Cape Moreton Lighthouse (Queensland), opened in 1857 and designed by Edmund Blackett for the NSW government prior to separation of Queensland. Sandy Cape Lighthouse (Queensland), built in 1870, stands as a prefabricated cast iron tower also with an external stair. 

5.1 Commonwealth heritage listing –Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse 

The following information is taken directly from the Commonwealth Heritage listing for Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse (Place ID: 105602). 

Commonwealth statement of significance

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

Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse, opened in 1875, is significant for its association with the development of New South Wales maritime navigational aids during an important period of expansion of the lighthouse network. It also has a long association with Australian shipping. (Criterion A.4) (Themes: 3.8.1 Shipping to and from Australian ports, 3.16.1 Dealing with hazards and disasters)

The tower is unusual in that it is one of only two with an external stairway providing access to the tower. Further, it retains its original Chance Bros optics. (Criterion B.2)

The Sugarloaf tower, with its rendered brick shaft, bluestone gallery supported by concrete corbels, and graceful gunmetal railing, represents a fine design achievement. (Criterion F.1)

The lighthouse was designed by New South Wales Colonial Architect James Barnet, and was the first of his major lighthouse designs. Barnet played a very influential role in the colony's architecture for over 25 years. (Criterion H.1)

Dramatically located on the summit of an abrupt headland which rises 60 metres above the sea, and free from modern visual intrusions, the lighthouse has strong aesthetic values. (Criterion E.1)

Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse is well known in the area and has social significance for mariners, tourists and the north coast community. (Criterion G.1)

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, Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse is discussed in relation to each of the criteria as based on the site’s current Commonwealth Heritage Listing (Place ID: 105602)

These heritage values, identified and explained in the Commonwealth Heritage List, will form the basis of the management of Sugarloaf Point 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 Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse)

5.2 NSW State heritage register listing 

The Sugarloaf Point Lightstation Group, which includes the lighthouse tower, is listed on the New South Wales Heritage Register. The following statement of significance and criteria are taken directly from its listing (Place ID: 02025).

NSW Statement of Significance

The following is taken from the Sugarloaf Point Lightstation Group NSW heritage listing’s statement of significance:

Constructed and lit in 1875, the Sugarloaf Point Lightstation Group is of state heritage significance as the first major lightstation in the 'highway of lights', a system of navigational aids installed along the NSW coastline in the mid-to-late 19th century. Important to the safe passage of shipping in NSW, the system of lightstations has a collective significance that reflects the logistical management for installing coastal infrastructure and the technical evolution of the stations.

The Sugarloaf Point Lightstation Group is of state heritage significance for its association with Colonial Architect, James Barnet, and President of the Marine Board of NSW, Captain Francis Hixson. The first major lightstation designed by Barnet as Colonial Architect (1865-1890), Sugarloaf Point Lightstation Group was the forerunner to his other major lighthouse constructions and it contains many of the stylistic design elements (including the domed oil store, heavily bracketed upper balcony and curved balcony railings) that were to become notable characteristics of his architectural style. The appearance of the external staircase and landing, however, are a noteworthy deviation in Barnet's design approach.

Built and archaeological elements associated with the design, construction, early operation and occupation of the site as a lightstation are also of state heritage significance.

NSW Heritage Criteria 

The following information is taken directly from the Sugarloaf Point Lightstation Group NSW heritage listing’s assessment of significance:

5.3 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. Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse’s Commonwealth heritage values and its associated attributes maintain good condition and high integrity. 

The Commonwealth heritage values for Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse exhibit good condition and high integrity.

5.4 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 Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse is a place of considerable heritage value due to its contribution to the ‘highway of lights’ designed by the colony authorities to illuminate the coast of New South Wales throughout the mid to late 19th century

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:

• continued use of the lighthouse as an AtoN
• 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
  • original lens assembly and pedestal
  • internal catwalk
  • lantern floor
  • auxiliary light
  • intermediate floors
  • stairs and weight tube
  • ground floor
• external spaces and features, which are notable for their design, details, and/or their original lighthouse function. These include:
  • lantern roof and glazing
  • external catwalk
  • lantern base
  • balcony and balustrades
  • walls
  • windows and doors
  • external stairs
  • apron and wall

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. 

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 heritage strategy for AMSA’s AtoN assets was completed and approved by the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment in 2022 and is available online.⁴⁰

Heritage asset condition report

A heritage asset condition report is a written document that details the heritage 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.

Aboriginal Heritage and Natural values

Sugarloaf Point and the Myall National Park as a whole is notable for its Aboriginal heritage and natural values. Although these values lie outside of the Commonwealth heritage listing curtilage and AMSA’s lease, 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 Sugarloaf Point 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: 

• Utilising specific access tracks to ensure no damage to surrounding vegetation,
• Consulting with NSW NPWS to ensure work does not impact areas of environmental concern,
• 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 historic importance, rare features, aesthetic qualities, and technical, social and associative prominence, Sugarloaf Point 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 Sugarloaf Point 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 Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse.

6.4 Operational requirements and occupier needs

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

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 500 marine AtoN includes traditional lighthouses such as Sugarloaf Point, 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 Sugarloaf Point 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. Sugarloaf Point light is designated as an IALA Availability Category 2 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 and equipment that fails in service is repaired quickly. 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 effect the Commonwealths 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 Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse. In the event plans are made to modify or remove heritage 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 Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse.

Footnotes

⁴⁰ Australian Maritime Safety Authority, AMSA Heritage Strategy (Australian Maritime Safety Authority, 2022)

⁴¹ Australian Maritime Safety Authority, Annual Report 2020-21 (Australian Maritime Safety Authority, 2021)

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 lighthouse, 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 Sugarloaf Point 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 Asset Condition Report. 
• 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.

Sugarloaf Point 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 NSW 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 Sugarloaf Point’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.

Sugarloaf Point 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. In the event Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse were to be opened to tour groups, AMSA personnel and contractors would 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 precinct 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. 
• The maintenance of the light holds priority over official tours conducted inside the lighthouse. 
• AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to ensure access to the lighthouse complies with workplace health and safety measures. 
• AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to notify NSW NPWS of any special events that require access to the lightstation. 
• 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 primarily presented in online resource files accessible to both relevant personnel and the general public. On-site interpretative signage will be utilised 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 and NSW State 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: 

• AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to liaise with the relevant Commonwealth and State heritage agencies when proposing work on the site.
• AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to consult with NSW NPWS when proposing work on site.
• Approval in writing from the relevant Commonwealth and State 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 lighthouse 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 Sugarloaf Point 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 lighthouse 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 AtoN Asset Management and Preparedness to maintain, review and update records through existing AMSA record management system. 
• AMSA AtoN 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:

• AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to engage staff and contractors with the relevant experience and expertise concerning conservation of the lighthouse.
• Develop and provide the appropriate training on heritage conservation matters for AMSA 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 Places42 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 Aboriginal 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 Aboriginal heritage 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:

• AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to notify NSW Heritage and the lessor the instance an unforeseen discovery is made/suspected.
• AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to 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:

• AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to assess the likely impacts of changes on the heritage values and significance of the place.
• AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to preserve the original fabric of the place and do only what is necessary for the continued use and care of the place.
• AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness 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 NSW NPWS and 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 NSW NPWS and adjacent landowners 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 and NSW State heritage values of the site are recognised and preserved. 

In the event Sugarloaf Point 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 and NSW State heritage values of the site are recognised and preserved.  

Community Involvement

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

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

Implementation strategy: 

• AMSA to undertake community consultation when preparing the heritage management plan in accordance with EPBC Regulations.
• AMSA to seek advice from all relevant Aboriginal 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).43 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:

• AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to review this heritage management plan at least five years after its adoption.
• AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to review and update this heritage management plan in the event of a major change to the lightstation.
• AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to submit revised plan for approval.

Footnotes

⁴² Commonwealth of Australia, Working Together Managing Commonwealth Heritage Places: a guide for Commonwealth agencies (2019).

⁴³ 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) (2016).

8.1 Plan

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 (2013), 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 are 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. Simply a framing member 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. 

Auxiliary light – a secondary light sometimes installed in lighthouses to mark out specific hazards in the water below the lighthouse (see Subsidiary Light).

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. Sugarloaf Point has a balcony floor of 1875 granite slab.

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 – Sugarloaf Point has balcony balustrades of curved 1875 gunmetal railing.  

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). Sugarloaf Point has an iron framed and sheeted 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.

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.

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. Sugarloaf Point has a lantern floor of cast iron. 

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. Sugarloaf Point has three tiers of flat rectangular 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.

S

Subsidiary light – a secondary light sometimes installed in lighthouses to mark out specific hazards in the water below the lighthouse (see Auxiliary light).

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. Sugarloaf Point has walls consisting of 1875 tapered brick masonry. 

SUGARLOAF POINT MAIN LIGHT - NSW

(Est'd 1875, Conv. to Auto. Dec 1987, Power supply upgrade 27/06/12)

IALA AVAILABILITY

CATEGORY:                       1

POSITION:                          Latitude:                         32 26.4630'S

                                           Longitude:                      152 32.3450'E

                                           Datum:                           WGS84

BA LIST OF LIGHTS:          K2776

DAYMARK:                         White concrete tower and lantern room, 15 metres high.

CHARACTER:                      Flashing                          7.50 seconds

                                           Flash:                             0.48 seconds

                                           Eclipse:                          7.02 seconds

COLOUR OF LIGHT:           White

LENS:                                 920 mm fr 16 panel Catadioptric to

LIGHT SOURCE:                 Lamp:                             LED Array Sealite SL324

LANTERN:                          1st Order 11''7" diameter, Flat Glazing.

LENS SPEED:                     1 revolution every 120 sec. (1/2 RPM)

PEDESTAL:                        CLS lens carriage design

INTENSITY:                        1,274,000 cd

POWER SOURCE:              Main Supply:                  240V AC mains supply

STRUCTURE:                      White round masonry tower 6.5 metres from base to balcony

ELEVATION:                       79 metres

RANGE:                              Nominal:                        26 nautical miles

                                           Geographical:                22.6 nautical miles

SUGARLOAF POINT AUXILARY LIGHT - NSW

(Established 1875, Conv. to Auto. Dec 1987)

IALA AVAILABILITY
CATEGORY:                                   1

POSITION:                        Latitude:       32* 26.4630'S
                                          Longitude:    152* 32.3450'E
                                          Datum:          WGS84

BA LIST OF LIGHTS:        K 2776

CHARACTER:                   Fixed

COLOUR OF LIGHT:         Red

SECTOR:                           307* - 010* (63*
TRUE BEARINGS              Over Seal rocks
FROM SEAWARD

LENS:                                 250mm fr Catadioptric drum (90* section)

ELEVATION:                      73 metres

RANGE:                             Nominal:            13 nmiles
                                           Geographical:    21.9 nmiles
 

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

 Australian Heritage Database, “Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse (Commonwealth), Seal Rocks Rd, Seal Rocks, NSW, Australia. Accessed October 2020.

Australian Maritime Safety Authority. AMSA Heritage Strategy 2022-2025. Australian Maritime Safety Authority, 2022

Australian Maritime Safety Authority. Annual Report 2020-21. Australian Maritime Safety Authority, 2021

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

Brewis, C.R.W. Lighting of the east coast of Australia: Cape Moreton to Gabo Island including coast of New South Wales. Victoria: Acting Government Printer, 1913.  

Clive Lucas, Stapleton and Partners. Sugarloaf Point Lightstation Conservation Management Plan. Canberra: Australian Maritime Safety Authority, 1995.

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.

Evening News (Sydney). “Seal Rocks Lighthouse: Gutted by fire.” July 11, 1900.

Graham Brooks and Associates. NPWS Lighthouses Conservation Management and Cultural Tourism Plan: Supplementary Information for Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse. National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2004.

Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser. “The wreck of the Catterthun.” August 14, 1895.

National Archives of Australia: Australian Maritime Safety Authority; A9568, Drawings and Plans of Lighthouses and of associated buildings and equipment, 1833-1968; 1/16/6, Seal Rock Point: Grand Plan of Cottages, 1876-1876.

National Archives of Australia: Australian Maritime Safety Authority; A9568, Drawings and Plans of Lighthouses and of associated buildings and equipment, 1833-1968; 1/16/6, Seal Rock Point: Grand Plan of Cottages, 1876-1876.

National Archives of Australia: Australian Maritime Safety Authority; A9568, Drawings and Plans of Lighthouses and of associated buildings and equipment, 1833-1968; 1/16/11, Seal Rock Point Lighthouse [Water Colour] [Stamped: Public Works, NSW, Colonial Architect] [Signed Peter Macleod], 1873-1873.

New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service. Myall Lakes National Park: Little Broughton Island and Stormpetrel Nature Reserves Plan of Management. 2002.

New South Wales State Heritage Register, “Sugarloaf Point Lightstation Group.” Accessed October 2020.

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

Suters Architects. Sugarloaf Point Lightstation Conservation Management Plan. Department of Land and Water Conservation, 1999.

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.

Contact

Comments or questions regarding this document should be addressed to:

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

Attribution

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Source: Australian Maritime Safety Authority Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse Heritage Management Plan – 2022

Front cover image:

Figure 1. Cover photo of Sugarloaf Lighthouse (Source: AMSA, 2014)

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