5.1 Commonwealth heritage listing – North Reef Lighthouse
The following information is taken directly from the Commonwealth Heritage listing for North Reef Lighthouse (Place ID: 105368).
Commonwealth statement of significance
The following statement of significance is taken directly from North Reef Lighthouse’s Commonwealth heritage listing:
North Reef Lighthouse, built in 1878 is significant as a rare example of a lighthouse built on a coral reef, incorporating a residence at the base of the tower with a rain water tank underneath the structure (Criteria B.2 and F.1). The North Reef Lighthouse is significant as an important element in the establishment of navigational aids along the Queensland coast, which reflects the development of the coastal regions of Queensland after its separation from New South Wales (Criterion A.4).
Commonwealth heritage criteria
There are nine criteria for inclusion in the Commonwealth Heritage List, meeting any one of these is sufficient for listing a place. These criteria are similar to those used in other Commonwealth, state and local heritage legislation, although thresholds differ. In the following sections, North Reef Lighthouse is discussed in relation to each of the criteria as based on the site’s current Commonwealth Heritage Listing (Place ID: 105368)
Criterion |
Attributes |
Explanation |
Criterion A) Processes This criterion is satisfied by places that have significant heritage value because of [their] importance in the course, or pattern, of Australia’s natural or cultural history.
|
The whole of the lighthouse. |
The North Reef Lighthouse is significant as an important element in the establishment of navigational aids along the Queensland coast, which reflects the development of the coastal regions of Queensland after its separation from New South Wales. |
Criterion B) Rarity This criterion is satisfied by places that have significant heritage value because of [their] possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of Australia’s natural or cultural history.
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The historic fabric including the residence in the base of the tower, and location on a coral reef. |
North Reef Lighthouse, built in 1878 is significant as a rare example of a lighthouse built on a coral reef, incorporating a residence at the base of the tower.
|
Criterion F) Technical achievement This criterion is satisfied by places that have significant heritage value because of [their] importance in demonstrating a high degree of creative or technical achievement at a particular period.
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The rain water tank underneath the structure. |
North Reef Lighthouse incorporates a rain water tank underneath the structure.
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These heritage values, identified and explained in the Commonwealth Heritage List, will form the basis of the management of North Reef Lighthouse. In the event of necessary works, all criteria will be consulted to inform best practice management of the values associated with the lightstation. (See ‘Section 7. Conservation management policies’ for further information on strategies to conserve heritage values of North Reef Lighthouse).
5.2 Condition and integrity of Commonwealth heritage values
A heritage monitoring program was implemented in 2016. Each site is visited and reviewed every two years where the heritage fabric and values of the site are evaluated. Assessment of the condition and integrity of lighthouse's Commonwealth heritage values are derived from the latest available Heritage asset condition report produced by AMSA’s maintenance contractor.
‘Condition’ is measured from good to poor and incorporates the current condition of the specific value. Integrity is measured from high to low and incorporates the value’s intactness. The Commonwealth heritage values for North Reef Lighthouse exhibits good condition and a high level of integrity. The lighthouse, complete with intact residences and a water tank at its base, has remained an important navigational aid along the Queensland coast.
Value |
Values (including attributes) |
Condition |
Integrity |
Criterion A) Processes
|
The North Reef Lighthouse is significant as an important element in the establishment of navigational aids along the Queensland coast, which reflects the development of the coastal regions of Queensland after its separation from New South Wales.
|
Good |
High |
Criterion D) Characteristic values
|
North Reef Lighthouse, built in 1878 is significant as a rare example of a lighthouse built on a coral reef, incorporating a residence at the base of the tower.
|
Good |
High |
Criterion E) Aesthetic characteristics |
North Reef Lighthouse incorporates a rain water tank underneath the structure.
|
Good |
High |
5.3 Gain or loss of Commonwealth heritage values
Evidence for the potential gain or loss of heritage values will be documented within this section in future versions of the plan.