Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L00074:reg:2023:p15
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L00074
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 2023 (pt 15/15)
Character Range: 38196–40389

had been previously analysed as early as 1907, and a 1913 contour survey of the island clearly demonstrated that Tucker Point, Quoin Point and Tessy Head at the western and eastern extremes of the island were slated for defence purposes.[xxxvii] However, it was not until World War II that Goods Island was fully utilised for defence strategies along the northern coastline of Australia.

The Department of the Interior constructed emplacements and other defence works on Goods Island, commencing in October 1940. By July 1941, guns had been assembled and proof-fired, and by December a three storied command post and searchlight engine rooms were constructed with equipment and stores positioned. Five foot fortress searchlights installed at both Milman Hill (on Thursday Island) and Goods Island batteries were utilised to illuminate areas of water, through which attacking vessels had to pass in order to reach the main land of Australia.

In 1942 Navy personnel requested permission to manage the lights on Goods Island under the supervision of Senior Mechanic Kerlin. Lighthouse keeper Everett was withdrawn on 12 November 1942, allowing personnel exclusive use of the keeper's cottage and station. It was agreed the arrangement was only to be for the duration of the war.[xxxviii]

During this period, the Australian defence forces erected numerous buildings and structures along the western side of Goods Island, remnants of which remain within close proximity to the lighthouse today. Evidence of this period of the island's history can be seen in the observation building and radar screen, the generator shed as well as inscriptions made in concrete near the flagstaff. It is assumed that concrete retaining walls were also constructed around the lighthouse around the same time of the observation building's construction.

The Navy remained at Goods Island until the early 1950s when the last vestiges of military installations were abandoned. Some of these constructions were removed in 1953 and the radar screen was declared obsolete.

  3.5 Chronology of major events
The following table details the major events to have occurred at Goods Island Lighthouse.
Date             Event