Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2020L01271:reg:2019:p1
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2020L01271
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 2019 (pt 1/24)
Character Range: 50088–53155

2019                                                                              •          Pavilion roof door replaced

3.9             Summary of current and former uses

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

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

3.10         Summary of past and present community associations

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

Indigenous associations – Bundjalung/Arakwal People

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

 Arakwal people recognise the site to be one of ceremony, learning, spiritual inspiration, and a key part of many dreaming stories. Arakwal people maintain a critical role in the management of
 the Cape Byron Marine Park due to their strong connection to country. The relationship with this country is more than just a place to live. It's the  living, breathing source of all life, their spiritual home and home of their ancestors' spirits.

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

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

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

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

Local, national, and international associations

 Due