Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2020L01547:reg:1999:p11
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2020L01547
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 1999 (pt 11/19)
Character Range: 76584–81395

century.

NSW State heritage values – criterion

SHR Criterion                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Evidence/Explanation

SHR Criterion A – Historical
significance

An item is important in the course, or pattern, of NSW's cultural or natural history.
Montague is a fine and intact example of a lightstation constructed in NSW during the late 19th century and part of the most productive phase of lighthouse construction during the 1880s.

The light is an important part of the NSW network and the so-called 'highway lights' and offered protection to the intrastate traffic to Narooma, Tathra and Eden. It is one of only two major lighthouses in NSW located on off-shore islands.
SHR Criterion B – Associative                                                                                                                                                                                                                    No attributes identified
significance

An item has strong or special association with the life or works of a person, or group of persons, of importance in NSW's cultural or natural history.
SHR Criterion C – Aesthetic                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The Montague lighthouse, constructed of granite quarried on the island, with its tapering walls and outward curving upper platform and curved balustrade, is a well-proportioned structure displaying very fine elements of design and craftsmanship.
significance
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 The tower provides a strong visual contrast to the rounded granite slabs and sparse vegetation topography of the Island.
An item is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and/or a high degree of creative or technical achievement in NSW.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 The white painted buildings with their collection of chimneys, pitched roofs, verandahs and enclosed courtyards clustered on the highest point of the Island present a visual unity and harmony in form, style and materials. The residences are a strong reminder of the era of manned lightstations on the coast of Australia.

SHR Criterion                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Evidence/Explanation

SHR Criterion D – Social significance

An item has strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group in NSW for social, cultural or spiritual reasons.
Montague Island is of exceptional significance for both its Aboriginal and European connections and associations. It is significant through its association with the National Trust of Australia as a wildlife sanctuary, CSIRO as a research site, and with the NPWS as a nature reserve.

Graves associated with the lighthouse as a poignant testimony to the
isolated lifestyle of keepers and their families.

The lightstation is a notable design of NSW colonial architect James Barnet and is associated with the nature conservation work of Judith Cassel.

Many of the alterations to the buildings and site are a reflection of technological improvements and reflect changed in the system as well as changed in living standards in an isolated outpost.
SHR Criterion E – Research potential                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        The island is one of the most significant seabird breeding areas in NSW
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            and was once the most important seal haul-out site in the state.
An item has