Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2020L01271:reg:2019:p12
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2020L01271
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 2019 (pt 12/24)
Character Range: 85547–88552

Byron Lightstation

 The following information details the Cape Byron Lightstation listing on the NSW State Heritage Register.

NSW State Heritage Register – statement of
 heritage significance

 The following statement is taken from the Cape Byron Lightstation listing on the NSW State heritage register (place ID: 02023):

  The Cape Byron Lightstation (including moveable items) is of state heritage significance as one of the last major lightstations that completed the 'highway of lights' that has illuminated the NSW
  coastline since the 19th century. Among the final components of the string of lights that provided protection, navigational  guidance and safe passage to the important colonial shipping industry, the Cape Byron Lightstation is a representative example of the system
  of lightstations that collectively reflect the logistical management and technical evolution of coastal infrastructure in NSW.

  The design and layout of the Cape Byron Lightstation is architecturally consistent with the earlier stations but implemented technical advancements, such as precast  concrete block construction and the Henry-Lepaute feu eclair lens system on a rotating mercury float mechanism, which were available at the turn  of the 20th century. Today, these aspects of the Cape Byron Lightstation are considered to be rare in NSW.

  The Cape Byron Lightstation includes three original moveable items which contribute  to the significance of the site, including the 15 inch Chance Bros & Co red sector light (1889) on a cast iron pedestal; original curved timber desk (1899-1901); and clockwork winch used to drive the lens carriage (1901).

  The spectacular scenery and beauty of the Cape Byron Lightstation, its siting on the most eastern point of the Australian mainland and the convergence of the natural and cultural environment on the headland is of great aesthetic significance. The  evocative  image of the tower standing against the expanse
  of the Pacific Ocean resonates with the  NSW community, making the lightstation an important landmark and tourist destination in
  the state. What is now a recognisable and well known image both locally and internationally, the Cape Byron Lightstation is the most highly visited lightstation in Australia.

  The Cape Byron headland is also of great traditional and  contemporary  significance to the Arakwal people. As custodians of their country, the Arakwal people hold an important and active role in the joint care and management of the reserve (which incorporates the lightstation) and undertake educational initiatives at the site to promote and raise awareness of the Aboriginal
  cultural heritage of the cape. Named Walgun (meaning 'The Shoulder'), today the Cape Byron headland is a place where both the traditional and contemporary cultural of the Arakwal people is practiced and celebrated.

NSW State heritage values – criterion

 Information from the table below was taken from the Cape Byron Lightstation listing on the