Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L00073:reg:2023:p11
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L00073
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 2023 (pt 11/12)
Character Range: 28412–31187

period as the island sat on either side of the Backstairs Passage and the Investigator Strait, two key shipping routes. Increased shipping led to many instances of shipwrecks around the island, which in turn led to the construction of lighthouses: Cape Willoughby in 1852 and Cape Borda in 1858.
Why Cape St Albans
A number of shipwrecks had occurred within Backstairs Passage since the mid-1850s, and a lighthouse at Cape Jervis on the mainland had been constructed in 1871 in an attempt to aid vessels.[xiv]  Following the turn of the century, calls for the erection of an additional light gathered momentum.[xv] In 1905, South Australian authorities readdressed concerns for the safety of vessels traversing the passage, and it was debated whether a new light was to be constructed, or whether Cape Jervis Lighthouse should be upgraded. Talks of constructing a new staffed light were put to bed when it was determined to be far too expensive. However, advances in technology at the time meant there was the option of constructing an unstaffed, automatic light.[xvi]
Cape St Alban's was chosen as the appropriate site for the new unstaffed light due to its prominent position in the south-east of the passage. It was determined that a light on the cape would alert vessels to 'an obstruction known as the Scraper', and also provide navigators 'another bearing'.[xvii]
  3.4 Building a lighthouse
Design and construction
Choosing to erect an unstaffed, automatic light meant that the design for the lighthouse was relatively simple and did not require the inclusion of any keepers' cottages. The tower was designed to be a small, circular stone structure fitted with a self-contained lantern on an open plan (see Figure 11).
Tenders for the construction of the light were first called in early 1908, however fresh tenders were called once more in April of the same year.[xviii] A self-contained lantern manufactured by Barbier, Bernard and Turenne in France was ordered and installed. It is understood that the construction of the light progressed faster than anticipated. The Register (Adelaide) newspaper reported that:
    Although the original notice to mariners concerning the Cape St Albans light, in Backstairs Passage, was that it would be exhibited for the first time on or about December 1, the President of the Marine Board decided that it should be shown for the first time on Thursday night. Better progress was made with the erection of the lantern and its adjustment than was expected, hence the reason for utilizing it earlier than first arranged.[xix]
Cape St Albans Lighthouse was lit for the first time on 20 November 1908. The total cost of the lighthouse's construction and equipment was £897.[xx]

Figure 11. Design plan of Cape St. Albans Lighthouse,