Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2020L01339:reg:372:p20
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2020L01339
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 372 (pt 20/62)
Character Range: 203205–206363

and supporting studies such as Conservation Management Plans.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Community and stakeholder consultation, including the Local Aboriginal Land Council, should be undertaken in the Management Plan and supporting adoption process and the monitoring and review of the Management Plan and supporting studies, particularly where actions are likely to impact on the heritage values of the place.

updated figure

Figure 12 – Areas of Archaeological Sensitivity

SECTION 6 – SITE ANALYSIS – COVER PAGE

6.     Site Analysis

Section 6 provides an analysis of the site's environment and issues.

6.1. Landscape Character

The Macquarie Lightstation is located on the exposed ridge top of the South Head peninsula, with an 85 metre high elevation providing panoramic views of Sydney Harbour and the city to the west, and the Pacific Ocean to the east. On the Lightstation's eastern aspect, a gentle slope leads down to Hawkesbury sandstone cliffs with a breathtaking drop of 80 metres to sea level. On the western aspect, Old South Head Road separates residential areas on the western side, and open parkland to the east. The parkland is characterised by flat open terraces of mowed grassland with scattered plantings of ornamental trees surrounding the residential buildings, and remnants of formal hedges along picket fences. A few Norfolk Island Pines stand out in competition with the stature of the Lightstation, in what is predominantly a treeless landscape.

Natural regeneration of bush remnants can be observed around sandstone outcrops on the lower slopes of the site and along the cliff edge. Seepage downslope of the rock outcrops has created a boggy soil profile supporting patches of native sedges and rushes.

To the east of the site, the Coastal Walkway skirts the cliff edge providing views of the Lightstation, cliffs, ocean and the surrounding landscape. The historic stone quarry at the south eastern corner of the site is marked by a dense canopy of planted and self-seeded native trees and shrubs, surrounding what has become an ephemeral wetland. The quarry is actively managed for persistent weed species and provides habitat and refuge for native birds and frogs. See Figure 3.

6.2. Landmark Value

The Lightstation is visible from many locations around Sydney with the most prominent and evocative views gained from the Tasman Sea and Sydney Harbour. There also remains a strong visual connection between the lighthouse and the former Governor's Domain in Sydney, the Sydney CBD, and the Signal Station at Observatory Hill. To the north, the important historic visual connection to the nearby Signal Station is still strong.

The landmark qualities are also reinforced through the design on the ground. The institutional perimeter fencing; the inherent and still-evident symmetry around the lighthouse; the elevated position of the compound; and the non-axial points