Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L01231:reg:2023:p10
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L01231
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 2023 (pt 10/12)
Character Range: 25851–28777

Department of Transport [IV] Victoria–Tasmania Region, Hobart Office.

1983–1985    Department of Transport [IV] Tasmanian Region.

1985–1987:   Department of Transport and Communications, Tasmanian Region.

1987–1990:   Australian Marine Safety Authority.

1991–

  3.4 Cape Sorell: a history
Aboriginal history
The full extent of past and present Aboriginal cultural associations with Cape Sorell requires further consultation and research. New information will be included in later versions of this plan.
Early European history
Cape Sorell was named after William Sorell, Lieutenant-Governor of Tasmania (1817–1824). Sorell was renowned in the Macquarie Harbour region along the west coast of Tasmania.
Owing to its isolated position, very little European contact with the region was made early on. Macquarie Harbour, however, was recorded by European expeditions in 1815 and was later established as a penal station in 1822. Ships bringing in convicts and supplies bound for the penal station would round Cape Sorell in order to enter the harbour. The port of Strahan was established following the closure of the penal station and remained a major port of call for the timber industry until the establishment of a railway line.[9]
  3.5 Building a lighthouse

Why Cape Sorell?
Cape Sorell sits as the outermost boundary of the nearby Macquarie Harbour. Its position served as a critical orientation point for shipping entering and exiting the harbour and its associated ports. Nautical merchants trading along the west Tasmanian coast strongly advocated for the construction of a light in order to assist the safe passage of goods and crew.[10] Due to the Cape's extended position and the harbour's hidden location, Cape Sorell was a prime location for a lighthouse as it could assist ships navigating both the coastline and the entrance to the harbour.
The site chosen was approximately half a mile inland on quartzite rock and approximately 1,400 acres in size. Another site had been considered on the cape, further inland and higher in elevation. However it was decided constructing a lighthouse so far from the sea 'would impair the efficiency'.[11]
Design
Blueprints for a lighthouse were prepared by the Hobart Marine Board's architects, Huckson and Hutcheson. On 11 March 1898, these plans were submitted by the Minister for Lands and Works and were swiftly approved by the Executive Council.[12]
The designs depicted a 40-meter tall lighthouse tower constructed of brick, accompanied by keepers' quarters for a master and assistant masters.[13] The estimated cost was £6243 for the building and £2307 for the lantern and light. On 9 May 1898, The Mercury reported Chance Bros. & Co. Birmingham had been contacted and were to provide a light suitable for Cape Sorell.[14]
Construction
Following finalisation of the design, tenders were called and the construction of Cape Sorell Lighthouse was awarded to the Duff