Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L01334:front:0:p3
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L01334
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 5737–8653

plan for Smoky Cape Lightstation, 1889. Image courtesy of the National Archives of Australia. NAA: A9568, 1/17/1 (© Commonwealth of Australia, National Archives of Australia)
    Figure 14. Smoky Cape Lighthouse, 1917. Image courtesy of the National Archives of Australia. NAA: A6247, 13/2  (© Commonwealth of Australia, National Archives of Australia)
    Figure 15. Smoky Cape Lighthouse. (© AMSA, 2014)
    Figure 16. Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse. (© AMSA, 2009)
    Figure 17. Design plan for Smoky Cape keepers' cottages, 1880. Image courtesy of the National Archives of Australia. NAA: A9568, 1/17/3 (© Commonwealth of Australia, National Archives of Australia)

Executive Summary

Smoky Cape Lighthouse was placed on the Commonwealth heritage list in 2004. The lighthouse has a strong association with the growth of coastal trade at the end of the 19th century, its connection with World War II and contribution to the development of New South Wales marine aids to navigation (AtoN).

The Smoky Cape Lighthouse was placed on the NSW State Heritage Register in 1999 for its historical, aesthetic and social significance, its research potential, rarity and representativeness. The site is also of high significance to the Dunghutti people.

Situated approximately 6 kilometres south-east of the settlement of South West Rocks, the lighthouse is located on the eastern headland of Smoky Cape. Built in 1891, the Smoky Cape Lighthouse was constructed to increase safety along the New South Wales coastline following the trading boom of the late 19th century. Its mass concrete composition was designed by James Barnet, colonial architect for NSW, who was responsible for the design of numerous New South Wales lighthouses throughout the 19th century. Apart from the tower and attached pavilion room, the lightstation also encompasses a signal mast, flag house and two keepers' cottages. As a working AtoN, the lighthouse tower remains under the management of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

Although the lighthouse is fitted with its original lens assembly, the light now runs on an automated mechanism as part of the network of AtoN. The equipment is serviced by AMSA's maintenance contractor who visits at least once every six months. AMSA officers visit on an ad hoc basis for auditing, projects and community liaison purposes.

The larger part of the lightstation, which includes the two cottages and flag house, lies outside of the AMSA lease and is managed by the New South Wales Parks and Wildlife Service (NSW NPWS). The lightstation is open to visitors year round.

This heritage management plan is concerned primarily with the lighthouse, but also addresses the management of the surrounding precinct and land. The plan is intended to guide decisions and actions. This plan has been prepared to integrate the heritage values of the lightstation in accordance with the Environment