Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00967:front:0:p3
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00967
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 6123–9157

prior to demolition of cottages, 1917. Image courtesy of the National Archives of Australia. NAA: A6247, B10/2. (© Commonwealth of Australia, National Archives of Australia)
    Figure 13. Design for Cape Wickham's conversion to automatic operation, 1918. Image courtesy of the National Archives of Australia. NAA: A9568, 5/4/3 (© Commonwealth of Australia, National Archives of Australia)
    Figure 14. Cape Wickham Lighthouse balcony replacement blueprints, 1918. Image courtesy of the National Archives of Australia. NAA: A10182, CN 01 133 (© Commonwealth of Australia, National Archives of Australia)
    Figure 15. 150th anniversary opening, Cape Wickham Lighthouse (Source: AMSA, 2011)
    Figure 16. From left to right: Swan Island Lighthouse (1845), Goose Island Lighthouse (1846), and Cape Wickham Lighthouse (1861) (Source: AMSA)

Executive summary
Cape Wickham Lighthouse is a historic site recognised by both Commonwealth and State Governments for its heritage significance. The lighthouse was placed on the Commonwealth Heritage List in 2004 for its contribution to the network of lighthouses established in Bass Strait in the 19th century. It is renowned as the tallest Australian lighthouse, for its aesthetic appeal in the rural landscape, and for the retention of its original Wilkins & Co lantern house and timber staircase.
Cape Wickham Lighthouse was placed on the Tasmanian heritage register for its historical, informative and aesthetic significance, in addition to its significant rarity and community associations.
Situated on the northern shore of King Island (Tas), the lighthouse overlooks Bass Strait, a treacherous stretch of water which separates the Australian State of Tasmania from the mainland. Built in 1861, the lighthouse was constructed to increase safety within Bass Strait following the boom of coastal shipping along the mainland's south-east corner. The masonry tower was designed by Tasmanian-based engineer, WB Falconer, and the lightstation  originally comprised of a tower, three keeper residences, and a superintendent's house.
Although the Cape Wickham Lighthouse orignally housed a 1st Order Chance Bros catadioptric lens, the tower now exhibits a light-emitting diode (LED) source through a 1946 Chance Bros six panel catadioptric lens. The light now runs on an automated mechanism as part of AMSA's network of Aids to Navigation (AtoN). The equipment is serviced by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority's (AMSA) maintenance contractor who visits at least once each year. AMSA officers visit on an ad hoc basis for auditing, projects and community liaison purposes.
The larger part of the lightstation lies outside of the AMSA lease and is managed by Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service (TAS PWS). Although visitors are able to access the site, the light tower maintains restricted access.
This heritage management plan is concerned mainly with the lighthouse tower, but also addresses the management of the surrounding precinct and land. The plan is intended to guide decisions