Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L00078:reg:2015:p1
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L00078
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 2015 (pt 1/18)
Character Range: 40053–43098

2015  Minor asbestos sheeting removal.
      Minor repaint.

  3.9 Summary of current and former uses
From its construction in 1845, Swan Island Lighthouse has been used as a marine AtoN for mariners at sea. Its AtoN capabilities remains its primary use.
Currently, the lighthouse tower is accompanied by:
       * Oil store – currently unused
       * Building remnant (original use unknown) – currently used as a helipad

  3.10         Summary of past and present community associations
Aboriginal associations
Further consultation with traditional stakeholders is required for a greater understanding of the past and present associations held across the region.
AMSA will continue to work with stakeholders and the general public to establish the past and present significance of Swan Island, and associations with the lighthouse. This will be carried out in the form of consultation engagement, and future versions of this plan will be updated to reflect further information.

Local, national and international associations
As one of the oldest lighthouse towers to have remained active, Swan Island Lighthouse maintains significant national ties to both historic and current day navigational safety. Convict and lightkeeping familes' presence on the island has generated genealogical interest in the region both locally, nationally and internationally.

  3.11         Unresolved questions or historical conflicts
Knowledge on the history of the growth of Swan Island is limited. Details of the original lightstation indicate that a cottage and 'crude shelters' were built beside the lighthouse, however little mention is made of other buildings constructed onsite in 1845.[32] Some sources indicate a jetty and boatshed were built on the island at some stage and later burnt down in 1982.[33]
  3.12         Recommendations for further research
Now a privately owned island, Swan Island's population was originally restricted to the lightkeepers. Tracking the growth of the island and the construction of its airstrip and additional buildings would be valuable in gaining an in-depth understanding of the island's history.
Research on past lighthouse keepers of Swan Island, particularly the role of convict assistants, may be beneficial in determining the full extent of the social value placed on the site.

  4      Fabric Register
  4.1 Fabric register
The cultural significance of the lighthouse resides in its fabric, and also in its intangible aspects – such as the meanings people ascribe to it, and the connections to other places and things. The survival of its cultural value depends on a well-informed understanding of what is significant, and on clear thinking about the consequences of change. The Burra Charter[34] sets out good practice for conserving cultural significance.
Criterion under 'Heritage Significance' refer to the criterion satisfied within the specific Commonwealth heritage listing (see section 5.1).
All images included in sub-section 4.1 and 4.2 – Source: AMSA.
Lighthouse feature: Lantern roof
© AMSA