Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2020L01339:front:0:p17
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2020L01339
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 42921–45868

up a museum was never taken.

In 1989 all staff associated with the Commonwealth Department of Shipping and Transport left the site.
The Commonwealth leased the Assistant Keepers' Quarters in 1991 and the Head Keeper's Quarters in 1994 as private residences, both for 125 years. The townhouses are now leased as residences on a short-term basis and the lighthouse is leased to AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority) as an Aid to Navigation.

Figure 11 – 1943 aerial photograph of the Lightstation
This aerial photograph shows numerous additional structures on the site associated with the WWII defences. The observation post can be seen close to the cliff edge.

2001 to Present

Under the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust Act 2001, certain former defence lands were vested in the Harbour Trust with the objectives of maximising public access, cleaning up contaminated areas and preserving the heritage and environmental values of the sites. Sites transferred included Macquarie Lightstation.

The lighthouse continues to be leased to AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority) as a navigation aid, and AMSA continues to be responsible for the maintenance and ongoing use of the lighthouse.

In 2010, the Harbour Trust remediated contaminated areas within the grounds. The contamination comprised elevated concentrations of lead, zinc and copper, as well as PAH's, TPH and OCP's. The lead was the result of historical use of lead paint on the site's buildings, while other contamination on the site was the result of fill materials, likely imported to re-establish gardens and lawn areas across the site.

The works involved the following:

       * Excavation of impacted material in top soil identified in the Remediation Action Plans, to an average depth of 300 mm or until bedrock or fixed archaeological remains is reached;
       * Removal of two Norfolk Island Pine trees and smaller shrubs from the site, to facilitate the removal of the contaminated materials;
       * Removal of lead paint from the sandstone walls of the Former Engineer Quarters; and
       * Reinstatement of all excavated areas with free-draining virgin extracted natural material (VENM), and covering with new turf.

In 2013, the Harbour Trust completed major refurbishment works to the residential townhouses. The purpose of these works was to facilitate their continued use as leased accommodation.

In 2017, the Harbour Trust installed 20 pre-cast concrete bollards along the site's boundary with Old South Head Road. The bollards replaced a dilapidated timber fence, which had been damaged in a storm. The bollards facilitate pedestrian access into the grounds of the Lightstation, while limiting access by vehicles to the southern end of the existing semi-circular driveway.

SECTION 5 –HERITAGE VALUES– COVER PAGE

4.1

5.     Heritage Values

Section 5 describes the heritage values of the Macquarie Lightstation Precinct.

5.1. Heritage Listings