Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2020L01271:reg:2019:p10
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2020L01271
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 2019 (pt 10/24)
Character Range: 77033–81212

(1899)

 Figure 19. Point Perpendicular elevation blueprint (1897)

   5.   Heritage significance

5.1             Commonwealth heritage list – Cape Byron Lighthouse

Statement of Commonwealth heritage
 significance

 The following statement of significance is taken from the Cape Byron Lighthouse listing on the Australian Heritage Database (Place ID: 105599):

  Cape Byron Lighthouse, opened  in  1901, is significant as an important element in the establishment of marine aids to navigation along the New South Wales coast, and is important for its association with east coast
  shipping since the beginning of the twentieth century. (Criterion a.) (Themes: 3.8.1 Shipping to and from Australian ports, 3.16.1 Dealing with hazards and disasters)

  The Lighthouse is technically important for its early concrete block construction, for having been the first Australian  installation of a mercury float mechanism pedestal, and for being the only Henry-Lepaute optic in Australia. (Criteria f. and b.)

  The Lighthouse is dramatically located on
  the top of a windswept cliff and is a dominant landscape feature free of modern intrusions. It has notable aesthetic values. (Criterion e.)

  The place, located at the most easterly point of the Australian mainland, is visited by large numbers of people each year and has a high profile in the public imagination. It is well known as a key whale-watching spot. Its social value is considerable. (Criterion g.)

Commonwealth heritage values – criteria

 There are nine criteria for inclusion in the Commonwealth Heritage List – meeting any one of these is sufficient for listing a place. These criteria are similar to those used in other commonwealth, state and local heritage legislation, although thresholds differ. In the following sections, the Cape Byron Lighthouse is discussed in relation to each of the criteria as based on the current Commonwealth heritage listing.

Criterion                                                                                                                                                                                     Relevant attributes identified                                                                                                                                          Explanation

Criterion A – Processes
This criterion is satisfied by places that have significant heritage value because of [their] importance in the course, or pattern, of Australia's natural or cultural history.
All of the historic fabric and detail associated with construction, personnel and operation of the Lighthouse and beacon.                                                                      Cape Byron Lighthouse, opened 1901, is significant as an important element in the establishment of marine aids to navigation along the New South Wales coast, and is
                                                                                                                                                                                               important for its association with east coast shipping since the beginning of the twentieth century.
Criterion B – Rarity                                                                                                                                                                          The optical apparatus including the Henry-Lepaute optic lens and the mercury float rotating pedestal.                                                                   The Henry-Lepaute optic is the only one installed in a lighthouse in Australia.
This criterion is satisfied by places that have significant heritage value because of [their] possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of Australia's natural or cultural history.

Criterion                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Relevant attributes identified                                                                Explanation

Criterion C – Information
This