Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L01056:reg:2022:p10
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L01056
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 2022 (pt 10/13)
Character Range: 27852–30658

Cape Leeuwin?
In the 1850s, the state of Western Australia set out to establish a lighthouse in its south-western corner. A number of potential dangers had been identified surrounding the Cape and were addressed in initial discussions on the construction of a light.
    It was submitted that, in the interests of navigation and the increasing carrying trade of the Australian Colonies, a Lighthouse is urgently required at Cape Leeuwin…[x]
    The P & O Mail Steamers bound from Point-de-Galle to Australian Ports generally shape their course from 20 to 25 miles S.W. of Cape Leeuwin, and then haul up to make the land off the White Topped Rocks or Chatham Island to avoid this dangerous corner, especially after Westerly gales, and Leeuwin, as well as the question of the existence of the Rambler Rock[xi].
A number of shipwrecks had been recorded in the vicinity of Cape Leeuwin:
•         1849: The schooner Bee wrecked off Cape Leeuwin[xii]
•         1857: The Enterprise wrecked at Flinders Bay[xiii]
•         1872: The Hokitika wrecked at Geographe Rock (20 km off the Cape)[xiv]
•         1878: The brigantine Salve wrecked in Flinders Bay[xv]
Cape Leeuwin's position on the far south-western corner of the Australian continent proved critical as a cornerstone along the great southern coast-line shipping route – one of the busiest sea traffic routes on the Australian coast.
The necessity of a light at Cape Leeuwin is unanimously agreed upon by the Commanders of this Company who have had experience of the Australian coast, and it is also their general opinion that such light should be a bright flash one of the first order, visible at a distance of not less than 20 miles in clear weather[xvi].
Additionally, the abundance of limestone resources in the area further cemented the choice of Cape Leeuwin as this could be used as the primary construction material, reducing costs.
Despite avid discussions, little action was taken until the 1873 Conference of the Principal Marine Officers of Marine Departments of the Australasian Colonies restarted efforts to construct a station on the south-western corner. Delays continued well into the 1890's until the premier of Western Australia, Sir John Forrest, made the executive decision to fund the construction of a lighthouse from his own treasury. Initially advocating for a lighthouse to be constructed on an island off the coast, Sir Forrest was persuaded from this decision after discussions proved such a venture would be too costly. The abundance of limestone resources found on Cape Leeuwin (Doogalup) could be used as the primary construction material – an advantage that secured the site[xvii].
With the site and necessary monetary support secured, planning for a lighthouse at Cape Leeuwin began in 1894.
Design
William T Douglass, of