Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2020L01271:reg:2019:p14
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2020L01271
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 2019 (pt 14/24)
Character Range: 93403–99635

engineer-in-chief of the Public Works Department.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           As colonial architect James Barnet had retired and the Marine Board of NSW disbanded, Harding and Darley were responsible for the design and construction of the last lightstations that would complete the 'highway of lights'.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           A significant, ambitious and ultimately successful project of Francis Hixon and Barnet in the mid-late nineteenth century, Harding designed the Cape Byron Lightstation with architectural styling that was consistent with Barnet's earlier stations but incorporating technological advancements of the period.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           In the design and construction of the Cape Byron Lightstation, Harding and Darley made an important contribution to the completion of Hixon and Barnet's plan to illuminate the NSW coastline with lights and navigational aids.

State Heritage Register criterion (SHR)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Evidence/Explanation

SHR Criterion C – aesthetic significance

An item is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and/or a high degree of creative or technical achievement in NSW.
The Cape Byron Lighthouse (including moveable items) is of state heritage significance for its aesthetic and technical values.

Located within the Cape Byron Headland Reserve and sited prominently on the most eastern point of the Australian mainland, the Cape Byron Lighthouse is a relatively small but well-proportioned tower that reflects the consistent architectural design of the stations making up the 'highway of lights' along the NSW coastline. Retaining its unique French manufactured Henry-Lepaute first order lantern, bi-valve two panel lens and rotating mercury float mechanism, the Cape Byron Lighthouse is flanked by a compact group of simple Victorian Georgian buildings (including head keeper's and assistant keeper's quarters) that are visually complementary in alignment, scale, proportion and material.

It is the spectacular scenery and beauty of its location, however, that gives the Cape Byron Lightstation its great aesthetic appeal. The convergence of the natural and cultural environment and the evocative image of the tower standing against the expanse of the Pacific Ocean resonates with the NSW community, making it a landmark in the state.

Technically, the Cape Byron Lightstation is also of state heritage significance as it contains Australia's only Henry-Lepaute lantern and optic on a rotating mercury float mechanism. Considered leading optical technology at the turn of the 20th century, this optical system is still in operation as a marine aid to navigation today and its retention is of great value to the significance of the Cape Byron Lightstation.
SHR Criterion D – social significance                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 The Cape Byron Lightstation (including moveable items) is of state heritage significance for its social values.

An item has strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group in NSW for social, cultural or spiritual reasons.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             As well as historic social value to the Bundjalung people of Byron Bay, the Cape Byron headland has a thriving