Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2014L00095:body:0:p4
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2014L00095
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 8665–11593

property of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

This heritage management plan is concerned mainly with the lightstation, but also addresses the management of the surrounding land which forms the visual setting of the lightstation. The plan is intended to guide the decisions and actions of the GBRMPA and its two lessees at Dent Island — AMSA which continues to own and operate the lighthouse, and a private lessee who occupies the rest of the lightstation site. The GBRMPA and AMSA have prepared this plan jointly, to integrate the management of the heritage values of the lightstation in accordance with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the EPBC Act).

The 1879 lighthouse has been fitted with modern solar-powered lighting equipment, and operates automatically as a part of the AMSA network of aids to navigation. The equipment is serviced by AMSA's maintenance contractor who visits at least once per year. AMSA officers visit on an ad hoc basis for auditing, project and community liaison purposes.

The larger part of the lightstation outside the AMSA lease, containing two lightkeepers' houses and other ancillary structures, is leased to a private lessee who operates a golf course on Dent Island. The private lessee has carried out repairs to the buildings, grounds and services, and uses the houses to accommodate members of staff. The lightstation area is not open to visitors except by special arrangement.

The use of the lightstation and its setting is constrained by several management controls, including Commonwealth Islands zoning, permits and leases. Under the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Zoning Plan 2003, this part of Dent Island is designated a Commonwealth Islands Zone and may be used or entered without permission only for low impact (non-extractive) activities such as photography, filming, marine resources and limited educational programs. This heritage management plan is consistent with meeting the 'objectives of the zone' by ensuring minimal environmental impact.

Being well built and generally well maintained over the years, the buildings and other structures of the lightstation mostly remain in a good, stable condition. The policies and management regimes set out in this heritage management plan will ensure the Dent Island Lightstation's Commonwealth heritage values are recognised and maintained into the future.

   1. Introduction

1.1. Overview of the cultural significance of Dent Island Lightstation
Dent Island is in the Whitsunday Island Group of the Great Barrier Reef approximately 18 kilometres south-east of Shute Harbour (20º 20' 21" S and 148º 55' 48" E). A lighthouse has operated on the island continuously since 1879. The historic lightstation — comprised of the lighthouse and its ancillary structures and grounds — embodies important and evocative evidence of the historical development of aids to navigation along the