Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L00074:reg:1973
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L00074
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 1973
Character Range: 41759–44200

1973             Lighthouse destaffed.

  3.6  Changes and conservation over time
The following section details the changes and conservation efforts to have been carried out at Goods Island Lighthouse since its construction.
The Brewis Report
Commander CRW Brewis, retired naval surveyor, was commissioned in 1911 by the Commonwealth Government to report on the condition of existing lights and to recommend any additional ones. Brewis visited every lighthouse in Australia between June and December 1912, and produced a series of reports published in their final form in March 1913. These reports were the basis for future decisions made in relation to the individual lighthouses and provide a snapshot of the lightstation in the early 20th century.
Brewis recommended that Goods Island be given a distinctive character, have the light's intensity increased, and that an assistant keeper be employed.[xliv]
Goode Island Light.
(15 miles from Booby Island.)
Lat. 10° 34' S., Long. 142° 09' E., Chart No. 691.
This light was established in the year 1882, and last altered in 1887. An important signal station, connected by telephone with Thursday Island.
Character. – One white, fixed, dioptric, 4th order. Illuminant, kerosene. Candlepower, under 1,000.
Condition, &c. – The light-house tower and apparatus are in good order. A new roof is required to the light-keeper's dwelling, the verandah needs repair, new tanks should be provided, and the tramway requires renewals.
There is only one light-keeper at te station, so the present light though attended, is unwatched. – An assistant light-keeper is necessary, as the signal duties are occasionally very strenuous.

RECOMMENDED. –
(a)    The light be given a distinctive character by inserting a revolving cylinder, actuated by clockwork mechanism (to be wound every fifteen hours), thus converting the light from fixed to flashing. Light characteristic, one flash of one-third second duration every three seconds.
(b)    The power of the light be increased from under 1,000 c.p. to 5,000 c.p., by installing a 35 mm. incandescent mantle. Illuminant, vaporized kerosene. Visible, 24 nautical miles.
(c)    An assistant light-keeper be provided.

Alteration to the light
The following table details the changes to the Goods Island light since its exhibition in 1887.
Date             Alteration
7 February 1937  Light converted to automatic operation, acetylene light source installed.