Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2020L01339:front:0:p10
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2020L01339
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 25060–28043

1996
This Plan is a generic document which covers several areas of foreshore land with harbour access within the Woollahra Municipality, including Lighthouse Reserve directly to the north of the Macquarie Lightstation.

The Plan contains similar objectives to the plan for Christison Park, including preservation and enhancement of public access and views to and from the Harbour.

Recreational Needs Assessment and Strategy 2006
The strategy provides Woollahra Council with planning direction to further develop and expand sporting and recreational resources and to improve efficiencies across the local government area. Christison Park is identified within this study as an active multi-purpose recreation reserve within the linear (coastal) reserve. The strategy proposes and recommends a number of improvements including improving path surfaces, installation of additional flood lighting, and undertaking measures to improve casual surveillance.

SECTION 4 –SITE DESCRIPTION AND HISTORY– COVER PAGE

4.     Site Description and History

Section 4 describes the history and environment of the Macquarie Lightstation Precinct and surrounding lands.

4.1. Macquarie Lightstation
Situated on Sydney Harbour's southern headland, Macquarie Lighthouse is a prominent regional landmark. The property is located on Old South Head Road, Vaucluse, within the Municipality of Woollahra, 10km by road from the central business district of Sydney.

The Lightstation covers an area of approximately 2.2ha in total. It is in a prominent position near the cliff top at the high point of the ridge. To the east sheer cliffs drop away to the Tasman Sea. To the west, bounded by Old South Head Road and residential development, the land slopes towards the harbour with excellent views to the city. Open parkland lies on the northern and southern boundaries.

The Lighthouse is one of a few prominent landmarks on Sydney Harbour and is representative of the vital link with and dependence of Australia on the sea. It is still used as a guiding light for ships.

The site has a strong maritime/institutional quality about it. Despite the lighthouse being a well known landmark, visually accessible around the harbour, on the ground the site itself feels 'special' and 'off-limits' as it is largely a fenced-off compound. The elevated, open and windswept character of the place reinforces this character and enhances the bold white, stoic appearance of the lighthouse.

The site represents over 200 years of European settlement and contains many remnants of structures associated with European occupation of the site, including part of the 1816 Greenway compound wall; the Head Keeper's Quarters dating from 1836; the Assistant Keepers' Quarters of 1881; Barnet's 1883 Lighthouse; a World War II observation post on the cliff face and a (since obscured) associated shaft and tunnel; remnant garden walls; and numerous other significant archaeological remains. A pile of stone blocks was located