Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L00078:reg:1990
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L00078
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 1990
Character Range: 36409–39260

1990          Swan Island (excluding lightstation) sold and is tranformed into holiday accomodation.[29]

22 Jun 2004   Swan Island Lighthouse included on the Commonwealth Heritage List.

  3.8 Changes and conservation over time
Owing to technological improvements made to navigational aids over the course of the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries, the Swan Island lighthouse underwent a number of alterations.

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 further additions. 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.

Recommendations made by Brewis included altering the character of the light, increasing the power of the light to 100,00 c.p., installing a Morse signal lamp and erecting a new oil store and workshop.[30]

Swan Island Light.
(20 miles from Eddystone Point.)
    Lat. 40º 44' S., Long. 148º 8' E., Chart No. 1706. – Established in the year 1845; last altered
1894.
    Character.- One white, fixed and flashing every minute. Dioptric, 1st Order, 20,000 c.p. Illuminant,
kerosene.
    Stone tower, 74 feet. Height of focal plane, 100 feet above high water. Visible, in clear weather,
16 nautical miles.
    Condition and State of Efficiency.- The light-house tower and apparatus are in good condition.
Clockwork mechanism has been renewed recently. By regulating the governor of this mechanism, the
speed of the flashes can be considerably increased.
    The buildings are old, but servicable. The sand blows have depreciated the land to a great extent.
    A new oil store and workshop are required.
    Three light-keepers are stationed here.
    Communication.- Quarterly by steamer carrying stores by contract.
    An acetylene Morse Lamp is required, to facilitate communication with passing vessels – necessary
    in case of emergency.
    RECOMMENDED.-
         (a)     The period of the light be increased to fixed and flashing every 30 seconds. No cost will
           be incurred in carrying this out, as the Head Light-keepers can effect the adjustment.
         (b)    The power of the light be increased from 20,000 to 100,000 c.p., and economy effected
           in the consumption of oil by installing an 85 mm. incandescent mantle; illuminant,
           vaporized kerosene.
         (c)     Acetylene Morse signal lamp be provided.
         (d)    New oil store and workshop be erected.

Alteration to the light
Changes to the light at Swan Island Lighthouse have occurred due to advances in technology. The table below lists the alterations made.

Date  Alterations