Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L01056:reg:2022:p11
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L01056
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 2022 (pt 11/13)
Character Range: 30404–33224

Leeuwin (Doogalup) could be used as the primary construction material – an advantage that secured the site[xvii].
With the site and necessary monetary support secured, planning for a lighthouse at Cape Leeuwin began in 1894.
Design
William T Douglass, of the renowned British lighthouse engineers, served as consultant engineer and architect for the Cape Leeuwin light. His designs incorporated local stone resources, limestone and granite.
However, the colonial architect of the time, George T Poole, made modifications to Douglass' designs. Fenestration, the base shape of the tower, and the number of windows was altered resulting in completion of a lighthouse in 1896 that didn't match Douglass' original design[xviii].
Figure 11. Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse drawing. Image courtesy of the National Archives of Australia, NAA: K1371, WN/01/036/01 (© Commonwealth of Australia, National Archives of Australia)

The plans for the lighthouse indicated the desire for a limestone tower and quarters with a supplementary red light. Alongside the tower, two cottages were to be constructed of limestone which would serve as the residence of the keepers.
Construction
On 17 January 1895, tenders were called by the Director of Public Works, Mr AW Venn for construction of a lighthouse. Davies and Wishart had their tender of £7,782.11.6 accepted and were chosen as the successful contractors for the lighthouse's construction (price excluded dome and apparatus). The lantern allegedly cost an additional £425 and the optical apparatus a further £4,069[xix].
In August 1895, the iron barque West Riding sailing from London was declared 'lost' after it failed to arrive in Fremantle. The barque had been carrying the light apparatus destined for Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse and its loss delayed the lighthouse's completion as new orders had to be sent to London. In December, 1895, the foundation stone was laid at the site[xx]. However, the site was not as stable as first believed and no less than seven metres of earth had to be excavated to reach the solid bedrock below. The site then required approximately 420 cubic metres of concrete and 760 cubic metres of masonry to fill in the hole and serve as a suitable foundation[xxi].  Limestone for the 39-metre tower and four accompanying cottages was quarried locally.
Opening day for the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, on 10th December 1986, was a momentous event for the state of Western Australia. The premier dedicated the lighthouse to the mariners of the world and a time capsule was laid with the foundation stone which read:
Foundation Stone
Laid by Hon. Sir John Forrest KCMC
Premier of the Colony
13th December 1895

The Notice to Mariners on 10 December 1986 read:
    The Marine Board has been notified that the new light at Cape Leeuwin (W.A) will be displayed on and after