Cape du Couedic Lighthouse Heritage Management Plan 2023

5. Heritage significance

5.1 Commonwealth heritage listing – Cape du Couedic Lighthouse

5.2 SA State heritage register listing – Cape du Couedic Lighthouse

5.3 Condition and integrity of Commonwealth heritage values

5.4 Gain or loss of Commonwealth heritage values

6. Opportunities and constraints

6.1 Implications arising from significance

6.2 Framework: sensitivity to change

6.3 Statutory and legislative requirements

6.4 Operational requirements and occupier needs

6.5 Proposals for change

6.6 Potential pressures

6.7 Processes for decision-making

7. Conservation management principles and policies

8. Policy implementation plan

8.1 Plan and schedule

8.2 Monitoring and reporting

Appendices

Appendix 1. Glossary of heritage conservation terms

Appendix 2. Glossary of historic lighthouse terms relevant to Cape du Couedic Lighthouse

Appendix 3. Table demonstrating compliance with the EPBC Regulations

Appendix 4. Cape du Couedic current light details

Endnotes

Reference list

List of Figures

Figure 1. Cape du Couedic Lighthouse (© AMSA, 2020)

Figure 2. Planning process applied for heritage management (Source: Australia ICOMOS, 1999)

Figure 3. Location of Cape du Couedic Lighthouse within Australia (Map data: Google Earth, SIO, NOAA, U.S. Navy, NGA, GEBCO. Image: Landsat/Copernicus)

Figure 4. Location of Cape du Couedic Lighthouse along Kangaroo Island coast (Map data: Google

Earth, SIO, NOAA, U.S. Navy, NGA, GEBCO. Image: Landsat/Copernicus)

Figure 5. Location of lighthouse on Cape du Couedic (Map data: Google Earth, SIO, NOAA, U.S.

Navy, NGA, GEBCO. Image: © 2022 CNES/Airbus, © 2022 TerraMetrics)

Figure 6. Surrounding vegetation on Cape du Couedic (© AMSA, 2020)

Figure 7. Cape du Couedic Lighthouse Map of Lease, 2017 (Map data: DigitalGlobe Imagery Tile

Service, DigitalGlobe Inc. ESRI World Streetmap)

Figure 8. Access path to Cape du Couedic Lighthouse tower (© AMSA, 2021)

Figure 9. Incandescent oil vapour lamp by Chance Brothers (Source: AMSA)

Figure 10. Dioptric lens on display at Narooma (Source: AMSA)

Figure 11. Dalén's system - sunvalve, mixer, and flasher (Source: AMSA)

Figure 12. Cape du Couedic Lighthouse: Outline drawing showing inside and outside galleries to be

constructed ready for fixing, 1909. Image courtesy of the NAA: A9568, 4/8/1 (© Commonwealth of Australia, National Archives of Australia)

Figure 13. Cape du Couedic Lighthouse, 1917. Image courtesy of the NAA: A6247, A56/2 (©

Commonwealth of Australia, National Archives of Australia)

Figure 14. Barrenjoey Lighthouse, NSW (© AMSA, 2009)

Figure 15. Cape du Couedic Lighthouse (© AMSA, 2021)

Acronym List

List of acronyms utilised throughout this heritage management plan:

Executive summary

Built in 1909, Cape du Couedic Lighthouse was constructed to assist vessels traversing the western waters of Kangaroo Island (South Australia) after a number of ships were wrecked in the late 19th century. The lighthouse is notable for its heritage significance and was placed on the Commonwealth Heritage List in 2004 for its association with South Australia’s maritime and economic history. It is also renowned as being the last lighthouse to be built by the State Government before lighthouse management was transferred to the Commonwealth. The lighthouse is also significant for its inclusion within a relatively intact lightstation complex, and for its aesthetic qualities as a prominent landmark upon the cape.

Cape du Couedic Lighthouse was also listed on the South Australian Heritage Register in 1980. The site is of great historical significance to the Kangaroo Island community.

Situated approximately 95.2 kilometres south-west of Kingscote, and approximately 209.9 kilometres south-west of South Australia’s capital city, Adelaide, the lighthouse stands upon Cape du Couedic on Cape du Couedic Road. The lighthouse was designed by Assistant Engineer of Harbours J.B. Labatt, and construction of the lightstation began in 1907 which included a jetty, flying fox, three keepers’ cottages and a store. As a working marine aid to navigation (AtoN), the Lighthouse tower is operated and managed by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

The lighthouse was originally fitted with a kerosene-powered 1st Order Chance Bros. lens which was removed in 1957. The current LED optical array is now housed within a 375mm Chance Bros. lens which operates on an automated mechanism as part of AMSA’s AtoN network. 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, which includes three keepers’ cottages built in 1909, lies outside of AMSA’s curtilage and is managed by the South Australian State Government. The lighthouse tower is not open to public access.

This heritage management plan is primarily concerned with the lighthouse, however it also addresses the management of the surrounding precinct and land. The plan is intended to guide AMSA’s decisions and actions. AMSA’s Heritage Team has prepared this plan to integrate the heritage values of the lightstation in accordance with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth), and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000 (Cth).

Being well built and generally well maintained, the lighthouse precinct is in relatively good, stable condition. The policies and management guidelines set out in this heritage management plan strive to ensure that the Commonwealth heritage values of Cape du Couedic Lighthouse are recognised, maintained, and preserved for future generations.

Decorative cover page with reads '1. Introduction'

1. Introduction

1.1 Background and purpose

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is the Commonwealth agency responsible for coastal aids to navigation (AtoN). AMSA’s network includes Cape du Couedic Lighthouse, built in 1909.

Section 341S of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act) requires AMSA to prepare a management plan for Cape du Couedic Lighthouse that addresses the matters prescribed in Schedules 7A and 7B of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000 (Cth) (EPBC Regulations). The principal features of this management plan are:

• a description of the place, its heritage values, their condition and the method used to assess its significance
• an administrative management framework
• a description of any proposals for change
• an array of conservation policies that protect and manage the place
• an implementation plan
• ways the policies will be monitored and how the management plan will be reviewed.

AMSA’s Heritage Team has prepared this heritage management plan to guide the future conservation of the place. This plan provides the framework and basis for the conservation and best practice management of Cape du Couedic Lighthouse in recognition of its heritage values. The policies in this plan indicate the objectives for identification, protection, conservation and presentation of the commonwealth heritage values of the place. Figure 2 shows the basic planning process applied.

Flowchart showing planning process for heritage management.

Figure 2. Planning process applied for heritage management (Source: Australia ICOMOS, 1999)

1.2 Heritage management plan objectives

The objectives of this heritage management plan are to:

• protect, conserve and manage the Commonwealth heritage values of Cape du Couedic Lighthouse
• interpret and promote the Commonwealth heritage values of Cape du Couedic Lighthouse
• manage use of the lighthouse
• use best practice standards, including ongoing technical and community input, and apply best available knowledge and expertise when considering actions likely to have a substantial impact on Commonwealth heritage values.

In undertaking these objectives, this plan aims to:

• provide for the protection and conservation of the heritage values of the place while minimising any impacts on the environment by applying the relevant environmental management requirements in a manner consistent with Commonwealth heritage management principles.
• take into account the significance of the region as a cultural landscape occupied by Aboriginal people over many thousands of years.
• recognise that the site has been occupied by lease holders since the early 20th century.
• encourage site use that is compatible with the historical fabric, infrastructure and general environment.
• record and document maintenance works, and changes to the fabric in Cape du Couedic Lighthouse fabric register.

The organisational planning cycle and associated budgeting process is used to confirm requirements, allocate funding and manage delivery of maintenance activities. Detailed planning for the AtoN network is managed through our internal planning processes.

An interactive map showing many of AMSA’s heritage sites, including Cape du Couedic Lighthouse, can be found at AMSA Heritage Lighthouses Interactive MapP0FP0F[i]PP.

1.3 Methodology

The methodology used in the preparation of this plan is consistent with the recommendations of The Burra Charter and with the requirements of Chapter 5, Part 15 Division 1A of the EPBC Act. In particular, the plan:

• details the history of the site based on information sourced from archival research, expert knowledge, and documentary resources.
• provides a description of the site based on information sourced from site inspection reports and fabric registers.
• details the Commonwealth heritage criteria satisfied by Cape du Couedic Lighthouse as set out by schedule 7A of the EPBC Regulations.

The criterion set out at Schedule 7A (h) (i-xiii) informed the development of the required policies for the management of the Cape du Couedic Lighthouse, in conjunction with input from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) on best practice management.

Consultation

In preparation of the plan, AMSA consulted with the Ramindjeri Heritage Association Inc. under direction from Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, SA Department of the Premier and Cabinet (AAR DPC). AMSA was provided with information on the history of the island and past and present associations held, and this was incorporated within the plan.

The draft management plan was advertised in accordance with the EPBC Act and EPBC Regulations. On 7 March 2022 a notice was placed in The Australian newspaper publication which invited the general public to review the draft plan on AMSA’s website and provide feedback. Public consultation closed on 1 April 2022 and submissions were considered by AMSA’s Heritage Team.

A developed draft was submitted to the Minister through the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (Heritage Branch) and in that process the Minister’s delegate sought advice from the Australian Heritage Council and found the plan to be not inconsistent with the requirements of EPBC Act and EPBC Regulations.

Future updates and amendments will be listed here.

1.4 Status

This plan has been adopted by AMSA in accordance with Schedule 7A (Management plans for Commonwealth Heritage places) and Schedule 7B (Commonwealth Heritage management principles) of the EPBC Regulations to guide the management of the place and for inclusion in the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments.

1.5 Authorship

This plan has been prepared by AMSA. At the initial time of publication, the Australian Maritime Systems Group (AMSG) is the contract maintenance provider for the Commonwealth Government’s AtoN network including Cape du Couedic Lighthouse.

1.6 Acknowledgements

AMSA acknowledges the professional assistance of the AAR DPC, and the Ramindjeri Heritage Association Inc.

1.7 Language

For clarity and consistency, some words in this plan such as restoration, reconstruction and preservation, are used with the meanings defined in the Burra Charter[ii]. (See Appendix 1 Glossary of heritage conservation terms). Also see ‘Appendix 2 Glossary of lighthouse terminology relevant to Cape du Couedic which sets out the technical terminology used in this plan.

1.8 Previous reports

• A Heritage Lighthouse Report was prepared by Peter Marquis-Kyle for AMSA in 2006.[iii]
• A Heritage Asset Condition Report (5th Revision) was prepared by AMSG in 2021 for AMSA.[iv]

1.9 Sources of information and images

This plan has used a number of sources of information. This includes the National Archives of Australia (NAA), the National Library of Australia (NLA) and AMSA’s heritage collection.

Decorative cover page with reads '2. Cape du Couedic Lighthouse site'

2. Cape du Couedic Lighthouse site

2.1 Location

Cape du Couedic Lighthouse lies off the coast of South Australia on Kangaroo Island. As Australia’s third-largest island, Kangaroo Island is approximately 4405 kilometres-squared in size with its largest settlement being the township of Kingscote on the north-eastern coast.

The lighthouse is located on the far south-western shore of Kangaroo Island on Cape du Couedic Road, approximately 95.2 kilometres south-west of Kingscote, and approximately 209.9 kilometres south-west of South Australia’s capital city, Adelaide.

Lighthouse coordinates: 36° 03.4780' S, 136° 42.3250' E

Satellite map showing Australian continent, a red marker indicates location of Cape du Couedic on south coast.

Figure 3. Location of Cape du Couedic Lighthouse within Australia (Map data: Google Earth, SIO, NOAA, U.S. Navy, NGA, GEBCO. Image: Landsat/Copernicus)

2.2 Setting and landscape

The lighthouse is situated within Flinders Chase National Park. Comprised of three parcels of land, the park has an area of approximately 326.61 kilometres-squared.

The lightstation, constructed on a far south-western promontory of the island, consists of the lighthouse tower, three former keepers’ cottages and store room. The collection of buildings are all within close proximity to each other on the promontory, and contribute to the visual aesthetic of the region. Although the lighthouse tower is the only building to have retained its original function, the site demonstrates a relatively intact lightstation.

Satellite map of Kangaroo island, red marker indicates location of Cape du Couedic on south-west coast of island.Figure 4. Location of Cape du Couedic Lighthouse along Kangaroo Island coast (Map data: Google Earth, SIO, NOAA, U.S. Navy, NGA, GEBCO. Image: Landsat/Copernicus) Satellite map of Cape du Couedic, red marker indicates location of lighthouse.

Figure 5. Location of lighthouse on Cape du Couedic (Map data: Google Earth, SIO, NOAA, U.S. Navy, NGA, GEBCO. Image: © 2022 CNES/Airbus, © 2022 TerraMetrics)

Fauna and flora

Kangaroo Island is considered a sanctuary for a number of floral and faunal species. Most species observed today were introduced around the turn of the 20th century. Flinders Chase National Park is also classified as an International Union for the Conservation of Nature Category II Protected Area.

Faunal species include:

Tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii)
Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus)
Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)
New Zealand fur-seal (Arctocephalus forsteri)
Western grey kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosus fuliginosus)

Bird species on Kangaroo Island include:

Glossy black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami)
White-bellied sea-eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
Bush stone-curlew (Burhinus grallarius)
Australian bittern (Botaurus poiciloptilus)
Shy heath-wren (Hyacola cauta)
Bassian thrush (Zoothera lunulata)
Shining bronze-cuckoo (Chrysococcyx lucidus)
Hooded plover (Thinornis rubricollis)
Cape Barren goose (Cereopis novaehollandiae)
Fairy tern (Sterna nereis)

Various feral species such as goat, pig and cat exist on the island with various strategies in place to contain such populations.

Native floral species on Kangaroo Island include:

Late donky orchid (Diuris brevifolia)
Kangaroo Island daisy (Achnophora tatei)
Twining finger flower (Cheiranthera volubilis)
Island logania (Logania insularis)

Further information on the fauna and flora of Kangaroo Island can be accessed from the ‘Flinders Chase National Park, Kelly Hill Conservation Park, Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area and Cape Bouguer Wilderness Protection Area Management Plans’.[v] Photograph of dirt path lined with green vegetation. A white, arched shed stands further down the path.

Figure 6. Surrounding vegetation on Cape du Couedic (© AMSA, 2020)

2.3 Lease and management

AMSA lease the lighthouse and land from the SA Department for Environment and Water (DEW), the state body responsible for Flinders Chase National Park.

The AMSA lease consists of two parcels of land:

Lot A: GP 608/1993
Lot B: GP 608/1993 (approximately 100 meter-squared)

The lighthouse tower sits within Lot B. The current lease was signed 8 December 1993.

The lease stipulates that AMSA must comply with any applicable management plan and State environmental laws. In the case of Cape du Couedic, AMSA must comply with the Flinders Chase National Park, Kelly Hill Conservation Park, Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area and Cape Bouguer Wilderness Protection Area Plan of Management.[vi] Map of AMSA lease showing lease parcel of lighthouse site.

Figure 7. Cape du Couedic Lighthouse Map of Lease, 2017 (Map data: DigitalGlobe Imagery Tile Service, DigitalGlobe Inc. ESRI World Streetmap)

2.4 Access

Kangaroo Island can be accessed by either ferry or authorised plane/helicopter. Sealed roads are found across the Island. A sealed road, Cape du Couedic Road, runs to the lightstation with parking available. Pedestrians can travel approximately 60 metres from the road along Lighthouse Heritage Walk to reach the foot of the tower, where access around the external base is possible.

Due to internal hazards and the installation of critical navigational equipment, access inside the lighthouse tower is restricted to authorised personnel and AMSA employees and contractors.

2.5 Listings

Cape du Couedic Lighthouse is listed on the following heritage registers:

Photograph of a dirt path leading past green vegetation and a white, arched shed to a stone lighthouse tower with red dome.Figure 8. Access path to Cape du Couedic Lighthouse tower (© AMSA, 2021)

Decorative cover page with reads '3. History'

3. History

3.1 General history of lighthouses in Australia

The first lighthouse to be constructed on Australian soil was Macquarie Lighthouse, located at the entrance to Port Jackson, NSW. First lit in 1818, the cost of the lighthouse was recovered through the introduction of a levy on shipping. This was instigated by Governor Lachlan Macquarie, who ordered and named the light.

The following century oversaw the construction of hundreds of lighthouses around the country. Constructing and maintaining a lighthouse were costly ventures that often required the financial support of multiple colonies. However, they were deemed necessary aids in assisting the safety of mariners at sea. Lighthouses were firstly managed by the colony they lay within, with each colony developing their own style of lighthouse and operational system. Following Federation in 1901, which saw the various colonies unite under one Commonwealth government, lighthouse management was transferred from state hands to the Commonwealth Lighthouse Service.

Lamps and optics: an overview

Lighthouse technology has altered drastically over the centuries. Eighteenth century lighthouses were lit using parabolic mirrors and oil lamps. Documentation of early examples of parabolic mirrors in the United Kingdom, circa 1760, were documented as consisting of wood and lined with pieces of looking glass or plates of tin. As described by Searle, “When light hits a shiny surface, it is reflected at an angle equal to that at which it hit. With a light source is placed in the focal point of a parabolic reflector, the light rays are reflected parallel to one another, producing a concentrated beam”.[x]

In 1822, Augustin Fresnel invented the dioptric glass lens. By crafting concentric annular rings with a convex lens, Fresnel had discovered a method of reducing the amount of light absorbed by a lens. The Dioptric System was adopted quickly with Cordouran Lighthouse (France), which was fitted with the first dioptric lens in 1823. The majority of heritage-listed lighthouses in Australia house dioptric lenses made by others such as Chance Brothers (United Kingdom), Henry-LePaute (France), Barbier, Bernard & Turenne (BBT, France) and Svenska Aktiebolaget Gasaccumulator (AGA of Sweden). These lenses were made in a range of standard sizes, called orders—see ‘Appendix 2. Glossary of lighthouse Terms relevant to Cape du Couedic Lighthouse’.

A photograph of an incandescent kerosene burner with green tanks and manual pumping handle attached. Photograph showing large lighthouse lens with hundreds of prismatic glass pieces arranged in concentric circles. Lens is sitting on a round, green pedestal.

Figure 9. Incandescent oil vapour lamp by Chance Brothers (Source: AMSA)

Figure 10. Dioptric lens on display at Narooma (Source: AMSA)

Early Australian lighthouses were originally fuelled by whale oil and burned in Argand lamps, and multiple wicks were required in order to create a large flame that could be observed from sea. By the 1850s, whale oil had been replaced by colza oil, which was in turn replaced by kerosene, a mineral oil.

In 1900, incandescent burners were introduced. This saw the burning of fuel inside an incandescent mantle which produced a brighter light with less fuel within a smaller volume. Light keepers were required to maintain pressure to the burner by manually pumping a handle as can be seen in Figure 9.

In 1912, Swedish engineer Gustaf Dalén, was awarded the Nobel Prize in physics for a series of inventions relating to acetylene-powered navigation lights. Dalén’s system included the sun valve, the mixer, the flasher, and the cylinder containing compressed acetylene. Due to their efficiency and reliability, Dalén’s inventions led to the gradual destaffing of lighthouses. Acetylene was quickly adopted by the Commonwealth Lighthouse Service from 1915 onwards.

Photograph split into three. First photo shows a lighthouse sunvalve. Second photo shows a red lighthouse mixer. Third photo shows a red lighthouse flasher.

Figure 11. Dalén's system - sunvalve, mixer and flasher (Source: AMSA)

Large dioptric lenses, such as that shown in Figure 10, gradually decreased in popularity due to cost and the move towards unmanned automatic lighthouses. By the early 1900s, Australia had stopped ordering these lenses with the last installed at Eclipse Island in Western Australia in 1927. Smaller Fresnel lenses continued to be produced and installed until the 1970s when plastic lanterns, still utilising Fresnel’s technology, were favoured instead. Acetylene remained in use until it was finally phased out in the 1990s.

In the current day, Australian lighthouses are lit and extinguished automatically using mains power, diesel generators, and solar-voltaic systems.

3.2 The Commonwealth Lighthouse Service

When the Australian colonies federated in 1901, they decided that the new Commonwealth government would be responsible for coastal lighthouses—that is, major lights used by vessels travelling from port to port—but not the minor lights used for navigation within harbours and rivers. There was a delay before this new arrangement came into effect. Existing lights continued to be operated by the states.

Since 1915, various Commonwealth departments have managed lighthouses. AMSA, established under the Australian Maritime Safety Authority Act 1990 (Cth), is now responsible for operating Commonwealth lighthouses and other aids to navigation, along with its other functions.

3.3 Cape du Couedic: a history

Aboriginal history
Kangaroo Island has an extensive history, and the island is embedded in the Ngurunderi Dreaming Story.

Ngurunderi, an ancestral being, chased two of his wives along the coastline of Encounter Bay. When they tried to cross the waters to Kangaroo Island, Ngurunderi made the ocean rise and flood what is now known as Backstairs Passage. His wives were drowned and became the Pages Islands. Ngurunderi then travelled to Kangaroo Island where, at the far end of the island at Admiral’s Arch, he threw his spears down into the sea which created the Casuarina Islets. Ngurunderi then cleansed himself in the ocean before passing into the spirit world.

More than 100 cultural heritage sites, which include stone artefact scatters, have been uncovered on the island, and radiocarbon dating undertaken on the western end of the island demonstrated the presence of Aboriginal groups for thousands of years.

Sally, also known as Kalinga and Princess Con, is a notable figure in the history of the island. Sally was the daughter of King Condoy, the headman of Ramindjeri. In the late 1820s, Sally was taken from her home in Cape Jervis by sealers to King George Sound, and then onto Kangaroo Island by the early 1830s. She later married William Walker and had two sons, George and Joseph who were both born on the island.

Early European history

Kangaroo Island was first sighted by British explorer Matthew Flinders aboard the HMS Investigator on 23 March 1802. Flinders had landed on the north coast of Dudley Peninsula and, after noting the large number of western grey kangaroo present, named the landmass ‘Kangaroo Island’.[xi] The island was circumnavigated and mapped by French explorer Commander Nicolas Baudin’s party aboard the Le Geographe, and the Le Casurina where the south coast was surveyed. The cape was named after celebrated French captain Charles Louis Chevalier du Couedic de Kergoualer, however some maps erroneously spelt it as Cape du Couedie which was not rectified until 1905.[xii]

In 1836, the First Fleet of South Australia reportedly stopped in at the island’s Nepean Bay en route to the mainland. These ships, such as the Duke of York, the Lady Mary Pelham, and the Africaine, carried the first European settlers that would establish the city of Adelaide and the colony of South Australia. The first colonial settlement on Kangaroo Island was Kingscote (originally Reeves Point) established in July 1836.[xiii]

The 1840s saw the operation of whaling stations on the island’s coastline. Shipping around Kangaroo Island also grew exponentially during this time period as the island sat on either side of the Backstairs Passage and the Investigator Strait, two key shipping routes. Increased shipping led to many instances of shipwrecks around the island, which in turn led to the construction of lighthouses: Cape Willoughby in 1852 and Cape Borda in 1858.

3.4 Why Cape du Couedic?

Up until 1909, vessels travelling from the western Australian coastline to the eastern colonies were left blind until reaching Cape Borda Lighthouse on the north-western coast of Kangaroo Island. However, the light from Cape Borda was often obscured from the view of ships traversing waters close to the island if carried in strong currents too far south.[xiv] The consequence of this was reflected in the loss of both ships and life.

By the end of the 19th century, a number of vessels had been lost in the waters by the island. In 1877, the Emily Smith was wrecked in the vicinity with a loss of life, and the Mars was wrecked in 1885 with eight lives lost.[xv] However the largest disaster occurred on 24 April 1899, when the Loch Sloy was wrecked on breakers by the island. 31 lives were lost, with four men managing to swim to shore. Three of the men were able to make it to nearby civilisations, however one man perished.[xvi]

Public outrage ensued following the wrecking, and the government was criticised for a lack of consideration for sailors traversing a dangerous coast. In the months following the loss of the Loch Sloy, the Marine Board consulted with mariners, presenting to them two possible positions for a light: South Neptune Island and Cape du Couedic. Of the two, South Neptune Island was favoured by the mariners as it was determined that a light on this position would assist vessels carried by an easterly current to a position where the Cape Borda light was obscured by cliffs.[xvii] However, Captain P. Weir of Adelaide argued the following:

‘The south side of Kangaroo Island is, however, exceedingly dangerous by reason of the rocky coast and the reefs which abound, and is without a single lighthouse to warn mariners of their danger….Had this lighthouse [Cape du Couedic] been in existence the Loch Sloy would probably have been afloat to-day, and many lives would have been spared.’[xviii]

No immediate action was taken following these discussions, and in 1905, the Loch Vennachar was wrecked between Cape Borda and Cape du Couedic. Twenty-six lives were lost, and the government faced increasing pressure for a lighthouse to be constructed.[xix] Finally, Cape du Couedic was chosen as the site.

3.5 Building a lighthouse

Design

The original designs of the proposed Cape du Couedic Lighthouse were created by Mr J.B. Labatt, Assistant Engineer of Harbours, and included a sandstone tower with concrete balcony and staircase.[xx] The ground floor design also depicted two front doors, an inner and outer door. The purpose of this design was to ensure winds from the lighthouse would not impact the two sector lights located on the ground floor. Only one set of doors were permitted open at any one time.[xxi]

Construction

Workmen first arrived on Kangaroo Island on 4 October 1907, and a jetty at Weir’s Cove approximately one kilometre from site was the first structure to be built. These works were overseen by Inspector G. Wisdom. Initially, materials for the station were carted up a zig-zag path up the cliffs before a flying fox was constructed, enabling materials to be towed up the cliff instead.[xxii]

The works on the lightstation were overseen by Labatt and a Mr Lucas. Sandstone for the tower and cottages were quarried locally, and by early 1909, despite battling the elements on an exposed site, the construction of the tower was well underway. Three cottages were constructed of sandstone, and positioned in a low-lying area so as to reduce the impact from the winds on the cape.[xxiii]

Captain Weir suggested a temporary light be exhibited throughout the duration of the construction, and the masthead light from Weir’s ship, the Governor Musgrave, was installed onsite and maintained by the workmen.

In the tower itself, two sector lights, one red, one white, were installed in order to warn vessels of the nearby Lipsons Reef and Casuarina Islands. A 12’9” Chance Bros. lantern was constructed at the top of the sandstone tower, and a 1st Order 6 panel lens installed.

Drawing of Cape du Couedic lantern house and lens with various scribbles of specifications and measurements.

Figure 12. Cape du Couedic Lighthouse: Outline drawing showing inside and outside galleries to be constructed ready for fixing, 1909. Image courtesy of the NAA: A9568, 4/8/1 (© Commonwealth of Australia, National Archives of Australia)[xxiv]

Equipment when built

The Cape du Couedic light was first exhibited on 27 June 1909. The event was attended by members of the Marine Board including the President Mr Arthur. Labatt was also present at the event, however inclement weather forbade members from disembarking. When the light was lit for the first time by the keepers, the Marine Board members watched from the Governor Musgrave captained by Weir. The event was therefore considered a ‘keen disappointment’.[xxv]

The lighthouse stood as a 17 metre sandstone tower with a red and white Chance Bros. lantern. Although records determined the tower was painted with red and white bands, it is believed the tower was bare sandstone as found at the site today.[xxvi] It was reported in the ‘Notice to Mariners’ that the light was double-flashing, with each flash lasting for 7.5 seconds, and an eclipse of 0.33 seconds. The tower was accompanied by the three sandstone keepers’ cottages which was approximately 160 metres from the lighthouse. It is believed the total cost of the lightstation was around £16,000.[xxvii]

Light keeping

The first keepers to be stationed at Cape du Couedic were Mr. G.G. Duthie as Headkeeper, Mr G. E. Luckett as second-keeper, and Mr G. Marment as third-keeper. All three men were described as coming from experienced lightkeeping backgrounds, Duthie had previously been stationed at Troubridge Shoal, and Luckett had worked at Cape Northumberland Lighthouse prior to his posting at Cape du Couedic.[xxviii] Despite this experienced team, life at the station was not without peril. In 1910, just 13 months after Cape du Couedic was first lit, third keeper Marment was drowned near South Neptune Island while fishing.[xxix] Black and white photograph of stone lighthouse tower surrounded by low-lying vegetation. A white, arched shed stands a little distance away from the tower, and the sea can be seen behind.

Figure 13. Cape du Couedic Lighthouse, 1917. Image courtesy of the NAA: A6247, A56/2 (© Commonwealth of Australia, National Archives of Australia)[xxx]

An oversight in the lighthouse’s construction also resulted in serious injuries. The lantern

installed at the tower did not arrive with an internal or external catwalk which made cleaning the lantern glazing difficult. The Headkeeper in 1929, H.H. Beare, broke his ribs and suffered internal injuries when he fell approximately 21 metres from the tower while cleaning the glazing. After great difficulty in getting Beare to Kingscote via car, and then onto Adelaide by air, he made a full recovery.[xxxi]

Due to the rough road to the lighthouse, supplies were delivered via steamer and carried up the haulage way. Mail was delivered by horseback fortnightly.[xxxii] By the early 1950’s, shipping along Kangaroo Island had subsided considerably with vessels using Backstairs Passage and Investigator Strait instead.[xxxiii] By 1957, the lighthouse was automated and the keeper positions were terminated.

Keepers remained stationed at Cape du Couedic Lighthouse until the light was automated in 1957. The land was transferred to the State of South Australia with the Commonwealth retaining management of the lighthouse tower.

In 2019-2020, up to 96% of the Flinders Chase National Park was consumed by bushfires. The lightstation was left intact and unharmed.

3.6 Chronology of major events

The following table details the major events to have occurred at Cape du Couedic Lighthouse.

3.7 Changes and conservation over time

The following section details the changes and conservation efforts to have been carried out at Cape du Couedic 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 decision-making for the individual lighthouses and provide a snapshot of the Cape du Couedic lightstation in the early 20th century.[xlii]

Alteration to the light

The following table details the changes to the Cape du Couedic light since its exhibition in 1909.

For information on current light details, see ‘Appendix 4 Cape du Couedic Lighthouse current light details’.

Recent conservation works

The following table details the recent conservation works to have occurred at Cape du Couedic Lighthouse.

3.8 Summary of current and former uses

From its construction in 1909, Cape du Couedic Lighthouse has been used as a marine AtoN for mariners at sea. Its AtoN capability remains its primary use.

The cottages, once used to house the keepers stationed at Cape du Couedic Lighthouse, were utilised by Flinders University circa. 1980s. At the time this plan was written, the Cape du Couedic cottages are used for tourist accommodation under the management of SA Tourism Kangaroo Island.

3.9 Summary of past and present community associations

Aboriginal associations

The Cape du Couedic landscape maintains high significance due to its long Aboriginal history, and its part within the Ngurunderi Dreaming Story.

The Ramindjeri Heritage Association Inc. draw direct connection to King Condoy, headman of Ramindjeri, and Princess Con. Ramindjeri people observe the island to be a ‘gateway to heaven’, and maintain strong ties to the island and the Cape du Couedic landscape.

Local, national and international associations

Cape du Couedic Lighthouse is considered a significant site to the Kangaroo Island community, as well as to the wider state and national communities due to the site’s contribution to the history of maritime development in the early 20th century. There are also strong familial connections with the site due to its time as a staffed station from 1909-1957. The shipwrecks that occurred close to the cape have also cemented the site as one of tragedy and loss.

The surrounding Flinders Chase National Park is notable for its associations with national and international conservation efforts.

3.10 Unresolved questions or historical conflicts

A few dates are contested across various sources. Lighthouses of Australia Inc. determine that construction of the lightstation began in 1906, whereas Garry Searle in their publication “First Order: Australia’s highway of Lighthouses” determines that construction workers first arrived on Kangaroo Island in 1907, and that construction of the lighthouse did not commence until the jetty has been completed.

A full list of the keepers to have been stationed at Cape du Couedic is not available, however a partial list was compiled by Lighthouse of Australia Inc. and the Duthie Family and in available on the Lighthouses of Australia Inc. website.[xliii]

3.11 Recommendations for further research

Further investigation on the families stationed at the lightstation would provide greater insight into the social history of the lighthouse during its staffed life-span.

Decorative cover page with reads '4. Fabric register'