The cultural significance of the lighthouse resides in its fabric, and also in its intangible aspects, such as the meanings people ascribe to it, and the connections to other places and things. The survival of its cultural value depends on a well-informed understanding of what is significant, and on clear thinking about the consequences of change. The Burra Charter sets out good practice for conserving cultural significance.
Below, each part of the lighthouse is listed and the description, condition and significance of each part is discussed. Criterion listed under ‘Heritage Significance’ refer to the criterion satisfied within the specific Commonwealth heritage listing (see ‘Section 5.1’).
Lighthouse feature: Lantern roof
Photograph showing white lantern house and balcony topped with red dome.Photograph showing curved red dome ladder fitted to lighthouse dome.Photograph showing red weathervane sitting atop lighthouse dome. Various ex-keepers cottages can be seen in distance below.Photograph showing curved red dome roof of lighthouse tower.
1909 Chance Bros part-spherical dome of copper sheets lapped and screwed.
Ribs – not visible but presumed to be cast iron radial ribs
Inner skin – copper sheets screw fixed to ribs
Ventilator – drum type with wind vane attached
Wind vane – fixed
Gutter – circular ring of cast iron pieces bolted together
External ladder – curved iron ladder fixed to outside of roof
Handrails – one circular hand rail attached to lantern roof, another attached to top of ventilator drum
Ladder rail – has been removed and stored on the intermediate landing within the lighthouse
Downpipes – have been removed and stored on the intermediate landing within the lighthouse
Curtain rail – continuous rail attached to inner skin of roof
Drip tray – copper dish suspended under ventilator, with central hole for heat tube
Finish:
painted
Condition:
intact and sound
Integrity:
high
Significance:
high
Maintenance:
keep in service, prepare and repaint at normal intervals
Rectification works:
none
Heritage significance: High
The lantern roof is an original feature of the last lighthouse to be built in South Australia by the State Government, a site associated with the State’s maritime and economic history (criterion a).
Section 4 - Cape du Couedic Lighthouse Heritage Management Plan 2023 - Fabric | Zoe
The lantern roof is an original feature of a relatively intact early 20th century lightstation complex (criterion d).
The lantern roof contributes to the prominent aesthetic qualities of the tower (criterion e).
Lighthouse feature: Lantern glazing
Photograph showing lantern house with curved glazing panes, and a ladder fitted to external side.Photograph showing internal of lantern house with prismatic lens sitting behind curved glazing panes. Grey sea can be seen through panes.
Panes – curved rectangular glass, three tiers
Astragals – vertical astragals of rectangular section iron, bolted to gutter ring at top, and to lantern base below. Horizontal astragals of triangular section.
Finish:
astragals, cover strips and blank panels: paintedblank panels are formed of FRP
Condition:
intact and sound
Integrity:
high
Significance:
high
Maintenance:
keep in service, reglaze as necessary, prepare and repaint at normal intervals
Rectification works:
none
Heritage significance: High
The lantern glazing is an original feature of the last lighthouse to be built in South Australia by the State Government, a site associated with the State’s maritime and economic history (criterion a).
The lantern glazing is an original feature of a relatively intact early 20th century lightstation complex (criterion d).
The lantern glazing is an original feature of the lighthouse and contributes to its prominent aesthetic qualities (criterion e).
Lighthouse feature: Internal catwalk
Photograph showing curved internal catwalk fitted to edge of lantern room.Photograph showing a catwalk with railings fitted across internal of lantern house.Photograph showing wooden ladder fitted to lantern room hatch.Photograph showing underside of curved internal catwalk, bracketed to lantern room.
Post 1910 Chance Bros, cast iron lattice floor panels supported on solid cast iron brackets bolted to top of the lantern base.
1957 modification for acetylene conversion – five catwalk floor panels and their brackets removed, and infill floor installed at catwalk level, with timber planks supported on rolled steel joists spanning across the top of the lantern base. Galvanized pipe handrails and stanchions around access openings.
Ladder – fixed timber ladder with treads housed into strings
Finish:
painted
Condition:
intact and sound
Integrity:
high
Significance:
high
Maintenance:
keep in service, prepare and repaint at normal intervals
Rectification works:
none
Heritage significance: High
The internal catwalk is an early feature of the last lighthouse to be built in South Australia by the State Government, a site associated with the State’s maritime and economic history (criterion a).
The internal catwalk is an early feature of a relatively intact early 20th century lightstation complex (criterion d).
1909 Chance Bros, cylindrical in form. Curved panels of cast iron bolted together with flanged joints.
Internal lining – none (removed)
Vents – two horizontal slots in the bottom exterior of each panel, blocked off
Door – Chance Bros, iron skin with flat frame applied outside; iron inner frame and lining. Copper alloy hinges. Copper alloy mortise lock; inside knob replaced by steel lever, but outside bar handle still in place. Maker’s plaque attached to door.
Finish:
painted
Condition:
intact and sound
Integrity:
high
Significance:
high
Maintenance:
keep in service, prepare and repaint at normal intervals
Rectification works:
none
Heritage significance: High
The lantern base is an original feature of the last lighthouse to be built in South Australia by the State Government, a site associated with the State’s maritime and economic history (criterion a).
The lantern base is an original feature of a relatively intact early 20th century lightstation complex (criterion d).
The lantern base is an original feature of the lighthouse and contributes to its prominent aesthetic qualities (criterion e).
Lighthouse feature: Lantern floor
Photograph showing open floor hatch with curved staircase leading down to floor below. Photograph showing curved floor of lantern room.Photograph showing curved staircase leading up to hatch above.Photograph showing weight tube fitted to lantern floor above.
Access – stair covered by two trapezoidal timber framed and sheeted covers. Steel handrail.
Finish:
painted
Condition:
intact and sound
Integrity:
high
Significance:
high
Maintenance:
keep in service, prepare and repaint at normal intervals
Rectification works:
none
Heritage significance: High
The lantern floor is an original feature of the last lighthouse to be built in South Australia by the State Government, a site associated with the State’s maritime and economic history (criterion a).
The lantern floor is an original feature of a relatively intact early 20th century lightstation complex (criterion d).
keep in service, prepare and repaint at normal intervals
Rectification works:
none
Heritage significance: Moderate
The 1957 Chance Bros. lens is an important addition to the last lighthouse to be built in South Australia by the State Government, a site associated with the State’s maritime and economic history (criterion a).
keep in service, prepare and repaint at normal intervals
Rectification works:
none
Heritage significance: High
The balcony floor is an original feature of the last lighthouse to be built in South Australia by the State Government, a site associated with the State’s maritime and economic history (criterion a).
The balcony floor is an original feature of a relatively intact early 20th century lightstation complex (criterion d).
The balcony floor is an original feature of the lighthouse and contributes to its prominent aesthetic qualities (criterion e).
1909 Chance Bros cast iron stanchions with four iron pipe rails.
Finish:
painted
Condition:
intact and sound
Integrity:
high
Significance:
high
Maintenance:
keep in service, prepare and repaint at normal intervals
Rectification works:
none
Heritage significance: High
The balcony balustrades are an original feature of the last lighthouse to be built in South Australia by the State Government, a site associated with the State’s maritime and economic history (criterion a).
The balcony balustrades are an original feature of a relatively intact early 20th century lightstation complex (criterion d).
The balcony balustrades are an original feature of the lighthouse and contributes to its prominent aesthetic qualities (criterion e).
intact and sound, internal paint peeling in some areas, pointing in stone dressing around circular windows needs some minor repair
Integrity:
high
Significance:
high
Maintenance:
keep in service, monitor condition of pointing and stonework, prepare and repaint at normal intervals
Rectification works:
none
Heritage significance: High
The walls are an original feature of the last lighthouse to be built in South Australia by the State Government, a site associated with the State’s maritime and economic history (criterion a).
The walls are an original feature of a relatively intact early 20th century lightstation complex (criterion d).
The walls are an original feature of the lighthouse and contributes to its prominent aesthetic qualities (criterion e).
1909 circular windows with glass panes fixed into cast iron frames built into stonework. Rock faced stone dressings around the outside of the openings.
Finish:
cast iron frames: paintedglass: clear
Condition:
intact and sound
Integrity:
high
Significance:
high
Maintenance:
keep in service, prepare and repaint at normal intervals, monitor condition of repointing and stonework (window openings) and reseal as necessary
Rectification works:
none
Heritage significance: High
The windows are an original feature of the last lighthouse to be built in South Australia by the State Government, a site associated with the State’s maritime and economic history (criterion a).
The windows are an original feature of a relatively intact early 20th century lightstation complex (criterion d).
Two 1909 rectangular windows with glass panes fixed in iron frames built into stonework. Rock faced stone dressings around the outside of the openings.
Condition:
intact and sound
Integrity:
high
Significance:
high
Maintenance:
keep in service, prepare and repaint at normal intervals, reseal as necessary
Rectification works:
none
Heritage significance:
The auxiliary light windows are an original feature of the last lighthouse to be built in South Australia by the State Government, a site associated with the State’s maritime and economic history (criterion a).
The auxiliary light windows are an original feature of a relatively intact early 20th century lightstation complex (criterion d).
1909 vent openings incorporated in the tower masonry walls, with recent plastic weatherproof fixed vent cowls.
Finish:
bare plastic
Condition:
sound
Integrity:
high
Significance:
openings: highcowls: low
Maintenance:
keep in service
Rectification works:
none
Heritage significance: High
The vent openings are an original feature of the last lighthouse to be built in South Australia by the State Government, a site associated with the State’s maritime and economic history (criterion a).
The vent openings are an original feature of a relatively intact early 20th century lightstation complex (criterion d).
Lighthouse feature: Doors
Photograph showing arched timber double doors at base of stone lighthouse tower.Photograph showing date stone reading '1909' fitted above front door. A National Trust plaque is fitted above.Photograph showing half-glazed, internal double doors inside lighthouse tower.Photograph showing base of stone lighthouse tower with outer and inner tower doors standing ajar.
1909 timber doors in timber frames with arched tops.
Outer doors – a pair of framed door leaves, each with three panels of tongue and groove jointed boards, secured outside with pad-bolt and CLS padlock. Date is mounted above the outer doors.
Inner doors – a pair of half-glazed door leaves, each with single plain bottom panel. Both leaves have spring closers. One leaf has top and bottom bolts with extended handles, the other has iron cased rim-lock.
Finish:
timber: paintedglass: clear
Condition:
intact and sound
Integrity:
high
Significance:
high
Maintenance:
keep in service, prepare and repaint at normal intervals
Rectification works:
none
Heritage significance: High
The doors are an original feature of the last lighthouse to be built in South Australia by the State Government, a site associated with the State’s maritime and economic history (criterion a).
The doors are an original feature of a relatively intact early 20th century lightstation complex (criterion d).
The doors are an original feature of the lighthouse and contribute to its prominent aesthetic qualities (criterion e).
Lighthouse feature: Entrance stair
Photograph showing base of stone lighthouse tower with six stone steps leading from ground to front doors. Photograph showing sandstone stringer of entrance steps at base of lighthouse.
keep in service, prepare and repaint at normal intervals
Rectification works:
none
Heritage significance: High
The entrance stair is an original feature of the last lighthouse to be built in South Australia by the State Government, a site associated with the State’s maritime and economic history (criterion a).
The entrance stair is an original feature of a relatively intact early 20th century lightstation complex (criterion d).
The entrance stair is an original feature of the lighthouse and contributes to its prominent aesthetic qualities (criterion e).
Ladder rails earlier removed from the lantern are labelled and stored on site on an intermediate floor.
Finish:
painted
Condition:
intact and sound
Integrity:
high
Significance:
high
Maintenance:
keep in service, prepare and repaint at normal intervals
Rectification works:
none
Heritage significance: High
The intermediate floors are an original feature of the last lighthouse to be built in South Australia by the State Government, a site associated with the State’s maritime and economic history (criterion a).
The intermediate floors are an original feature of a relatively intact early 20th century lightstation complex (criterion d).
1909 reinforced concrete geometric stairs with integral string. Single iron handrail on iron stanchions. Extruded zinc strip on lip of each tread.
Finish:
painted
Condition:
intact and sound
Integrity:
high
Significance:
high
Maintenance:
keep in service, prepare and repaint at normal intervals
Rectification works:
none
Heritage significance: High
The stairs are an original feature of the last lighthouse to be built in South Australia by the State Government, a site associated with the State’s maritime and economic history (criterion a).
The stairs are an original feature of a relatively intact early 20th century lightstation complex (criterion d).
1909 riveted iron plate tube, off-set from the centre of the tower; between the lantern floor and the first floor of the tower.
Finish:
painted
Condition:
intact and sound
Integrity:
high
Significance:
high
Maintenance:
preserve, prepare and repaint at normal intervals
Rectification works:
none
Heritage significance: High
The weight tube is an original feature of the last lighthouse to be built in South Australia by the State Government, a site associated with the State’s maritime and economic history (criterion a).
The weight tube is an original feature of a relatively intact early 20th century lightstation complex (criterion d).
keep in service, prepare and repaint at normal intervals
Rectification works:
none
Heritage significance: High
The ground floor is an original feature of the last lighthouse to be built in South Australia by the State Government, a site associated with the State’s maritime and economic history (criterion a).
The ground floor is an original feature of a relatively intact early 20th century lightstation complex (criterion d).
Lighthouse feature: Power supply
Photograph showing electrical cabinet and battery racks.Photograph showing battery racks standing against wall of circular room.
Gravel apron approximately 4.0m wide around the base of the tower.
Finish:
gravel surface
Condition:
intact and sound
Integrity:
high
Significance:
high
Maintenance:
preserve gravel apron
Rectification works:
none
Heritage significance: High
The gravel apron remains part of the original footprint of the last lighthouse to be built in South Australia by the State Government, a site associated with the State’s maritime and economic history (criterion a).
The gravel apron remains part of the original footprint of a relatively intact early 20th century lightstation complex (criterion d).
4.2 Related object and associated AMSA artefacts
The following AMSA artefact/s are currently located at Cape du Couedic Lighthouse.
Photograph showing stone lighthouse tower with white lantern house and dome standing beside small annex with red roof. Photograph showing stone lighthouse tower with white lantern house and red dome.
Cape du Couedic Lighthouse bears some similarities with Barrenjoey Head Lighthouse (New South Wales). Constructed in 1881 under the guidance of Colonial Architect James Barnet, Barrenjoey Lighthouse was constructed of local sandstone which was left bare, as was done with Cape du Couedic. Both Barrenjoey and Cape du Couedic were originally fitted with a Chance Bros. lantern, Barrenjoey’s being slightly smaller measuring 700mm compared to Cape du Couedic’s 920mm.
Decorative cover page with reads '5. Heritage significance'
Heritage significance
5.1 Commonwealth heritage listing –Cape du Couedic Lighthouse
The following information is taken directly from the Commonwealth Heritage listing for Cape du Couedic Lighthouse (Place ID: 105414).
Commonwealth heritage list – statement of significance
The following statement of significance is taken directly from Cape du Couedic Lighthouse’s Commonwealth heritage listing:
The Cape du Couedic Lighthouse, built in 1909, is significant for its association with South Australia's maritime and economic history, and illustrates the State's continuing dependence on the sea for transportation at this time. The lighthouse is also important as one of the last built in South Australia before the Commonwealth Government took over the management and control of Australian lighthouses in 1915. (Criterion A.4) (Australian Historic Themes: 3.8 Moving goods and people; 3.8.1 Shipping to and from Australian ports; 3.8.2 Safeguarding Australian products for long journeys; 3.16.1 Dealing with hazards and disasters; 7.4 Federating Australia)
The Cape du Couedic Lighthouse is part of a relatively intact early nineteenth century complex of lighthouse and service buildings, which contributes to its significance. (Criterion D.2)
The Cape du Couedic Lighthouse is important as a prominent visual landmark on the south-western point of Kangaroo Island. (Criterion E.1)
The Cape du Couedic Lighthouse is associated with the Cape du Couedic Flying Fox and Associated Structures (Register No. 7461) and the Cape du Couedic Keepers' Cottages and Sheds (Register No. 7460)
Indigenous values of national estate significance may exist in this place. As yet, these values have not been identified, documented or assessed.
Commonwealth heritage list – criteria
There are nine criteria for inclusion in the Commonwealth Heritage List, meeting any one of these is sufficient for listing a place. These criteria are similar to those used in other Commonwealth, state and local heritage legislation, although thresholds differ. In the following sections, Cape du Couedic Lighthouse is discussed in relation to each of the criteria as based on the site’s current Commonwealth Heritage Listing (Place ID: 105414)
Criterion
Attributes
Explanation
Criterion A) ProcessesThis criterion is satisfied by places that have significant heritage value because of [their] importance in the course, or pattern, of Australia’s natural or cultural history.
The whole of the lighthouse, its setting and its visual prominence.
The Cape du Couedic Lighthouse, built in 1909, is significant for its association with South Australia's maritime and economic history, and illustrates the State's continuing dependence on the sea for transportation at this time. The lighthouse is also important as one of the last built in South Australia before the Commonwealth Government took over the management and control of Australian lighthouses in 1915.
Criterion D) Characteristic values
The integrity of the fabric, and its functional association with service buildings and other lighthouses.
The Cape du Couedic Lighthouse is part of a relatively intact early nineteenth century complex of lighthouse and service buildings, which contributes to its significance.
Criterion E) Aesthetic characteristics
The prominence of the lighthouse within its landscape setting.
The Cape du Couedic Lighthouse is important as a prominent visual landmark on the south-western point of Kangaroo Island.
These heritage values, identified and explained in the Commonwealth Heritage List, will form the basis of the management of Cape du Couedic Lighthouse. In the event of necessary works, all criteria will be consulted to inform best practice management of the values associated with the lightstation. (See ‘Section 7. Conservation management policies’ for further information on strategies to conserve heritage values of Cape du Couedic Lighthouse)
5.2 SA State heritage register listing – Cape du Couedic Lighthouse
The Cape du Couedic Lighthouse is listed on the SA State Heritage Places Database (Place ID: 10398).
SA Heritage Register – Statement of Significance
There is no statement of significance or heritage criterion available for Cape du Couedic Lighthouse.
5.3 Condition and integrity of Commonwealth heritage values
A heritage monitoring program was implemented in 2016. Each site is visited and reviewed every two years where the heritage fabric and values of the site are evaluated. Assessment of the condition and integrity of lighthouse's Commonwealth heritage values are derived from the latest available Heritage asset condition report produced by AMSA’s maintenance contractor.
‘Condition’ is measured from Good-Sound-Poor and incorporates the current condition of the specific value. Integrity is measured from High-Medium-Low and incorporates the value’s intactness. Cape du Couedic Lighthouse’s Commonwealth heritage values and its associated attributes maintain good condition and high integrity.
The Commonwealth heritage values for Cape du Couedic Lighthouse exhibit good condition and a high level of integrity. The intact lightstation continues to maintain strong associations with the State’s maritime history, and remains a prominent visual landmark free of modern intrusions on the cape.
Value
Values (including attributes)
Condition
Integrity
Criterion A) Processes
The Cape du Couedic Lighthouse, built in 1909, is significant for its association with South Australia's maritime and economic history, and illustrates the State's continuing dependence on the sea for transportation at this time. The lighthouse is also important as one of the last built in South Australia before the Commonwealth Government took over the management and control of Australian lighthouses in 1915.
Good
High
Criterion D) Characteristic values
The Cape du Couedic Lighthouse is part of a relatively intact early nineteenth century complex of lighthouse and service buildings, which contributes to its significance.
Good
High
Criterion E)Aesthetic characteristics
The Cape du Couedic Lighthouse is important as a prominent visual landmark on the south-western point of Kangaroo Island.
Good
High
5.4 Gain or loss of Commonwealth heritage values
A correction is required for Criterion D, as it lists the lighthouse as part of an ‘early nineteenth century complex’. Cape du Couedic Lighthouse and the accompanying cottages were built in 1907-1909 and therefore should be listed as an ‘early twentieth century complex’.
There are no current occurrences of ‘gains/losses’ of heritage values at the site at the time this management plan was prepared. Evidence for the potential gain or loss of heritage values will be documented within this section in future versions of the plan.
Decorative cover page with reads '6. Opportunities and constraints'
Opportunities and constraints
6.1 Implications arising from significance
The Commonwealth statement of significance (section 5.1 above) demonstrates Cape du Couedic Lighthouse is a place of considerable heritage value due to its association with South Australian maritime history, intactness and for its aesthetic qualities.
The implication arising from this assessment is that key aspects of the place should be conserved to retain this significance. The key features requiring conservation include:
architectural quality of the building
interior spaces and features, which are notable for their design, details and/or their original lighthouse function. These include:
The EPBC Act requires approval from the Minister for the Environment for all actions likely to have a significant impact on matters of National Environmental Significance (NES).
The Act provides that actions taken:
on Commonwealth land which are likely to have a significant impact on the environment will require approval of the Minister.
Outside Commonwealth land which are likely to have a significant impact on the environment on Commonwealth land will require approval of the Minister.
by the Australian Government or its agencies which are likely to have a significant impact on the environment anywhere will require approval of the Minister.
The definition of ‘environment’ in the EPBC Act and EPBC Regulations includes the cultural heritage values of places.
Heritage strategy
If an Australian Government agency owns or controls one or more places with Commonwealth heritage values, it must prepare a heritage strategy within two years from the first time they own or control a heritage place (section 341ZA).
A heritage strategy is a written document that integrates heritage conservation and management within an agency’s overall property planning and management framework. Its purpose is to help an agency manage and report on the steps it has taken to protect and conserve the commonwealth heritage values of the properties under its ownership or control.
The heritage strategy for AMSA’s AtoN assets was completed and approved by the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment in 2018 and reviewed in 2022. The latest version of the Strategy is available online.P37F[xliv]
Heritage asset condition report
A heritage asset condition report is a written document that details the heritage fabric of a site with an in-depth description of each architectural and structural element. The document includes: a brief history of the site, the Commonwealth Heritage statement of significance and value criteria, a heritage significance rating for each individual element, and a catalogue of artefacts on-site. The document is also accompanied by up-to-date photos of each structural element. This document operates as a tool for heritage monitoring, and is reviewed and updated biennially.
Aboriginal heritage significance and natural heritage values
Cape du Couedic and Flinders Chase National Park as a whole are notable for their Aboriginal cultural significance and natural heritage values. Although these values lie outside of the Commonwealth heritage listing curtilage and AMSA’s lease, the potential remains for future works at the lighthouse to impact these values. At the time this plan was written, no plans have been made for future works at Cape du Couedic Lighthouse. In the event major works at the lighthouse are to be carried out, AMSA will seek to minimise impacts to the surrounding area by:
Utilising specific access tracks to ensure no damage to surrounding vegetation,
Ensuring project footprint is limited to the AMSA lease. In any instance that work is required outside of this footprint, approvals will be sought from the appropriate stakeholders.
Implementing an appropriate discovery plan in the instance Aboriginal cultural heritage is suspected and/or found.
6.2 Framework: sensitivity to change
Owing to the site’s association with South Australia’s maritime and economic history, its intactness, and aesthetic qualities, Cape du Couedic Lighthouse is of high significance. Therefore, work actioned by AMSA on the lighthouse’s fabric harnesses the potential to reduce or eradicate the significance of the site’s heritage values.
Conservation works, including restoration and reconstruction, or adaption works of the absolute minimum so as to continue the lighthouse’s usefulness as an AtoN are the only works that should be actioned by AMSA on Cape du Couedic Lighthouse. Some exceptions are made for health and safety requirements, however any and all work carried out must be conducted in line with heritage considerations and requirements of the EPBC Act.
The table below demonstrates the level of sensitivity attributed to the various elements of the fabric register in the face of change. These are measured from high to low depending on the action’s possible threat to the site’s heritage values.
High sensitivity
High sensitivity to change includes instances wherein a change would pose a major threat to the heritage value of a specific fabric, or the lightstation as a whole. A major threat is one that would lead to substantial or total loss of the heritage value.
Moderate sensitivity
Moderate sensitivity to change includes instances wherein a change would pose a moderate threat to the heritage value of a specific fabric, or to the heritage significance of a specific fabric in another part of the building. A moderate threat is one that would diminish the heritage value, or diminish the ability of an observer to appreciate the value.
Low sensitivity
Low sensitivity to change includes instances wherein a change would pose little to no threat to the heritage value of a specific fabric, or to the heritage significance in another part of the building.
The following table lists the Acts and codes relevant to the management of Cape du Couedic Lighthouse.
Act or code
Description
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
The Environment Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) requires agencies to prepare management plans that satisfy the obligations included in Schedule 7A and 7B of the EPBC Regulations.
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000 (Cth)Schedule 7B
The DCCEEW has determined these principles as essential for guidance in managing heritage properties.The objective in managing Commonwealth Heritage places is to identify, protect, conserve, present and transmit, to all generations, their Commonwealth Heritage values.The management of Commonwealth Heritage places should use the best available knowledge, skills and standards for those places, and include ongoing technical and community input to decisions and actions that may have a significant impact on their Commonwealth Heritage values.The management of Commonwealth Heritage places should respect all heritage values of the place and seek to integrate, where appropriate, any Commonwealth, state, territory and local government responsibilities for those places.The management of Commonwealth Heritage places should ensure that their use and presentation is consistent with the conservation of their Commonwealth Heritage values.The management of Commonwealth Heritage places should make timely and appropriate provision for community involvement, especially by people who:(a) have a particular interest in, or associations with, the place; and(b) may be affected by the management of the place;Indigenous people are the primary source of information on the value of their heritage and that the active participation of indigenous people in identification, assessment and management is integral to the effective protection of indigenous heritage values.The management of Commonwealth Heritage places should provide for regular monitoring, review and reporting on the conservation of Commonwealth Heritage values.
AMSA Heritage Strategy 2022-2025
As the custodian of many iconic sites, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has long recognised the importance of preserving their cultural heritage.This Heritage Strategy is in response to section 341ZA of the EPBC Act (1999) which obliges AMSA to prepare and maintain a heritage strategy, along with obliging AMSA to:Assist in identification, assessment and monitoring of places of heritage value in its care;Prepare and maintain a register of its places of heritage value;Protect the heritage value of places when they are sold or leased;Provide this heritage strategy, and any subsequent major updates, to the relevant minister.The strategy derives from the AMSA Corporate Plan and achievements are reported through the AMSA Annual Report. The 2021-22 AMSA Annual report can be found online.[xlv]
Navigation Act 2012 (Cth)
Part 5 of the Act outlines AMSA’s power to establish, maintain and inspect marine aids to navigation (such as Cape du Couedic Lighthouse).(1) AMSA may:(a) establish and maintain aids to navigation; and(b) add to, alter or remove any aid to navigation that is owned or controlled by AMSA; and(c) vary the character of any aid to navigation that is owned or controlled by AMSA.(2) AMSA, or person authorised in writing by AMSA may, at any reasonable time of the day or night:(a) inspect any aid to navigation or any lamp or light which, in the opinion of AMSA or the authorised person, may affect the safety or convenience of navigation, whether the aid to navigation of the lamp or light is the property of:(i) a state or territory; or(ii) an agency of a state or territory; or(iii) any other person; and(b) enter any property, whether public or private, for the purposes of an inspection under paragraph (a); and(c) transport, or cause to be transported, any good through any property, whether public or private, for any purpose in connection with:(i) the maintenance of an aid to navigation that is owned or controlled by AMSA; or(ii) the establishment of any aid to navigation by AMSA.
Australian Heritage Council Act 2003 (Cth)
This Act establishes the Australian Heritage Council, whose functions are:to make assessments under Division 1A and 3A of Part 15 of the EPBC Act 1999;to advise the Minister on conserving and protecting places included, or being considered for inclusion, in the National Heritage List or Commonwealth Heritage List;to nominate places for inclusion in the National Heritage List or Commonwealth Heritage List;to promote the identification, assessment, conservation and monitoring of heritage;to keep the Register of the National Estate;to organise and engage in research and investigations necessary for the performance of its functions;to provide advice directly to any person or body or agency either if its own initiative of at the request of the Minister; andto make reports as outlined in the Act.
South Australia Heritage Places Act 1993 (SA)
Part 1 PreliminaryThe objects of the Act are:(a) to recognise the importance of South Australia's heritage places and related objects in understanding the course of the State's history, including its natural history; and(b) to provide for the identification and documentation of places and related objects of State heritage significance; and(c) to provide for and promote the conservation of places and related objects of State heritage significance; and(d) to promote an understanding and appreciation of the State's heritage; and(e) to encourage the sustainable use and adaptation of heritage places in a manner consistent with high standards of conservation practice, the retention of their heritage significance, and relevant development policies.
Building Code of Australia/National Construction Code of Australia
The Code is the definitive regulatory resource for building construction, providing a nationally accepted and uniform approach to technical requirements for the building industry. It specifies matters relating to building work in order to achieve a range of health and safety objectives, including fire safety.As far as possible, Commonwealth agencies aim to achieve compliance with the Code, although this may not be entirely possible because of the nature of and constraints provided by existing circumstances, such as an existing building.
Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth)
The objectives of this Act include:(1) The main object of this Act is to provide for a balanced and nationally consistent framework to secure the health and safety of workers and workplaces by:a) protecting workers and other persons against harm to their health, safety and welfare through the elimination or minimisation of risks arising from work; andb) providing for fair and effective workplace representation, consultation, co‑operation and issue resolution in relation to work health and safety; andc) encouraging unions and employer organisations to take a constructive role in promoting improvements in work health and safety practices, and assisting persons conducting businesses or undertakings and workers to achieve a healthier and safer working environment; andd) promoting the provision of advice, information, education and training in relation to work health and safety; ande) securing compliance with this Act through effective and appropriate compliance and enforcement measures; andf) ensuring appropriate scrutiny and review of actions taken by persons exercising powers and performing functions under this Act; andg) providing a framework for continuous improvement and progressively higher standards of work health and safety; andh) maintaining and strengthening the national harmonisation of laws relating to work health and safety and to facilitate a consistent national approach to work health and safety in this jurisdiction.(2) In furthering subsection (1)(a), regard must be had to the principle that workers and other persons should be given the highest level of protection against harm to their health, safety and welfare from hazards and risks arising from work as is reasonably practicable.[Quoted from Division 2 of Act]This has implications for Cape du Couedic Lighthouse of Australia as it is related to AMSA staff, contractors and visitors.
6.4 Operational requirements and occupier needs
As a working AtoN, the operational needs of Cape du Couedic Lighthouse are primarily concerned with navigational requirements. Below are the operational details and requirements of the Cape du Couedic light as outlined by AMSA.
Navigation requirement for AMSA’s AtoN site
The following table is taken from AMSA’s Asset Management Strategy for the Cape du Couedic Lighthouse.
1
Objective/rationale
An AtoN is required at the south-west end of Kangaroo Island to mark Cape du Couedic and to provide a mark for coastal navigation mark for ships transiting north-west / south-east on various tracks.The AtoN also provides warning for Casurina Islets, Lipson Reefs and Douglas Rock that lie between 3 to 8 nautical miles to the south-west and to the south-east/east.
2
Required type(s) of AtoN
A fixed structure is required to act as a day mark.A distinctive light is required for use at night.
3
Priority/significance
An AtoN at this site is important for the navigation of commercial ships.
4
Required measure of performance
The service performance of the AtoN must comply with the IALA Availability Target Category 2 (99.0%).
5
Primary and secondary means (if any) of identification
The day mark must be conspicuous. The existing 25m white round masonry tower, red dome and white lantern at an elevation of 103m meets this requirement.The light must comply with the requirements of rhythmic characters of light as per the IALA NAVGUIDE. The light must have distinct characteristics that are easy to recognise and identify. The present group flashing (2) white light every 10 seconds meets this requirement.
6
Visual range
During daytime, the AtoN structure should be visible from at least 5 nautical miles.At night, the white light must have a nominal range of at least 15 nautical miles.
7
Radar conspicuousness
As the Cape itself provides a good radar echo, no additional radar enhancement is required for this site.
AMSA’s goals
AMSA is responsible, under the Navigation Act, for maintaining a network of marine AtoN around Australia’s coastline that assist mariners to make safe and efficient passages. AMSA’s present network of approximately 500 marine AtoN includes traditional lighthouses such as Cape du Couedic, beacons, buoys, racons, automatic identification system stations, metocean sensors including broadcasting tide gauges, current meter, directional wave rider buoys and a weather station.
Technological developments in the area of vessel traffic management have also contributed to increasing navigation safety and helped promote marine environment protection. AMSA aims to meet international standards for the reliability of lighthouses set by the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA).
At the time of preparing this management plan, the major goal for Cape du Couedic Lighthouse primarily encompassed continuing its utilisation as an AtoN (for as long as necessary), while upkeeping the appropriate maintenance to conserve and preserve the heritage values of the lightstation.
Lighthouse performance standards
AMSA aims to meet international standards for the reliability of lighthouses set by IALA. Cape du Couedic light is designated as an IALA Availability Category 2 AtoN (within a scale of Category 1 to Category 3, Category 1 aids are most critical). Category 2 aids have an availability target of 99.0 per cent.
Access to the lighthouse
One practical effect of this performance standard is that the operational equipment and structure of the light need to be kept in good repair by regular maintenance. Routine maintenance and emergency repairs are carried out by AMSA’s maintenance contractor. Should equipment fail in service, the contractor needs reliable access to the site to ensure it is repaired quickly, and AMSA officers need access for occasional inspections of the site including to audit the contractor’s performance.
6.5 Proposals for change
Preventative maintenance works are carried out on the lighthouse to maintain its status as a working marine AtoN, and to assist in the site’s conservation.
A list of scheduled preventative maintenance work is identified within the latest available site inspection report. The information provided below was taken from this report.
Maintenance
Estimated date of work
Lantern room paint
2026
LED arrary replacement
2030
6.6 Potential pressures
A significant pressure that harnesses the potential to affect the Commonwealth heritage values of the place would be the obligation to remove or replace original fabric materials from the lighthouse owing to unavoidable and irreversible deterioration. At the time this plan was written, no current plans exist to remove or replace any original fabric materials from Cape du Couedic Lighthouse. Any work proposed will be conducted in line with the heritage considerations and requirements of the EPBC Act.
6.7 Processes for decision-making
Processes for decision-making are required in the event of an incident that impacts the heritage values of the site. The following incidents are included due to their likelihood of occurrence at Cape du Couedic Lighthouse.
Incident
Procedure
Major project/maintenance works proposed
Prepare Heritage Impact Statement on proposed modifications.Submit scope of works and Heritage Impact Statement to the DCCEEW (Cth) and the Department for Environment and Water (SA) for review.
Damage to lighthouse’s fabric (heritage significance)
AMSA or selected contractors assess extent of damage.Seek heritage advice on restoration of heritage fabric impacted.Identify possible loss of heritage value (at both state and Commonwealth level).Seek the appropriate approvals for restoration of heritage fabric impacted.Implement best-practice management of restoration work in keeping with the original character of the place.In the case of a loss of heritage value, prepare report for submission to Heritage Council.Update record-keeping of incident and make available to relevant personnel.
Damage to lighthouse’s fabric (no heritage significance)
AMSA or selected contractors to assess extent of damage.Identify possible impact on heritage fabric in any work carried out to restore fabric.Implement best-practice management of restoration work.Update record-keeping of incident and make available to relevant personnel.
Light upgrade(removal/replacement of AtoN lighthouse source)
Assess possible loss of heritage value in the event of an upgrade.If necessary, seek expert heritage advice on process of upgrade.If necessary, seek heritage approvals for the upgrade of light.Implement best-practice management of light upgrade work.Update record-keeping and make available to relevant personnel.
Modification to lighthouse such as adding of attachment
Assess possible obstruction to light.Seek heritage approvals for attachment to tower.Monitor attachment and update record-keeping.
Unforeseen discovery of aboriginal artefacts on-site.
Immediate stop-work. Create temporary 'buffer' zone and allow no entry in zone until artefacts have been assessed by appropriate personnel.Notify AAR DPC and DEW.Delay work on site until artefacts have been appropriately extracted and/or assessed and further investigations carried out in surrounding area.Update record-keeping of unforeseen discovery and make available to relevant personnel.
Divestment of lighthouse from AMSA
Transfer ownership or control of heritage assets to the SA State Government.Transfer relevant records and historical information held by AMSA to the SA State Government.
Decorative cover page with reads '7. Conservation management principles and policies'
7 Conservation management principles and policies
Policies
Fabric and setting
Policy 1 – Protect and conserve the significant external and internal fabric of the lightstation, including existing buildings, layout and setting.
AMSA’s main purpose is to facilitate the ongoing operation of the site as a marine AtoN while preserving the site’s heritage values. As part of a heritage monitoring program, Heritage Asset Condition Reports are produced for each site every two years to evaluate the condition of the heritage fabric and values. Routine servicing is also carried out by maintenance contractors. Regular written reports from these visits will be sent to Asset Management and Preparedness for review and any work requirements identified will be scheduled accordingly. Should for some unforeseen reason the site no longer be viable as a marine AtoN, ownership will be passed to an appropriate state or federal authority to ensure preservation of the heritage assets.
Implementation strategy:
AtoN Maintenance contractor will continue scheduled periodic maintenance of the lighthouse and marine aids to navigation every 12 months to ensure condition is monitored for early warning of deterioration. Schedule must be approved by AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness.
AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to arrange for maintenance to be carried out on the lighthouse as required while continuing to operate as an AMSA marine aids to navigation.
AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to arrange for the replacement and upgrading of marine aids to navigation equipment in the lighthouse as required to meet AMSA’s service commitment, in a manner that preserves the original fabric of the lighthouse.
AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to maintain information on the heritage fabric of the lighthouse including any and all actions, treatments and inspection outcomes within the heritage fabric register. See section 4.1 for fabric register.
AtoN Maintenance Contractor to continue scheduled heritage monitoring visits to Cape du Couedic Lighthouse and review Heritage Asset Condition Reports.
AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to conserve all the fabric elements identified as significant in the heritage asset condition report.
AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to seek expert materials conservation advice when considering repair, restoration and reconstruction of historic fabric. The relevant local, state and federal heritage approvals must be sought prior to repair, restoration and reconstruction.
AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to assess any development proposals to surrounding area for possible impacts on the heritage values of Cape du Couedic Lighthouse, and liaise with the appropriate state or federal heritage authorities.
AMSA AtoN Heritage Coordinator to conserve the distinctive character of the lighthouse by collecting photographic evidence and historical documentation of the original fabric.
Uses
Policy 2 – Install and operate equipment in the lighthouse, so it continues to function as an effective marine AtoN, in such a way as to impose the least possible harm to the significant fabric.
Cape du Couedic Lighthouse’s use as a working marine AtoN is of high priority. Carrying out maintenance, including upgrades to navigational equipment, is necessary to its function and continued marine safety along the SA coast. In the event of the installation or upgrade to AtoN equipment, proper precaution will be taken to ensure the least possible harm is done to significant fabric.
Implementation strategy:
AtoN Maintenance Contractor to monitor Cape du Couedic’s AtoN equipment every 12 months and propose maintenance in the instance of necessary installation or removal. Proposed maintenance is to be approved by AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness.
AtoN Maintenance Contractor and AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to outline all possible risks to significant fabric (external and internal) associated with the installation, removal and operation of navigational equipment.
AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to ensure works carried out are those that ensure the least possible harm to significant fabric.
AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to seek expert heritage conservation advice on best practice management of the site during installation, removal and operation of AtoN equipment.
Policy 3 – Monitor possible impacts to the site resulting from tourism and control appropriate access to the lighthouse for contractors and visitors.
Cape du Couedic Lighthouse is not currently open as a tourist site and access inside the lighthouse is restricted to authorised personnel, such as contractors and AMSA employees. AMSA personnel and contractors require easy access inside the lighthouse precinct and tower for periodical site visits to carry out inspections and routine maintenance.
Implementation strategy:
AtoN Maintenance contractor to ensure control on access to all buildings within AMSA’s lease area is maintained by periodically inspecting buildings during maintenance visits every 12 months.
AtoN Maintenance Contractor and AMSA Asset Management to report instances of vandalism through internal channels, assess for impact on heritage values and conduct repairs.
AtoN Maintenance Contractor to continue remote monitoring of the site and report instances of forced entry.
AtoN Maintenance Contractor to inspect lighthouse for signs of wear and tear during yearly maintenance visit, and note changes in Heritage Asset Condition Report.
AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to ensure access to the lighthouse complies with workplace health and safety measures.
AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to ensure contractors are made aware of the heritage values of the lighthouse.
AMSA to assess requests for tourism activities.
AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to ensure access to site is available for Traditional Custodians to maintain cultural traditions.
Interpretation
Policy 4 – Accurate and relevant interpretation of the history and significance of the place should be made available to site users/visitors and for offsite external research.
AMSA will continue to make information available through the maintenance of site interpretive signage and its website.
Implementation strategy:
All relevant information concerning the history and significance of the place will be checked for accuracy and updated appropriately.
Information will be presented primarily as online resources accessible to relevant personnel and the general public. On-site interpretative signage will be installed where possible.
This information will be maintained and updated in accordance with changes to the history and significance of the place.
Management
Policy 5 – AMSA will continue to conserve the lighthouse in accordance with Commonwealth and SA State heritage listing requirements.
For works requiring heritage approval, AMSA will obtain permission from any relevant state or federal authorities. Continuous and as-needed conservation works will be undertaken as required.
Implementation strategy:
Liaise with the relevant Commonwealth and State heritage agencies when proposing work on the site.
Approval in writing from the relevant Commonwealth and State heritage authorities must be granted for any proposals for development.
Policy 6 – The cultural significance of the lightstation will be the basis for deciding how to manage it.
The heritage values or cultural significance of the place must be conserved. This heritage management plan includes relevant background information to support this policy (see ‘Section 3 History’ and ‘Section 5 Heritage significance’).
Implementation strategy:
Conserve the lighthouse to protect its heritage values (cultural significance).
When possible, strive to maintain the original fabric of the lightstation.
Use the Burra Charter as the primary guide for treatment of fabric.
Engage appropriately qualified heritage consultants when making decisions regarding impact on heritage values.
Assess impacts on the heritage values of the place when considering proposed alterations or adaptations.
Policy 7 – Monitor, review and report the Commonwealth heritage values of the lighthouse every five years or sooner if major changes to the lightstation occur.
The Commonwealth heritage values of the lighthouse are to be monitored and reported on a regular basis. A Heritage Asset Condition Report is updated for Cape du Couedic Lighthouse every two years. The report records historical information, condition, and maintenance requirements for fabric within the lighthouse to ensure a gain and/or loss of heritage value is identified.
Implementation strategy:
AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to regularly monitor the lighthouse for possible impacts on the identified Commonwealth heritage values.
AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to review the current Commonwealth heritage values at least once every five years and assess any gain or loss of values. This review must be undertaken in the event of any major alterations to the lighthouse.
AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to report any changes to the Commonwealth heritage values of the lighthouse to the DCCEEW (Heritage Branch).
AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to update AMSA’s heritage strategy and this plan to reflect any changes identified.
AMSA AtoN Maintenance Contractor to review and update Heritage Asset Condition Report biennially.
Policy 8 – Maintain historical, management and maintenance records within AMSA and make available these records.
As part of the proper process for managing change in significant places, the Burra Charter points out the importance of making records before any change, and advocates placing records in a permanent archive and making them available where this is appropriate. AMSA’s collection of records, which include documents pertaining to heritage intervention, management and maintenance, are subject to this process. Heritage Asset Condition Reports are routinely generated for each heritage lighthouse and stored in AMSA’s record-keeping system. AMSA will continue to practice such processes via records management systems (RMS).
Implementation strategy:
AMSA to maintain, review and update records through existing AMSA record management system.
AMSA to ensure records are made available to the relevant personnel and parties.
Policy 9 – Develop and provide appropriate training and resources to all relevant AMSA staff, contractors and licensees.
In order to ensure best practice management of AMSA-operated lighthouses, all staff, contractors and licensees are required to have access to the appropriate training and resources in order to provide best practice conservation of the site.
Implementation strategy:
Provide staff, contractors and licencees access to up-to-date versions of the AMSA heritage strategy, heritage management plans and fabric registers.
When funds are made available, AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness staff will undertake a relevant induction to ensure comprehension of the Commonwealth heritage and EPBC Act statutory requirements.
Contractors engaged with heritage sites will undertake appropriate training to ensure comprehension of the Commonwealth heritage and EPBC Act statutory requirements.
AMSA representatives will attend Commonwealth-run heritage workshops, programs and conferences for up-to-date information on statutory requirements and best-practice management of sites of national and state heritage significance.
All current and incoming tour guides operating within AMSA lighthouses will be required to take the lighthouse tour guide safety induction e-learning module once every two years to stay informed on heritage values, visitor safety and lighthouse duty-of-care.
Policy 10 – Use contractors and service providers with appropriate experience.
AMSA is to ensure parties carrying out work have appropriate knowledge and use effective methods to ensure conservation of the lighthouse.
Implementation strategy:
Engage staff and contractors with the relevant experience and expertise concerning conservation of the lightstation.
Develop and provide the appropriate training on heritage conservation matters for AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness staff and other relevant parties who hold responsibility for heritage management.
Policy 11 – Seek heritage advice and apply best heritage practice.
AMSA will continue to use in-house heritage expertise, external consultancy, or a combination of both as required in order to successfully apply best heritage practice. Should in-house heritage expertise be limited in responding to a requirement, external heritage expertise will be engaged to address the issue.
Implementation strategy:
Apply in-house heritage expertise when required.
Use tools such as the Burra Charter and Working Together: Managing Commonwealth Heritage Places[\[xlvi\]](#_edn46) to measure the likely impact of proposals.
Seek external heritage expertise in the event of limited in-house capability.
Policy 12 – Appropriate protocol in the event of unforeseen discoveries or disturbances of heritage within the AMSA site.
AMSA’s scope of work rarely involves excavation. Should such work need be undertaken, AMSA will implement a suitable discovery plan and seek advice from suitably qualified personnel as required. In the event of any unforeseen discovery or disturbance of heritage-related items on the AMSA site, notification to the appropriate organisation will occur in accordance with the conditions of the discovery plan. This plan will also be updated accordingly.
Note: In most cases, AMSA’s leases are limited to the immediate vicinity of the lighthouse and therefore this scenario is not anticipated as a likely occurrence.
Implementation strategy:
Contact SA National Parks (DEW) and SA Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation (DPC) in the event of an unforeseen discovery/suspected discovery.
Seek appropriate heritage advice and apply best practice in the event of unforeseen discoveries/disturbances.
Policy 13 – Make this heritage management plan available to all persons involved in decision-making on the management of the lighthouse and its setting.
The plan will be made available to all personnel intrinsic to management of the lighthouse and its setting, for example AMSA maintenance contractors, staff and other relevant parties.
Implementation strategy:
Provide links to this plan via the AMSA publicly accessible website.
Provide copies to all relevant personnel and parties.
Future developments
Policy 14 – Adaptation of the place using methods or processes that minimise impact on heritage values and significance in accordance with the Burra Charter principles.
It is likely that over time the lighthouse will house new equipment as technology changes and improves. The Burra Charter principles will be used as the basis for decision-making.
Implementation strategy:
Assess the likely impacts of changes on the heritage values and significance of the place.
Preserve the original fabric of the place and do only what is necessary for the continued use and care of the place.
Engage expert heritage advice and use the Burra Charter in adapting the place.
Policy 15 – When required, engage with adjacent landowners to maintain an appropriate setting for the lighthouse in its visual and natural context.
Any changes to the surrounding land, or AMSA leased area, requires careful consideration. AMSA will liaise with all adjacent landowners in the event of any proposed changes that may affect the setting and attempt to influence a positive outcome.
Implementation strategy:
AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to engage with adjacent landowners through consultation when changes are proposed regarding the wider visual and natural context.
Policy 16 – In the event of adaptive re-use or divestment (an instance(s) which would no longer place the lighthouse under AMSA control), AMSA will strive to ensure the Commonwealth and SA State heritage values of the site are recognised and preserved.
In the event Cape du Couedic Lighthouse is no longer identified as a working AtoN, AMSA will withdraw its standing as lessee and hand over all authority to the lessor. This process must be conducted in line with s 341ZE of the EPBC Act.
Implementation strategy:
AMSA will negotiate with lessor to have site lease terminated.
All available heritage information within AMSA’s collection, including this heritage management plan, will be shared with the relevant parties to ensure the Commonwealth and SA State heritage values of the site are recognised and preserved.
Community Involvement
Policy 17 – Consult with Traditional Custodians and community stakeholders in the preparation of the management plan.
AMSA will give Traditional Custodians and community groups, as well as the general public, an opportunity to review and comment on this management plan through a public consultation process.
Implementation strategy:
Undertake community consultation when preparing the heritage management plan in accordance with EPBC Regulations.
Seek advice from Traditional Custodians and refer to Engage Early—Guidance for proponents on best practice Indigenous engagement for environmental assessments under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).[xlvii] to guide consultations.
Policy 18 – Manage and record sensitive information appropriately.
Sensitive information may be passed onto AMSA during consultation with stakeholders and the general public. This information will be handled in-line with AMSA’s privacy policy.
Implementation strategy:
AMSA will record, store and manage sensitive information in-line with its privacy policy.
No sensitive information will be included in draft or published heritage management plans.
Review
Policy 19 – Review this plan within five years of its adoption or sooner if major changes are needed.
This plan will be reviewed every five years. This review should:
- assess the content of the plan.
- determine its effectiveness in protecting the identified heritage values.
- provide any necessary recommendations for updating or re-writing of the plan. If major changes occur at the site in the interim, this plan will be reviewed and updated earlier than the specified five years.
Implementation strategy:
AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to review this heritage management plan at least five years after its adoption.
AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to review and update this heritage management plan in the event of a major change to the lightstation.
AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to summarise changes implemented within updated plan.
AMSA Asset Management and Preparedness to submit revised plan for approval.
Decorative cover page with reads '8. Policy implementation plan'
As stipulated by Schedule 7A of the EPBC Regulations, the outlined implementation plan and associated policies listed above are required to be monitored and updated accordingly. The below review process timetable will be adhered to over the next five years:
Timeframe
Review step
Responsibility
2026
Plan’s half-life internal review:Assess strengths and weaknesses of existing planAddress any known impact to the lighthouse’s heritage values
AMSA, Asset Management and Preparedness
2028
Plan’s full-life review:Consult with internal and external stakeholders on existing planPrepare updated draft plan and consult with the Heritage BranchSubmit reviewed plan to the Minister
AMSA, Asset Management and Preparedness
Other key actions in monitoring and reporting include:
ensuring the implementation plan and policies are readily available for all relevant personnel
delegating AMSA staff to periodically check the implementation plan is up-to-date and being utilised appropriately by the relevant personnel
ensuring the timeframes outlined within the plan are followed
delegating AMSA Response staff to review this plan and the associated policies at least every five years and determine whether its contents are relevant and effective in terms of continuing to conserve the place.
Decorative cover page with reads '9. Appendices'
Appendix 1. Glossary of heritage conservation terms
The Burra Charter, from its first version (1979) and its current version (2013), defined a set of terms that have since been widely adopted in Australian heritage conservation practice.
Where the following terms are used in this heritage management plan, the particular meanings defined in the charter are intended. The definitions are quoted from Article 1 of the Burra Charter.
Adaptation means modifying a place to suit the existing use or a proposed use.
Associations means the special connections that exist between people and a place.
Compatible use means a use which respects the cultural significance of a place. Such a use involves no, or minimal, impact on cultural significance.
Conservation means all the processes of looking after a place to retain its cultural significance.
Cultural significance means aesthetic, historic, scientific, social or spiritual value for past, present or future generations. Cultural significance is embodied in the place itself, its fabric, setting, use, associations, meanings, records, related places and related objects. Places may have a range of values for different individuals or groups.
Fabric means all the physical material of the place including components, fixtures, contents, and objects.
Interpretation means all the ways of presenting the cultural significance of a place.
Maintenance means the continuous protective care of a place and its setting. Maintenance is to be distinguished from repair which involves restoration or reconstruction.
Meanings denote what a place signifies, indicates, evokes or expresses to.
Place means a geographically defined area. It may include elements, objects, spaces and view. Place may have tangible and intangible dimensions.
Preservation means maintaining a place in its existing state and retarding deterioration.
Reconstruction means returning a place to a known earlier state and is distinguished from restoration by the introduction of new material.
Related object means an object that contributes to the cultural significance of a place but is not at the place.
Related place means a place that contributes to the cultural significance of another place.
Restoration means returning a place to a known earlier state by removing accretions or by reassembling existing elements without the introduction of new material.
Setting means the immediate and extended environment of a place that is part of or contributes to its cultural significance and distinctive character.
Use means the functions of a place, including the activities and traditional and customary practices that may occur at the place or are dependant on the place.
Appendix 2. Glossary of historic lighthouse terms relevant to Cape du Couedic Lighthouse
A
Apron paving – the concrete paving surround the base of the lighthouse tower.
Astragal – the bars which support the glazing of a lantern. They may also support the roof. Simply a framing member between the glazing bars in the lantern glazing. In its true meaning an astragal is a moulding that has a rounded profile. In lanterns this is almost never the case.
B
Balcony – a walk way around the outside of the lantern, used for maintenance and (formerly, when lighthouses were manned) for observing ships. Principal parts are the balcony floor and the balcony balustrade. (Synonym: gallery deck).
Balcony floor – floor of the balcony. Cape du Couedic has a balcony floor of 1909 concrete slab.
Balcony balustrade – a handrail together with its supports. The supports are called balusters. Simply a railing or wall on the outer perimeter of the balcony, to prevent people from falling off the balcony. Generally made of metal stanchions and rails – Cape du Couedic has balcony balustrades of 1909 Chance Bros. cast iron stanchions with iron pipe rails.
Balcony door – door in the lantern base to give access to the balcony. In AMSA lanterns two doors are sometimes fitted but only one is operational. (Synonym: parapet hatch, service room door). Cape du Couedic has iron skin flat frame Chance Bros. balcony door.
C
Candelas – International unit of measurement for the luminous intensity of a light.
Cast iron – a mixture of iron and carbon with a relatively high carbon content and a low melting point, produced directly from a blast furnace.
Chance Bros – English manufacturer of optical apparatus, lanterns, cast iron stairs, cast iron towers, and other lighthouse components. The Chance family established a glass-making business in Smethwick, England in 1824 and is often described as ‘near Birmingham’. The business was absorbed into the Pilkington group of companies in 1951 and now ceases to exist.
Character – pattern of flashes of light emitted by a lighthouse, designed to identify that particular lighthouse.
Copper – a red malleable metal of low resistivity.
I
Intensity – the strength of a light measured by candelas.
Intermediate floors – levels found mid-way up a building. Cape du Couedic has three intermediate floors.
Iron – there were two common types of iron used in lighthouse construction; wrought and cast. Older lights will almost certainly contain these iron types. Wrought iron has been worked by hand and is an ironalloy with a very low carbon content in contrast to steel, it also has fibrous inclusions. Cast iron is iron which has been heated until it liquefies, and is then poured into a mould to solidify.
L
Lantern – the glazed enclosure, usually of cylindrical or polygonal shape, at the top of a lighthouse, which surrounds and protects the optical apparatus. It contains the optical apparatus, made up of the lantern roof, lantern glazing and lantern base sections.
Lantern floor – the level in a lighthouse at which the lantern is installed, and by which access may be gained to the optical system and to the inside and outside of the lantern glazing. The lantern floor is generally at or near the same level as the catwalk and cane be made from steel, concrete, or timber. Cape du Couedic has a lantern floor of 1909 reinforced concrete slab.
Lantern glazing – the middle section of the lantern, circular or polygonal in plan, between the lantern roof above and the lantern base below, made up of glass panes held in a framework of glazing bars. On the landward side there may be blank panels in place of glass, or other opaque construction. Types of lantern glazing include: flat & curved trapezoidal panes and curved diamond/triangular panes. Cape du Couedic has curved rectangular glazing panes.
Lantern roof – the roof of the lantern. Usually made of copper sheeting over a framework of rafters.
Lens assembly – a transparent optically refracting element of glass. The surface is usually spherical in form.
Light source – electric bulbs now illuminate most lighthouses.
Lighthouse – the principal structure of a lightstation, generally made up of a lantern, balcony and tower.
Lightstation – a precinct containing a lighthouse structure and other related buildings, for example. Keepers’ cottages, store room, signal house.
O
Order – a shorthand expression of the size of an optical apparatus or lantern. At the time the system of orders was established, when kerosene burners were used, longer range lights needed larger burners, and larger burners needed lens assemblies of longer focal length to ensure a sharply defined beam. Thus in turn the lantern rooms were required to be larger to house these lens assemblies. AMSA historic lantern rooms range from 1st to 4th order.
P
Pedestal – part of the optical apparatus, consisting of a metal column or base standing on the balcony floor inside the lantern and supporting the lens assembly and light source. Some later Chance documentation (such as their tariffs 1908) also refer to the lantern base as a pedestal.
T
Tower – structure to support the lantern at a sufficient height above the ground. The most common types are the masonry tower, timber-framed tower, cast iron tower, and lattice tower. Cape du Couedic has walls consisting of 1909 sandstone blocks.
Appendix 3. Table demonstrating compliance with the EPBC Regulations
[ii] Australia ICOMOS, The Burra Charter: The Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural Significance (Australia ICOMOS, 2013).
[iii] Peter Marquis-Kyle, Heritage Lighthouse Report: Cape du Couedic (Australian Maritime Systems Group, 2006).
[iv] Australian Maritime Systems Group, Cape du Couedic Lighthouse: Heritage Asset Condition Report, 5th Revision (Australia Maritime Safety Authority, 2021).
[v] Department for Environment, Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs, Flinders Chase National Parl, Kelly Hill Conservation Park, Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area and Cape Bouguer Wilderness Protection Area Management Plans (State Government of South Australia, 2000).
[vi] Department for Environment, Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs, Flinders Chase National Parl, Kelly Hill Conservation Park, Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area and Cape Bouguer Wilderness Protection Area Management Plans.
[xlvi] Commonwealth of Australia, Working Together Managing Commonwealth Heritage Places: a guide for Commonwealth agencies (2019).
[xlvii] Commonwealth of Australia, Engage Early—Guidance for proponents on best practice Indigenous engagement for environmental assessments under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) (2016).
Commonwealth Department of Transport. Cape du Couedic: Historical outline. Australian Maritime Safety Authority Archives.
Commonwealth of Australia. Engage Early—Guidance for proponents on best practice Indigenous engagement for environmental assessments under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). Commonwealth of Australia, 2016.
Commonwealth of Australia. Working Together Managing Commonwealth Heritage Places: a guide for Commonwealth agencies. Commonwealth of Australia, 2019.
Department for Environment, Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs. Flinders Chase National Parl, Kelly Hill Conservation Park, Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area and Cape Bouguer Wilderness Protection Area Management Plans. State Government of South Australia, 2000.
National Archives of Australia: Australian Maritime Safety Authority, Central Office; A9568, Drawings and Plans of Lighthouses and of Associated Buildings and Equipment, 01 Jan 1833 - 31 Dec 1968; 4/8/1, Cape de Couedie Lighthouse [Cape du Couedic]: Outline drawing showing inside and outside galleries to be constructed ready for fixing, Aug 1909 - 1909.
National Archives of Australia: Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities, Central Office; A6247, Glass plate copy negatives of Australian coastal lighthouses, 01 Jan 1917-; A56/2, Lighthouses and Beacons - Cape du Couedic, South Australia, 1917 – 1917.