OUR HERITAGE AT RISK - TASMANIA - 2008

PLACE:  Deal Island Lighthouse, Deal Island, Kent Group, Bass Strait           

THREAT:  Deterioration / Neglect

Photos by:  National Trust of Australia (Tasmania)

Statement of Significance:

The Deal Island Lighthouse was the first Australian light built in a remote, offshore location. Constructed following an agreement between the New South Wales and Van Diemen’s Land colonial governments it is one of the older Australian light stations.  Designed by Colonial Architect John Lee Archer the Tuscan Doric column lighthouse has been both a critical part of the navigation infrastructure and history of Bass Strait for more than 150 years.

Statement of Risk:

Degree of Risk:     At Risk – no solution agreed

Threats/Risks:      Deterioration

Fate/outcome:        Suffering

Lantern Room                       

• Advanced rust corrosion in window framework
• Significant crack in window glass
• Threat of frequent gale force winds (305 m above sea level)
• Blowing out cracked window glass with resultant pressure gradients causing destructing.
• Water incursion around corroded framework

 

Walls:                         

• Water incursion
• Cracks in outer render
• Serious mould growth – inner walls 

Desired Outcome / Vision:

The isolated and exposed location of the Deal Island Lighthouse means that maintenance of the station structures will be both an ongoing and relatively expensive operation. The lighthouse is now part of the Kent Group National Park administered by the Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmanian. There is a need for this service to provide adequate resources to properly maintain the lighthouse station and its cultural heritage values.

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