On the 21 December 2006, the Western Channel Lighthouse in Sydney Harbour fell into the sea, when some of the 12 piles supporting it gave way.

“Over the years it has become a sentimental harbour fixture for boaters as well as commuters travelling on the Manly Ferry,” Ports and Waterways Minister Joe Tripodi said.

Known as the "Wedding Cakes", the Eastern light was built in 1908 and the Western Channel Light in 1924.

The task of reconstructing the 85-year-old maritime structure and retaining its maritime heritage required careful consideration and planning by Sydney Ports Corporation. “It was rebuilt using the salvaged and refurbished lantern house with only minor visible differences in the new lower section, originally known as the gas house,” Tripodi said.

The new structure was completed in January 2009.

See Also:          2006 story   - LoA

One of Australia’s oldest lighthouses and the historic Glebe Island Silos are among more than 40 buildings and items which have been added to the State’s Heritage Register, Ports and Waterways Minister Joe Tripodi said today.

“As the custodian of Australia’s oldest working harbour, Sydney Ports Corporation is ensuring our rich and colourful port and maritime heritage is preserved for future generations,” the Minister said. “Under the State’s Heritage Act, all Government Authorities are required to establish and maintain a register which details every item of environmental and heritage value the agency owns or occupies.”

Mr Tripodi said Sydney Port’s heritage register was endorsed at a recent meeting of the Heritage Council of NSW and contains 41 entries including the Moore’s Wharf building, the Sydney Cove Passenger Terminal and various harbour lighthouses. “One example of our port heritage is the Hornby Lighthouse at Watsons Bay which is one of the oldest operational lighthouses in Australia. “Built in 1858, the Hornby Lighthouse remains an important component of the harbour’s lighthouse system which to this day ensures safe navigation in the Port of Sydney.”

The latest additions to the State’s list of maritime and port heritage items have been welcomed by the Heritage Council of NSW and the National Trust of Australia.

Trust (NSW) executive director John Neish said the register would help ensure the recognition and future management of the port’s heritage assets. “Australia is a country that was totally reliant on shipping until the 1950s and consequently the heritage of our ports and harbours is a key element of our National Identity,” Mr Neish said.

Other heritage items on the Sydney Ports’ list include an automatic tide gauge which was first installed at Fort Denison in 1866, and a sixty year old work boat known as the Crane Lighter “Poolya”.

“An entry of ‘local’ significance is the Moore’s Wharf building at Miller’s Point which was built in the late 1830’s using local sandstone and remains in operation today as an active base for Sydney Ports’ harbour operations,” Mr Tripodi said. “Moore’s Wharf was the site of Sydney’s first shipment of Australian gold to England, with the clipper ‘Phoenician’ departing our shores in 1851.”

Mr Tripodi said heritage listing ensured a building can only be demolished subject to the preparation of a thorough heritage impact assessment. In addition, any major works proposed for buildings on the State Heritage Register must be assessed and approved by the Heritage Office.

Media Contact: Brad Schmitt (02) 9228 5451 or 0407 995505

See Also:          Hornby Lighthouse - LoA