Lighthouses of Australia Inc

Cape Cleveland Lighthouse lease

By Ray and Sue Boundy, Caretakers at Cape Cleveland Lighthouse

Repairs to the Cape Cleveland Lighthouse in 2005 Photo: Ray & Sue Boundy

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service have entered into a 20-year agreement with Townsville business people Ray and Sue Boundy to manage and maintain the buildings at the Cape Cleveland lighthouse site. The agreement focuses on preserving the heritage of the site and its buildings while allowing for economic opportunities through tourism.

Cape Cleveland lighthouse was automated in 1991, resulting in much of the former complex being redundant. In 1997, the balance of the complex together with the surrounding former lighthouse reserve was transferred to the state of Queensland on the basis that the heritage significance of the site be maintained. The state vested this responsibility with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS).

The Cape Cleveland lighthouse station became a protected area upon the gazettal of the Bowling Green Bay Conservation Park on 5 May 2000.

Cape Cleveland Lighthouse from the air Photo: Winsome Bonham

The complex consists of an 11m high timber frame and iron plate lighthouse, constructed in 1879, and associated buildings - two residences, generator shed and fuel store, old powerhouse, workshop, garage, old winch sheds and observation platform. The lighthouse and helipad are not included in the agreement and continue to be operated by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

The complex is listed on the Australian Heritage Commission's register of the National Estate and the Queensland Heritage Register. The original lighthouse stands, however the current cottages replaced the original caretakers cottages on the headland immediately adjacent to the lighthouse in 1953.

QPWS senior ranger Col Adams said “QPWS determined there was an opportunity for private sector involvement in the management of the facilities and consequently called for expressions of interest to use the complex as a tourist facility.

Cape Cleveland Lighthouse during ILLW 2005 Photo: Bill Carter

QPWS has the vision that the complex will be managed to conserve the natural and cultural values of the site, the Conservation Park and the adjacent Bowling Green Bay National Park. A range of nature-based and cultural-based recreational and educational opportunities will be provided where compatible with this management principle”.

Local business owners Ray and Sue Boundy were the successful tender to develop an agreement with QPWS to manage the lighthouse facilities over the next 20 years.

Mr Boundy said “My vision is to develop an eco-adventure tourism experience that increases visitors’ knowledge, awareness and appreciation of the cultural values and natural beauty of the complex, the Conservation Park and the surrounding Bowling Green Bay National Park. The complex will be upgraded and used as a base for day visitors, overnight accommodation and a residence for the operator The development will maintain and enhance the intrinsic cultural values of the site in keeping with its National Estate listing”.

Mr Adams said “The complex is situated on public land and the agreement allows for the public to visit the site. The general public will enjoy the access both to the headland and the lightstation precinct. Daytime visiting hours may have to be introduced to comply with safety issues and duty of care, along with public liability. During repairs and reconstruction some limits on access will be necessary due to workplace health and safety and insurance constrains.”