Lighthouses of Australia Inc

Conserving our history – Breaksea Island Lighthouse

by Ken Matts, Albany Weekender, 8 June 2006

Restoration of the heritage infrastructure on Breaksea Island was officially launched by Great Southern Minister John Bowler on Wednesday, 7 June 2006.

The first stages of the Breaksea Island Heritage Restoration Project will focus on stabilising buildings to prevent further deterioration and the development of a heritage conservation plan.

On completion, it is envisaged that the two houses on the island will be used for research, community education and eco-tourism purposes.

Mr Bowler said the project recognised the value of preserving the lighthouse infrastructure and to enable people to understand the important role played by lighthouses as navigational aids, before the advent of modern methods of navigation.

"The lighthouse and associated infrastructure on Breaksea Island are regarded as some of the most significant examples of 19th and 20th century navigational architecture in Western Australia," Mr Bowler said.

"This is an exciting project for both the region and the State and has national significance due to the role Albany once played as WA's principal port."

Breaksea Island and the associated Point King Lighthouse, at the entrance to Princess Royal Harbour, were the second pair of lighthouses constructed in WA.

Source: http://albany.yourguide.com.au
Article reproduction: Conserving our history