Lighthouses of Australia Inc

Pictured left to right at the announcement on location are Paul Roberts-Thompson, Sid Sidebottom MHR, Mayor Kevin Hyland & Cr. Francis Ransley  Image: Waratah-Wynyard Council

Table Cape Lighthouse Tasmania Receives Budget Funding

by Richard Wilson, Waratah-Wynyard Council

Given the elevation of the lighthouse and its incredible sea views visitors have been drawn here for years. The Waratah-Wynyard Council has been keen to develop the area and to date has constructed a walking track linking the Lookout with the Lighthouse.

An interpretation panel was also erected early last year covering the sites history and development. 

For several years there have been ongoing discussions with AMSA and the Tasmanian National Parks and Wildlife Service re public access to the Lighthouse to enhance visitor experiences at the site. 

Table Cape Lighthouse at dusk Image: Garry Searle

Just prior to the last federal ejection ALP candidate and former MHR Sid Sidebottom announced that if a Labor Government was elected a grant of $185,000 would be made to the Waratah-Wynyard Council. Given Sid's election and that of the Rudd Government we can look forward to guided public access to this historic lighthouse opened in 1888. The grant will enable interior modifications to be undertaken at the lighthouse prior to public tours commencing. The battery room , electrical rewiring and modifications to the cast iron spiral staircase are the major items to be modified.

Paul Roberts-Thompson from the adjoining Table Cape Tulip farm has agreed to organise the tours once the lighthouse is ready.

In a development in response to AMSA, and its concern at the number of vandalism incidents at the lighthouse, Council has agreed to the closure of Lighthouse Road from dusk to dawn. Visitors can still access the lighthouse via the walking track from the Table Cape Lookout or along the roadway.

Sources:

• Richard Wilson - Waratah-Wynyard Council
• New Life for Lighthouse - The Advocate Newspaper 15th May 2008  or PDF version

See Also:

• Table Cape Lighthouse

Table Cape Image: Garry Searle