Bid to save lighthouse land
HERITAGE Victoria is pushing for better protection of land surrounding the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse.
The Point Lonsdale Lighthouse was included in the Heritage Victoria Register of Government Buildings in 1982 but only the lighthouse was registered, and no land was included.
Heritage Victoria executive director Steven Avery this month recommended the land surrounding the lighthouse be deemed to have state-level significance.
Mr Avery is seeking to rename the existing registration to Point Lonsdale Maritime and Defence Precinct to encompass the wider area.
He is also recommending the inclusion of objects related to the operation of the foghorn, which dates from the 1920s when the current foghorn shed was constructed.
“The proposed extent of registration includes buildings, structures, ruins and archaeological features and deposits related to Point Lonsdale’s role in defence and maritime navigation and rescue,” his report said.
“It includes sufficient land to protect the cultural heritage significance of the place.”
Mr Avery said the Point Lonsdale Maritime and Defence Precinct was significant for the strategic role it has played in maritime navigation and rescue since the 1850s.
The establishment of maritime navigational aids at Point Lonsdale was key in assisting the safe passage of vessels from Bass Strait into Port Phillip Bay. Safe passage through this stretch of water was important in the development of Melbourne as a major port.
“The Point Lonsdale Maritime and Defence Precinct is also significant for its associations with the military in both World War I and World War II,” his report said.
“Its strategic location at the entry to Port Phillip Bay made it key in the defence of Victoria from attack.”
Point Lonsdale Community Association members have also prepared a submission for the Australian Heritage Council to assess the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Reserve for national heritage listing, which is still pending.
Comment on the Heritage Victoria plan will be taken until November 18. potential seaborne