Cape Byron Lighthouse, a ‘vital’ landmark for the coastal town, has claimed a prestigious international honour
The beloved lighthouse has won an international title against 29 other sites from 18 different countries, with other finalists being landmarks in England and South Korea.
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You need not be a seafarer to appreciate Cape Byron Lighthouse.
And appreciated it is ‒ the beloved Byron Bay landmark attracts half a million visitors a year and has now been named the 2021 Heritage Lighthouse of the Year.
The title, awarded by the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA), has recognised the lighthouse for its rarity, aesthetic characteristics, cultural significant, architecture and strong connection to the local community.
The award coincides with World Aids to Navigation Day.
Not only is it perched atop Australia’s most easterly point, the lighthouse is the country’s brightest navigational aid, with a power equivalent to 2.2 million candelas.
It has been in operation since December, 1901 and has been on the Commonwealth Heritage List since 2004.
The landmark is owned by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and managed by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
Its lantern room underwent a major refurbishment last year, in which lead paint layers were removed and the mercury float was cleaned.
AMSA chief executive officer Mick Kinley said more than 120 years after it first helped to make the coast safer, it remained an important part of his organisation’s assets.
“Cape Byron Lighthouse continues to stand as a vital aid to navigation for mariners at sea after 120 years, using much of the original equipment and technology of the early 20th century,” Mr Kinley said.
“AMSA is extremely proud that Cape Byron’s long contribution to maritime safety has been recognised by IALA through this prestigious international award.
“The title of Lighthouse of the Year allows the tower’s historical, architectural, technical and social significance to be truly celebrated on an international platform. This is not just a win for Australia and Byron Bay – but for all lighthouses and AtoNs (aids to navigation) around the country, as their history and stories are etched into the psyche of many coastal communities.”
He said the conservation of the facility was of the utmost importance, with continued efforts to ensure the site and its heritage is maintained.
The lighthouse, which attracts more than 500,000 visitors each year, won the award in a pool of more than 29 other submissions from 18 nations.
Other finalists included Lizard Lighthouse in England and Palmido Lighthouse in South Korea.
AMSA manages about 480 aids to navigation across 390 sites, including 62 lighthouses.
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