Barrenjoey Lighthouse: No decision on plan for overnight visitors at historic Palm Beach landmark

The new state government is still to decide on a plan to allow tourists to stay overnight at the picturesque Sydney lighthouse featured in the TV series Home And Away.

Hundreds of Pittwater locals protested proposed changes to the Barrenjoey Lighthouse precinct at Palm Beach in 2013 and critics are still lobbying for a halt to plans that would enable tourists to pay to stay on the historic headland. Picture: Simon Cocksedge

A decision on a proposal to allow paying tourists to stay at the historic northern beaches lighthouse seen in the TV drama series Home And Away is still to be made.

The new NSW Labor government is still being lobbied to stop any overnight accommodation at the spectacular Barrenjoey Headland complex at Palm Beach.

It was part of a bold new draft management plan for Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. — Australia’s second oldest — released before the election.

Back in January at a protest rally at Palm Beach, the then Opposition spokeswoman on environment and heritage, Penny Sharpe, said Labor opposed the commercialisation of all national parks.

Barrenjoey Lighthouse at Palm Beach is being eyed off for tourist accommodation. Picture: iStock.

Ms Sharpe also said the then government would not have to allow commercial operations on the headland if it properly funded the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

At the same rally it was confirmed the then Coalition government would not sign off on the draft plan until after the March 25 election.

It was also confirmed that a strategic reference group, made up of residents and relevant experts, would have direct input into the draft plan for the park and could put forward “cultural activities” options including establishing a museum or art gallery on the headland.

The view from Barrenjoey Lighthouse as storm clouds approach. Picture: Martin Lange

Now that Ms Sharpe is the minister responsible for national parks, she was asked on Monday if the option for making commercial use of the heritage-listed sandstone buildings surrounding the 142-year-old lighthouse was still in play.

The draft plan suggested the Assistant Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage could be used for “short-stay visitor accommodation”.

It also raised the prospect of mobile food and drinks operators providing services to headland visitors.

Barrenjoey Lighthouse at Palm Beach and its surrounding heritage buildings. Picture: Michele Cooper/Planning and Environment Department

Barrenjoey Lighthouse circa 1930.

But the community lobby group, the Palm Beach and Whale Beach Association, has said the proposed commercialisation of the headland was “tantamount to vandalism”.

In a statement on Monday, Ms Sharpe said the government wanted national parks to open for as many people as possible to enjoy and “not just a commercialisation of the parks estate”.

“The previous government held off signing the draft Plan of Management for Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

“I will take into account the submissions and community feedback before finalising the new plan of management.”

The new Pittwater state Liberal MP, Rory Amon, has lodged a series of questions on notice in parliament asking whether the proposal for short-stay accommodation on the headland would be removed from the plan of management.

Barrenjoey Lighthouse in 1902. Photo State Library of NSW

Mr Amon also quizzed the government on when the plan would be finalised.

“I’ve heard the community loud and clear on this issue and will continue to advocate those views the Labor government,” he said.

“I appreciate the minister has a lot on her plate and needs time to get across all the issues, but I look forward to it being resolved in a reasonable period.”

The lighthouse, which features in the closing credits and promotions for Channel 7’s Home And Away, is a regular stop on tours of locations used for the popular soapy.

In the show, it is known as the lighthouse on “Stewarts Point”.