Australia’s first concrete-constructed lighthouse, still standing strong after 143 years, has just been recommissioned with a new light after standing idle for three decades.
Despite construction delays, environmental issues and a huge budget blowout, the Green Cape Lighthouse, just south of Eden in NSW, was completed within two years, in 1883.
Designed by colonial architect for NSW, James Barnet, the construction contract was put out to tender for £12,936, and accepted by stonemason and builder, Albert Aspinall.
The 29-metre-high Green Cape Lighthouse, to be built 23 metres above sea level, was to be one of the earliest and most extensive concrete constructions ever attempted in Australia in the late 19th century. Prior to 1880 only a few small houses had been built using concrete, but no public buildings or anything as substantial as a lighthouse had been constructed using the material.
Aspinall was an expert in constructing round towers and buildings, but significant difficulties soon led to delays and an extension of the budget to £18,000. Works began in 1881, however, a 20-foot-thick clay bed required extensive excavation, sand continually drifted across the foundations, and a marine facility and tramway were needed to transport materials.
To enable the construction of the lighthouse at Green Cape, a waterfront facility was developed 7 km north at Bittangabee Bay, to receive materials, equipment, and labour for the construction. The walls of the large concrete store built there remain standing today.
Aspinall also spent five months constructing a wooden tramway through 7 km of forest that would carry horse-drawn carts to the lighthouse construction site.
The delays and budget blowout eventually led to the full cost being £19,000 eight shillings and nine pence and Aspinall not completing the project. The tallest lighthouse in NSW at the time, with its kerosene-powered light visible for 35 kilometres, was completed in 1883 by his creditors.
Image: Green Cape Lighthouse – credit: Smoltman via Tripadvisor.
About the author
Desi Corbett
Desi is the Editor of Concrete in Australia, at the helm since December 2013, and our weekly news writer since 2016. Focused on concrete and construction for more than 11 years, her expertise in this field forms part of a journalism career spanning three decades. To get in touch please email desi@corbettcomms.com