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Historical Photographic Collections

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MV Cape Don

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 NB: This site is currently being reformatted to remove the old frames layout.

 I anticipate it will take me a couple of weeks - while recuperating from a knee operation !

 There are sure to be some broken links and certainly some unfinished pages, so do come back in a few week's time!

 

This site, created by Pauline O'Brien was first installed on 1/6/1998.    Reformatting began on 21/12/2008

Unless otherwise noted all photos have been taken by myself or my husband John O'Brien.
Email: obees@upnaway.com    Fremantle, Western Australia.

A Lighthouse by my definition extends beyond the traditional picture postcard image of the old limestone, cast iron and brick lighthouses of our coast. This site is an attempt to recognise the role and existence of both old - some even derelict or destroyed, and the contemporary lights which might appear as nothing much more than a light on top of a metal pole accompanied by a solar panel. Each in turn has helped to make the navigation of our coastline a safer route.

Recent WA Lighthouse News (still creating links to these)

 

 

 

 

 

Breaksea Is restoration

Rottnest Island Wadjemup (Main) Lighthouse opened for tours.

Point Cloates attains Heritage Status

Jarman Island Restoration completed and opened for tours.

The Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse Centenary

 

Archive of Updates and Lighthouse News

The construction and maintenance of lighthouses along the Australian coastline was the responsibility of each colony, but it was not until the granting of Responsible Government in 1890 and the discovery of gold that Western Australia could afford to build more lighthouses. The need was also greater, as the rapidly increasing population and spread of settlements meant a greater number of shipping movements around the coast. The developing pearling industry, and gold finds in the Pilbara and Kimberley regions, led to further pastoral expansion in those areas. Three lighthouses were built in WA in the late 1890s, and eight lights came into operation between 1900 and 1905.

 In 1906, the Federal Government was indicating its intention to take over control of all coastal lights. This prompted a flurry of activity from the West Australian Government, because, as the Colonial Secretary pointed out:

"If we do not get all necessary lights established before that I am afraid it will be difficult to get the Federal Govt to put them there, but if the lights are erected now, the Federal Govt. must continue them."

The Commonwealth Navigation Act covering lighthouses was proclaimed in 1911, but the Commonwealth did not take control until 1915.