Tasmanian Heritage Icon Gets Poked in the Eye

I am writing to express the Lighthouses of Australia Inc disapproval at the recent downgrading of the light at Eddystone Point by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

The powerful first order main light has been turned off and replaced with a small beacon (mounted on the rail of the lantern room balcony). This occurred as of 23 February. Eddystone was the last 1st order working light in Tasmania and is a key part of ours states maritime heritage.

The replacement lamp is not as effective as the old one and as maritime navigational aid will have reduced performance.

The appeal of the light for tourism purposes has been savagely reduced; sunset trips to the light were of immense appeal to Tasmanians and mainland visitors (where you could watch the powerful rays of the light streak across the land and seascape). Now all you get is a view of a cheap “Tupperware” light blinking on the rail. This is a severe blow to tourism on the east coast of Tasmania.

AMSA undertook this change without broadly consulting with the broader Tasmanian community and without notice and Lighthouses of Australia Inc calls upon AMSA to restore the main light to a fully functioning state.

Christian Bell
Tasmanian Representative
Lighthouses of Australia Inc
GPO Box 567, Hobart 7001

Lighthouse of Australia Eddystone Point Entry

http://www.lighthouse.net.au/lights/TAS/Eddystone%20Point/Eddystone%20Point.htm