Latest Mackay Seaport News

MPA helps with lighthouse restoration

Originally published on 23 March 2004

Erecting the scaffolding on the Pine Islet Lighthouse restoration project today are Bill Dunn, Neil MacDonald, Mitch Downman, Ian Maes and Jim Litzow.

The Mackay Port Authority and Port Binnli are helping to restore an important piece of Queensland's maritime history.

The two organisations are combining with local firm BFB Scaffolding and Dulux to give Pine Islet Lighthouse at the Mackay Marina a fresh coat of paint.

Mackay Port Authority workers today started erecting the scaffolding around the 13 metre high structure.

Communication manager Colin Wilson said the MPA was please to be able to help restore what was now recognised as the last operational kerosene powered lighthouse in the world.

The light began operating on Pine Islet in July, 1885. Pine Islet is situated in the Percy Group of islands 125 kilometres E-SE of Mackay.

The original lamp was an oil wick burner, fueled by whale or vegetable oil. In 1923 the light was converted to kerosene. The vapour burner was eventually upgraded in 1934 with the installation of a refurbished lantern from North Reef.

The lamp was driven by a clockwork mechanism that had to be wound every two hours.

After 104 years of service, the lighthouse was replaced by a fully automatic solar powered light in 1985. The lighthouse was dismantled and shipped to Mackay for restoration in 1986.

The lighthouse has now become an important landmark at the Mackay Marina.

Port Binnli operations manager Alan Jolley hopes the work on the lighthouse will be completed by the end of the week.

This work is part of the on-going preservation of the lighthouse, Mr Jolley said. The unit had some rust and desperately needed a paint job and this was a community contribution to get that job done.