THE Rotary Club of Port Macquarie Sunrise initiated a project in 2010 to restore and upgrade the iconic Tacking Point Lighthouse and surrounding headland as part of its community service work.
This decision was made in response to community concerns about its deterioration.
Built in 1887, it is renowned as one of the oldest working lighthouses in Australia and is a popular tourist attraction.
The club set up a Lighthouse Project Committee comprising club members Neil Black (chair), Helen Ross, Bob Higham, Mike Vegter and Geoff Moore.
This led to meetings with key stakeholders including Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, Crown Lands and Birpai Local Aboriginal Land Council, with the Rotary Club taking a leadership role and council conducting project management.
Following extensive community input a master plan was developed with stages including restoration and repairs to the Lighthouse building; construction of new stairs with retaining walls and drainage to control soil erosion; construction of footpaths and a boardwalk for improved pedestrian access and safety; restoration of the heritage site containing the footings of the Lighthouse Keepers Cottage; and the installation of interpretive signage covering historical, heritage, cultural and geographical features of the site.
Funding was sourced from government grants, council, industry donations and monies raised by the club, with a further 2000 volunteer hours provided by the Sunrise Rotarians.
The final stage of the plan – an accessible boardwalk with viewing platforms along with a fully sealed platform and seating around the Lighthouse building – has now been completed, with council and the Rotary Club holding a plaque unveiling earlier this month.
Committee member Neil Black told News Of The Area the club took on the project as it was a highly visited site but it was in a poor state.
“We joined in a partnership with the council because they were under a lot of pressure to do something but simply didn’t have the funding,” Mr Black said.
Rotary Club of Port Macquarie Sunrise president David Lane and Mayor Adam Roberts unveiled a simple plaque at the site recognising the 15-year collaboration between Sunrise Rotary and Port Macquarie Hastings Council in finalising this project that was made possible by the joint partnership.
By Rachael THORPE
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