Tacking Point Lighthouse is set to be restored through a grant from the NSW Government.
Minister for Lands, Tony Kelly, made the announcement during an inspection of the lighthouse with Member for Port Macquarie, Peter Besseling, who has been a driving force behind the funding, in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie Sunrise.
“I have allocated $40,000 for the restoration work from the Public Reserves Management Fund, which is used for the care and improvement of public reserves throughout the State,” the Minister said.
“Those funds will be used towards the project by Port Macquarie Hastings Council as the trust manager for the Crown Reserve on which the Tacking Point Lighthouse stands.”
Work includes:
Treatment of rusted areas; restoration of the external paint-work flashings and fascias; Restoration of roofing; and Some improvements to the surrounding reserve.
Mr Kelly said he understood community members would be involved in the process.
“Community involvement was advocated by Mr Besseling and I wholeheartedly support the idea,” the Minister said.
“I appreciate the difficulty in keeping the lighthouse in good order and I have asked the Land and Property Management Authority to discuss with council about ongoing maintenance.
“They will also discuss involving appropriately skilled community representatives to support management initiatives for the lighthouse and reserve.”