Part one of the $460,000 lighthouse rejuvenation project has been completed, breathing new life into an important community asset. 

South Coast MP Shelley Hancock said, the lighthouse, built in 1873, was one of only two wrought iron lighthouses in NSW. 

“The first stage of the project is now complete. All lead paint, rust and mould has been removed, and both the inside and outside of the lighthouse has been repainted,” she said. 

“Electrical repairs have also been completed on the lamp, which was first installed in 1964 when an electric lamp replaced the original 1920s oil lamp.” 

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Now that the painting is done and the light is operational again, the Department of Industry – Lands will begin work on safety fencing for the viewing area in 2019.

“This is a significant investment for the community of Ulladulla, improving safety and accessibility of the site for locals and encouraging tourism to the region,” Ms Hancock said. 

“The work will also ensure the building’s longevity as a functioning lighthouse while improving the overall appeal of Warden Head.” 

Warden Head Lighthouse was designed in the Colonial Architect’s Office by Edward Moriarty in the same style as the Wollongong Breakwater Light.

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Joseph Mather won the contract to build both lighthouses, and this was built after he had completed the first one at Wollongong.

These two lighthouses were unusual in New South Wales in that they were made of curved wrought-iron plates riveted together to form a shell, in the fashion of some Queensland, South Australian and Western Australian lighthouses.

Minister for Lands and Forestry Paul Toole said the funding for the project was secured through the NSW Government’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund.

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“The CRIF program provides support to Crown land managers to maintain, protect and improve our reserves for the benefit of the entire community,” Mr Toole said.

“The repair and restoration of the Warden Head Lighthouse is a perfect example of what we want to achieve with this funding, supporting the growth of regional economies and helping communities protect and preserve their heritage.”