Garrett Okays Development at Nobbys Lighthouse
By Sue Clark on Jan 28, 2009 in News 
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New Plans Won’t Affect Environmental Concerns
After a scaled down plan eliminating the large glass restaurant, Neil Slater, the developer of the Nobbys, Newcastle, New South Wales, was given the go ahead to start the work on the controversial project. Originally planned to encompass a revolving glass enclosed restaurant and accomodations, the project has generated controversy among Newcastle citizens. Some have decried the project as demeaning the heritage values, as Federal Environmental Minister Peter Garrett has, while others have called for the development to bring jobs and more tourism to the area.
From the media release provided by Mr. Garrett:
A resubmitted proposal to develop Nobbys Headland at Newcastle will not need to undergo a formal federal environmental assessment, Environment Minister, Peter Garrett announced today.
“After looking at the new design to develop Nobbys Headland, I am satisfied that it will not impact on the Commonwealth heritage-listed lighthouse and therefore does not need to undergo further federal environmental assessment,” he said.
Mr Garrett refused an earlier development proposal of the site in May 2008 after finding it would have an adverse affect on the Commonwealth heritage values of Nobbys Lighthouse.
However, he said the latest proposal had removed significant elements of the earlier design.
“The main difference with the new design is that it no longer features the glass restaurant surrounding a large area of the lighthouse which was going to impact on its heritage values.
“As I said last year when I refused the proposal, I am not against development of sites such as Nobbys, however, it’s important that any development of this site doesn’t compromise the heritage values of the lighthouse.
“I’m very pleased that the proponent was able to come up with a design that will still allow those specific features to remain intact.”
The proposal will now require Council and state approvals before construction can begin.
Slater Not Completely Happy
In a story at the Herald.Com.Au, Slater is quoted as saying, “It’s one step closer in a long, long road. We are getting ever closer to what can be done at Nobbys but there’s still a big question mark about how viable what’s left can be.”
So, does that mean it’s preferable to completely destroy the historical significance of the site, just to make more money?
What do you think? Is developing a historical site to make it economically viable a good idea? Or should lighthouse heritage sites be maintained to historical standards only? Vote below.
Photo Credit: Nobby’s Lighthouse from Stockton Break Wall by Tasumi1968. Some rights reserved.
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