Deliberations are still being held on whether or not tourists may be allowed to stay overnight at the iconic Barrenjoey Lighthouse in Palm Beach, a location familiar to many as the filming location for the popular Australian TV series “Home And Away.”
The proposal to introduce paying tourists to the historic Northern Beaches lighthouse, situated in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is part of a comprehensive draft management plan. The plan, released prior to the recent election, has been met with opposition from the NSW Labor government, led by Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Environment and Heritage.
During a protest rally in January 2023, Ms Sharpe, who was the Opposition spokeswoman at the time, voiced her party’s stance against the commercialization of national parks. She emphasized that adequate funding for the National Parks and Wildlife Service could eliminate the need for commercial operations at Barrenjoey Headland.
The draft management plan proposed the conversion of the Assistant Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage into short-stay visitor accommodations and also suggested the possibility of mobile food and drinks services on the headland.
However, the Palm Beach and Whale Beach Association, a community lobby group, strongly oppose the plan, considering it tantamount to vandalism. They express concerns about potential noise, loud music, and unruly behaviour from visitors, as well as the negative impact on the natural heritage site and wildlife.
In response to the controversy, Ms Sharpe stated that the government’s primary objective is to ensure that national parks are open for everyone to enjoy, without prioritising commercial interests. She acknowledged that the previous government had deferred signing the draft plan and assured that she would consider the submissions and community feedback before finalising the new management plan.
Rory Amon, the newly elected Liberal MP for Pittwater, has supported the community’s opposition to short-stay accommodations at Barrenjoey Headland. He has raised questions in parliament about the removal of the proposal from the plan and the expected a finalised timeline.
The Barrenjoey Lighthouse, prominently featured in the closing credits and promotions of the TV series “Home And Away,” is a popular attraction for fans and tourists. It is often included in tours of the show’s filming locations. The lighthouse is referred to as the “Stewarts Point Lighthouse” in the series.
As the debate continues, residents, environmental groups, and political figures remain divided on the issue of commercialising heritage-listed buildings and the future of Barrenjoey Headland.
Published 21-June-2023
