Point Moore lighthouse protection is at the centre of renewed debate as Geraldton’s waterfront confronts a fragile future. The lighthouse itself—WA’s oldest beacon—has stood on the Batavia Coast near Geraldton since 1878, a landmark for mariners and residents alike. Now, community leaders and heritage advocates say there must be a formal plan to safeguard the structure from coastal erosion and rising seas before more serious damage occurs.
Historic significance aside, the practical realities of coastal management are pressing. A maritime historian has warned that without a clear, funded strategy, the site could face difficult options down the line, including preservation work, strategic shoreline protection, or, in the worst case, removal. No final decision has been made, and discussions continue among councils, state agencies, and local groups about how best to balance heritage values with coastal safety.
Any credible plan would need to engage scientists, engineers, and Indigenous stakeholders while aligning with broader coastal strategies for the Batavia Coast. Funding, governance, and long-term maintenance are left as open questions, as is the impact on public access to the site and on nearby tourism assets that hinge on the lighthouse’s presence as a symbol of the region’s maritime history.
What we know
- The lighthouse is located at Point Moore near Geraldton and dates to 1878.
- It sits on a coastline exposed to erosion and changing shorelines.
- It is a recognised piece of Western Australia’s maritime heritage.
- There is growing public and stakeholder demand for a formal protection plan.
- Any plan would involve multiple agencies and require funding.
Local authorities emphasise that the coastal context surrounding Point Moore is dynamic, with weather events and sea action shaping the shoreline year to year. The heritage value of the beacon adds another layer of consideration for planners and councils tasked with balancing preservation against practical safety and environmental risk.
What we don’t know
- Whether a funded protection plan will be approved or funded in the near term.
- What specific engineering or relocation steps would be considered.
- The timeline for any works, if they proceed.
- How the plan would affect public access to the site.
- What the long-term outlook is under various sea-level rise scenarios.
Stakeholders say that time is of the essence and emphasise that any decision should reflect community values and scientific evidence. As discussions continue, the WA government and local bodies are expected to publish further details on options and funding later this year, with the hope of safeguarding a coastal landmark that has stood for generations.
