Western Australia is watching Point Moore lighthouse, the state’s oldest beacon near Geraldton on the Batavia Coast, dating back to 1878, as rising seas threaten its coastal perch. A maritime historian argues there must be a firm protection plan to guard the site from future erosion and higher tides. The discussion underscores the broader challenge of preserving WA’s coastal heritage in an era of climate change.
What we know
- Point Moore lighthouse sits on the shoreline near Geraldton and is acknowledged as WA’s oldest surviving lighthouse.
- The coastline at the site experiences ongoing erosion and is exposed to powerful waves during storms.
- Sea level and wave energy are rising along the Batavia Coast, increasing risk to structures close to the waterline.
- Heritage experts and local historians have called for a formal protection plan to reduce future damage to the lighthouse and its surrounds.
Preservationists say any plan must balance the lighthouse’s historic value with practical engineering, community access, and cost. The area remains a focus for coastal management discussions as climate projections indicate changing shorelines in Western Australia.
What we don’t know
- Who would lead and fund any protection initiative, and what the timeline might look like.
- What type of defence would be appropriate without compromising the site’s historical fabric.
- Whether relocation or adaptive measures could be part of a long term solution, and how these would be perceived locally.
- How forthcoming climate data will inform decisions over the next decade for the Batavia Coast.
Officials have not announced a formal plan, and community groups are weighing how to safeguard the site while preserving access for visitors and maritime history enthusiasts. Any plan would need careful input from heritage agencies, engineers, and local residents along the coastal corridor.
What happens next for WA’s coastal heritage
Experts anticipate formal briefings, feasibility assessments, and potential funding considerations in the near term. The discussions are likely to involve heritage authorities, state government agencies, and local councils, all balancing the lighthouse’s archival value with the realities of a changing shoreline.
