Nationals Member for Tweed, Geoff Provest, has taken part in the official opening of the upgrades of the Captain Cook Memorial and Lighthouse.
Point Danger, home of the Captain Cook Memorial and Lighthouse, was named by Captain Cook on his 1770 journey up the east coast of Australia to warn mariners of dangerous coral reefs.
Built as a joint venture between City of Gold Coast and Tweed Shire Council, the lighthouse also marks the border between NSW and Queensland.
The headland, known today as Point Danger, holds considerable cultural significance for the Bandjalang Aboriginal people of the Tweed Valley who refer to it as ‘Chubbo’ or ‘Ngagambi’ (black dingo).
“I was delighted to see the renowned Bundjalung/Yugambeh artist Christine Slabb was commissioned to create storyboards to explain the significance of the site, and this can be seen imbedded in the stonework on the top viewing deck and inside the Black Dingo Café.” Mr Provest said.
“The $6.5 million upgrade was required after the lighthouse structure was found to be affected by concrete cancer, and the upgrade will ensure the longevity of the 53-year-old building.
“It also provides improved, state-of-the-art facilities for Marine Rescue NSW whose volunteers ensure the safety of ocean vessels at sea and those crossing the Tweed River bar to the south of Point Danger headland,” Mr Provest said.
