:Dent Island Light

File:Dent Island Light, 1917.jpg

From its beginning, the lighthouse was closely related to the Cape Cleveland Light. The construction of both lighthouses was recommended by Commander George Poynter Heath, the Chairman of the Queensland Marine Board, in February 1878.{{sfn|AHD105369}} The lighthouses were formally approved in April 1878 and tenders for the construction of both stations, each including a lighthouse and two keepers' cottages, were called in May 1878 and closed in June 1878.{{sfn|QLD601794}} The tenders were awarded to W. P. Clark, who also constructed Bustard Head Light (1868),{{sfn|AHD100383}} Low Isles Light (1877),{{sfn|Low Isles Light}} Double Island Point Light (1884) and Pine Islet Light (1885).{{sfn|AHD100383}} However, following personal difficulties,{{sfn|AHD100383}} the contracts were transferred to John Clark and James Wiseman who completed the construction of both stations in December 1879.{{sfn|QLD601794}}

The tower was constructed in the unique Queensland method of constructing a timber frame and cladding it with non-structural iron plates or iron sheets.{{sfn|AHD105369}}

The original apparatus comprised a fourth order lens with an oil wick burner{{harvnb|AHD105369}}. {{harvnb|Lighthouses of Australia Inc}} says it was a kerosene burner. of 4,000 cd intensity.{{sfn|AHD105369}} Like other lighthouses at that time it used a clockwork mechanism with weights, which had to be wound periodically. Due to its short height, only {{convert|6|m}} from the base to the lantern,{{sfn|AN362-01}} the mechanism had to be wound every 75 minutes.{{sfn|Lighthouses of Australia Inc}}

In 1925,{{harvnb|AHD105369}}. {{harvnb|Lighthouses of Australia Inc}} says 1926-1927. the light was upgraded to a 35mm incandescent gas mantle fueled by pressurised kerosene, with an intensity of 225,000 cd,{{harvnb|AHD105369}}. {{harvnb|Lighthouses of Australia Inc}} says 50,000 cd. visible for {{convert|18|nmi}}.{{sfn|AHD105369}} In 1927 the lens was replaced with refurbished lens from Cape Cleveland Light.{{sfn|AHD105369}}

In 1983{{harvnb|AN362-01}}. {{harvnb|Lighthouses of Australia Inc}} says 1981. {{harvnb|AHD105369}} states a conversion to electricity in 1982. the light was converted to solar power and downgraded to a visibility range of {{convert|10|nmi}}.{{sfn|AHD105369}} It was finally demanned in 1987.{{sfn|AN362-01}}

The current light characteristic is a white flash every five seconds (Fl.W. 5s) visible at 335°-167°, for a distance of {{convert|10|nmi}}.List of Lights

The apparatus is an ML-300 and the light source is a 12 Volt 35 Watt Halogen lamp with an intensity of 1785 cd.{{sfn|AN362-01}}

File:Dent Island and Cape Cleveland Lighthouses - Tower, 1878.jpg

The tower is {{convert|6|m}} from the base to the lantern,{{sfn|AN362-01}} conical in shape. It is built of an internal timber frame, clad with galvanized iron plates, painted white.{{sfn|AHD105369}} Access from the entrance to the lantern is via a circular cast iron staircase.{{sfn|AHD105369}} The tower is topped by a {{convert|6|ft|7.75|in}} diameter Chance Brothers lantern room, white painted with the dome painted red.{{sfn|AHD105369}} The modern ML-300 lens is installed inside the lantern room.{{harvnb|AN362-01}}. {{harvnb|AHD105369}} says the lens installed on the handrail of the tower balcony, but recent photos show it inside the lantern room.

The station includes two cottages, constructed in 1960, timber-framed, fibro clad, with galvanised iron roofs. One of the cottages has two storeys and a closed verandah, while the other is single levelled with an open verandah. The station also comprises a winch house, stores shed, engine room and combined workshop/radio room.{{sfn|AHD105369}}

The light is operated by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. The island is accessible only by boat. However, Dent island is privately owned, so the site is closed to the public.{{sfn|Rowlett}}

{{Portal|Queensland|Engineering}}

• List of lighthouses in Australia

{{Reflist|2}}

{{sfn whitelist|CITEREFQLD601794}}

{{Refbegin|2}}

• {{cite ngall|111|2010|202}}
• {{cite rowlett|qld|accessdate=2010-11-14}}
• {{cite loa|QLD|Dent%20Island|The Dent Island Lighthouse}}
• {{cite web|url=http://www.amsa.gov.au/drawingregister/drawings/ans/AN362-01.pdf|title=Dent Island Light, QLD, AN362-01|work=Aids to Navigation Schedule Issue 11|publisher=Australian Maritime Safety Authority|ref={{sfnRef|AN362-01}}|date=September 2004|access-date=8 February 2011|archive-date=28 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928033846/http://www.amsa.gov.au/drawingregister/drawings/ans/AN362-01.pdf|url-status=live}}
• {{cite AHD|105369|Dent Island Lightstation, Dent Island via Hamilton Island, QLD, Australia }}
• {{cite AHD|100383|Cape Cleveland Lightstation Precinct, Cape Cleveland via Townsville, QLD, Australia }}
• {{cite AHPI|QLD601794|Cape Cleveland Lightstation}}
• {{cite loa|QLD|/Low%20Isles|The Low Isles Lighthouse|ref={{sfnRef|Low Isles Light}}}}

{{Refend}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{cite sslidx|QLD}}

{{Lighthouses of Queensland}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Lighthouses in Queensland

Category:Lighthouses completed in 1879

Category:Queensland places listed on the defunct Register of the National Estate

Category:Commonwealth Heritage List places in Queensland

Category:Buildings and structures in North Queensland

Category:1879 establishments in Australia