Wilsons Promontory Lightstation

Touch Projects, in collaboration with Parks Victoria and as part of their Capital Projects team, undertook the Wilsons Promontory Lightstation project. This required close cooperation between personnel located in Melbourne and regional areas to facilitate a solid understanding of operational requirements, to develop a tailored delivery strategy for this remote and challenging site.

The scope included removing of cottages from the Lightstation that contained asbestos in their roof sheeting and wall lining. With certain structures, such as the lighthouse itself, various buildings and stone wall fencing listed on the Victorian Heritage Register, it was crucial to implement sympathetic designs and innovative construction methodologies to retain significant structural elements and preserve the site's character.

Given the remoteness and limited accessibility of the site, careful planning and design considerations had to be made. As the site could only be reached by helicopter or on foot, this was a unique logistical challenge.

For its the water supply, the project aimed to deliver a sustainable and reliable source of potable water to the site. Previously, drinking water for precinct relied on harvested rainwater. However, the asbestos contamination necessitated the delivery of potable water via helicopter. The project included new potable water infrastructure in order to provide a self-sufficient water source.

Furthermore, the project addressed outdated wastewater treatment practices onsite. Existing sewerage treatment systems required modernisation to meet modern standards. Works aimed to deliver a contemporary, sustainable wastewater treatment solution, eliminating the need for chemical treatment, discharge to the ocean, or reliance on a helicopter flyout program.

Through our expertise and careful planning, the Lightstation project has preserved the heritage of the site whilst ensuring the safety and wellbeing of its visitors and inhabitants. Its new sustainable water and wastewater solutions will contribute to the long-term viability and environmental stewardship of the Lightstation precinct.