Proposed navigation beacon at Hooper Beach, Robe (consultation open)

30 January 2023

The Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) is proposing to install a new navigation beacon at Hooper Beach off Seafarers Crescent in Robe to replace an existing navigation beacon located in the adjacent Sea Vu caravan park. The existing beacon is critical for the safe navigation into Robe at night and guides mariners away from rocks and reefs in Guichen Bay.

The existing beacon is over 50 years old and needs to be replaced as it has reached the end of its design life. The existing beacon is located between caravan park cabins making it difficult for DIT to service the beacon with a boom lift and also affects access and manoeuvrability for caravan park users.

The new beacon needs to be installed in the vicinity of the existing beacon to ensure it is seen by mariners, however with advances in lighting technology, the new beacon structure can be significantly smaller.

DIT is proposing to install the new beacon outside the caravan park area on Hooper Beach between the high water mark and the bottom of the sand dunes. (Refer to map below)

The new structure will consist of a steel pile covered with a black plastic sleeve, a platform and a light. The structure will be approximately five metres high above beach level. (Below is a photo of what the new beacon will look like - installed at Carpenter Rocks recently)

Example of a beacon proposed for Hooper beach in Robe. The navigational beacon is pictures in sand and grass on a beach

This location has been selected as the new structure will be hidden by the dunes and will not be seen from most residences. The light that flashes at night is blacked out on the land side and will not be seen from the adjacent residences.

DIT is seeking feedback from local residents and the community about this proposal. All queries, comments and feedback should be emailed to dit.marineassets@sa.gov.au by 1 March 2023.