The floods of this year have caused no changes of importance in the
Fitzroy River. The new channel at Central Island--which opened out and
was beaconed and lighted this time last year--maintains its depth
unassisted by dredging operations, and appears to be improving. No. 5
cutting is consequently no longer used. A new vessel has replaced the
old lightship at the Upper Flats. She is considered an efficient and
necessary beacon at one of the most rocky curves of the Fitzroy River,
and serves as a domicile for the lightkeepers, who maintain the lights
ashore and afloat for a distance of five miles. Tidal signals are also
shown from the vessel both day and night.
During the year the dwelling-houses of the pilot's staff at Keppel Bay
and the lightkeepers at Sea Hill, Balaklava, and Brown's Crossing have
been painted throughout; at the latter station some repairs were also
executed. Any further expense during the current year is, therefore, not
likely to be necessary.
At Balaklava the sea is encroaching on the northern foreshore of the
island, but arrangements have been made to deposit some 500 tons of
ballast, of which a rough dyke will be constructed by the Harbour
Master's staff. This, it is anticipated, will prevent further inroads by
the sea.
The buildings at Sea Hill and at the pilot station are in good order.
The Timandra Bank lightship requires some repairs, and the decks want
caulking, which I anticipate may be done without removing the vessel
from her station. All the buoys and beacons in Keppel Bay and the
Fitzroy River have had careful attention, and are in good order.