Monday 5 October 2020

1973: Weather Beacons atop Sydney buildings

Some will be aware that buildings in Sydney can and have acted as locations to monitor weather conditions. 

In 1957, the MLC Building in North Sydney became the first building in Sydney to have a weather beacon installed on its rooftop.

Sixteen years later (1973), The St George Permanent Building Society in Hurstville became the second location in Sydney to have a weather beacon installed. Light colours and changes could give locals the latest weather conditions.

Below are two clippings from The St George and Sutherland Shire Leader from its unveiling in 1973.


Source: Anon. 1973. "News beacon has a flash", The St George and Sutherland Shire Leader, March 14:1.


Source: Anon. 1973. "Minister hit the right button". The St George and Sutherland Shire Leader, March 21: 11.

I believe that the weather beacon has since been removed; the date of which is unknown. 

Westpac Place in Kent Street has a weather beacon atop the building, but it uses electronic lighting placed in bars to tell Sydneysiders the current air pressure reading.  


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