February 14th, 2025Queens Park fountain in need of repair
With structural cracks clearly visible and many of its exquisite little features broken and decayed, the historic fountain in Queens Park, Clunes, is clearly in need of some significant TLC.
Responding to questions from The Local, the Hepburn Shire Council has, in recent days, confirmed that it intends to explore future funding opportunities “to achieve renewal works to the historic feature”.
Much to the concern of locals – and visitors – who appreciate and value unique heritage assets, the little 1880s fountain is visibly falling victim to time and weather.
The Local wanted to know what’s being planned to restore and renovate this much-loved aesthetic treasure before it crumbles and cracks much further. In an email responding to the questions Hepburn Shire Acting CEO Bruce Lucas said:
“The Queens Park fountain is a much-loved historic feature in the township of Clunes. Our Parks and Open Spaces team monitor the fountain and carry out water quality maintenance as required.
“The Queens Park Masterplan, that has established the long-term vision for the parklands, was formally adopted at the 19 March 2024 Council Meeting.
“The Masterplan identifies and addresses gaps in infrastructure requirements; improved accessibility and safety; and increase participation, visitation and reserve connection opportunities for the local community.
“One of the actions contained in the Masterplan is to ‘Refurbish the existing Queens Park Fountain and check for any damages, leaks or blockages, (and to) provide feature paving around the fountain which is consistent with the post-contact heritage aesthetic’.
“Delivering this action from the Masterplan is currently unfunded and would need to be considered with other Council priorities and attracting relevant external funding.
“Council has commenced implementation of the Masterplan actions through the installation of a shade structure over the Queens Park playspace. The project is co-funded by the Victorian Government’s Tiny Towns Grant Program and Council.
“Council will continue to explore future funding opportunities to achieve the renewal works to the Queens Park Fountain.”
Featuring a recurrent floral motif, the unique little fountain was built to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887.
Words: Eve Lamb
