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

The Hepburn Shire Council has secured several Regional Development Victoria Tiny Towns Fund grants to improve facilities and infrastructure in various small towns across the shire. 

The council was making no secret of the fact that it was “very pleased” to be planning upgrades for outdoor fitness equipment in Trentham, shade sails in Clunes, a masterplan for Victoria Park in Daylesford, an accessible equestrian ramp at Glenlyon Recreation Reserve and playground relocation at Newlyn.

The council is also pleased to auspice the Lyonville Hall Community Asset Committee, who were successful in obtaining a $50,000 grant towards a landscaping project at the popular Lyonville Hall. 

The council had supported community groups in various ways to successfully apply for funding. 

Successful projects that the council will lead are –  

• Queens Park (Clunes) shade structure – $45,000 

• Newlyn Recreation Reserve playspace upgrade planning – $18,750 

• Victoria Park, Daylesford Masterplan Development – $50,000 

• Accessible Equestrian Mounting Ramp Glenlyon Recreation Reserve – $37,500 

• Trentham Outdoor Fitness Equipment Installation – $44,970 

The council has funded contributions to each of these projects in the adopted 2024/25 Budget.  

Mayor Cr Brian Hood said that federal and state funding streams are critical for small rural councils to deliver new and upgraded infrastructure. 

“It’s encouraging to see this investment being made in our smaller communities. These funds will enhance our facilities and enable greater participation in community activities around the shire,” Cr Hood said.

“Together with respective community groups and committees, we will begin work to plan the delivery of these works now so the benefits of these projects can be enjoyed by everyone.”

The Hepburn Shire Council has endorsed masterplans to guide the future planning and development of Queens Park and Pioneer Park in Clunes.  

Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, said masterplans have helped to identify the priority works for the two centrally-located and popular parks. 

“The masterplans aim to identify facilities and infrastructure at the sites that would improve accessibility, safety and connectivity, but also to draw more people to the sites and increase the visitation,” said Cr Hood. 

“The plans were developed after valuable feedback from the community. They also prioritise actions, which will help to guide future investment.”

Queens Park has 33 recommended actions including protecting the trees , improving paths for pedestrians, and providing public toilets to be located near the playground.

Refurbishment of the crumbling historic feature fountain in Queens Park is also listed for implementation, along with checking for any damages, leaks or blockages.

Pioneer Park has 18 recommended actions including making improvements to car parking and skating facilities, introducing signage, shelters and seating. The skate park will remain at the site.  

Cr Hood said the recommended actions will be implemented through a staged approach, subject to funding, and in balance with Council’s budget and priorities. 

“Thank you to everyone in the community who provided input to inform the masterplans. We know these are important facilities for the community and we appreciate your vision for their improvement,” he said. 

An Advisory Group has been established to provide advice on further developing the draft Clunes Recreation Reserve (Bull Milgate Reserve) Masterplan.

This includes further investigation and consideration of the future sport and active recreation provision in Clunes. More information will be shared as these conversations progress. 

The masterplans are able to found and read in detail via the council’s website.

The Hepburn Shire Council has released draft masterplans for Queens Park and Pioneer Park in Clunes and is inviting the community to have a say on the future direction of these important community sites. 

The draft masterplans are available at https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/clunes-open-space-masterplan, with feedback accepted until 5pm on Friday 22 September.  

The council will also hold a pop-in session in Clunes for the community to discuss the draft Queens Park and Pioneer Park masterplans. The session will be held this Saturday 9 September, with people able to drop in anytime between 10am and 12pm at the Ulumbarra Room at The Warehouse – Clunes.

Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, said the masterplans seek to identify and address gaps in infrastructure requirements and so community input is essential. 

“These masterplans aim to improve accessibility and safety, but also to increase participation, visitation and connections for the community. Local voices are vital in making sure we get this right,” said Cr Hood. 

The draft masterplan includes 18 potential actions at Pioneer Park and 17 at Queens Park. 

Some of the ideas for Pioneer Park include new accessible paths, better seating, improved lighting, off-street car-parking, establishment of a formal lookout point at the historical sign and marker, along with new interpretive and wayfinding signage. The draft masterplan also suggests investigation of upgrades to, or the possible relocation of, the skate park. 

Improvement ideas for Queens Park include accessibility upgrades to gravel tracks and carparks, improvements to lighting along the Creek Walk, better wayfinding signage to town centre and public toilets, playground improvements, new seating and picnic settings, refurbishment of the crumbling Queens Park Fountain, tree planting, and safer pedestrian access and connections. 

“The draft masterplans are aspirational. Works are not yet included in the council’s long-term financial planning, but they seek to guide future investment in these community assets,” Cr Hood said.

“The scope and cost of works would need to be considered in the context of other council priorities, expenditure and the availability of external funding sources,” he said.