Time's Up

The plans for the redevelopment of Garden Park do not include the current town clock, a decision by the Gannawarra Shire Council that has left residents frustrated and disappointed.

The concept plans, part of the $3.4 million Cohuna CBD and Waterfront Connections project have been released for public review. Despite asking for public feedback, it appears that little will be changed. 

Des and Marie Hudson have been corresponding with the Council regarding the clock and other features of the plans since early this year and have received notification that the clock will not be included in the new park design. The Hudsons were the Tattslotto agents at the time and were instrumental in acquiring the Tattersalls grant that funded the clock project.

At a forum held at the Cohuna Progress Association (CPA) meeting on Monday night, a Council representative said that while Council has ruled out inclusion of the clock in this project, there may be opportunity for it to be relocated elsewhere in town as part of a future project.

The clock was a project by the CPA and local community, to commemorate the centenary of Federation in 2001. 

In an invitation to the official opening, the clock was described as a “permanent and prominent memorial to this historic year.”

The CPA initiated the project and the structure itself was designed and built by Laurie Archard and staff from Archard Laser and Hydraulics. The clock structure sits on bricks that, at the time, were 100 years old and tied into the centenary theme.

A grant of $10,000 was received from Tattersalls, with other contributions made by the CPA and the Cohuna Lions Club. 

The official opening was attended by the community and the clock was officially commissioned by the mayor, Cr Don Harris and a Tattersalls representative on December 20, 2001.

The three-faced clock can be seen from most points in the main street and Garden Park, as well as by passing motorists. It displays the temperature, a feature that has become popular to locals and visitors. It really is a Cohuna icon that will be missed. 

It is unfortunate that such an important project initiated by the community, for the community, and that was planned as a permanent commemoration to Federation is being discarded.