Ararat Rural City has come up with an estimated budget for repairing the Boer War memorial fountain outside the Ararat Town Hall.
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The council’s plan is now to seek community and outside funding to supplement its own money and restore the historic feature, which was built in 1905.
The Ararat Boer Memorial Fountain has significant historical and heritage significance.
Originally established to celebrate Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee, the fountain later became a memorial for the Boer War, to which 21 volunteers from Ararat were sent.
The “firm budget” for restoring the fountain’s statutes, plumbing and lighting was “$125,400 including contingency,” a report to councillors stated.
“Council has also explored a number of funding opportunities with state and federal governments and the community including an application to Building Better Region Infrastructure Fund in December 2017.
“These applications were well supported by Central Highlands Councils Victoria, Ararat RSL and our Heritage Advisor and if successful will provide a great finishing touch to the Ararat Arts Precinct.
“There may also be an opportunity to seek funding through the Living Heritage Grants Program which opens early this year and may provide funding to restore this failing and iconic feature for Ararat.”
Ararat Rural City could now “move forward with confidence to seek funding and engage with the community on this priority project”.
Councillors were due to vote on accepting the report at the next ordinary meeting on Tuesday night.
Ararat Rural City mayor Glenda McLean has previously described the fountain’s condition as “embarrassing” and Cr Gwenda Allgood said it was a “shame” it would clash with the new Arts Precinct.