Published on 27 May 2026
Fraser Coast Regional Council has endorsed actions to protect and preserve Maryborough’s Time Cannon collection while supporting efforts to reinstate the city’s long-standing weekly Time Cannon firing tradition. The original Dutch East India Cannon was gifted to the city in 1877 and was fired daily until 1890 at 1pm by the Electric Telegraph Department to allow residents to keep time until the installation of the Town Clock. Replica cannons were introduced in 1988 to reinvigorate the heritage story through weekly market firings and ceremonial events, becoming known as the Maryborough Time Cannon.
At its meeting today (Wednesday 27 May 2026), Council endorsed relocating the cannons to compliant storage, strongly supporting efforts to reinstate the weekly Time Cannon firing tradition and seeking further investigations before any additional actions are taken.
The decision follows extensive consultation with the Queensland Police Weapons Licensing Branch, which confirmed firing cannot continue under current laws after Council’s cannons were classified as Category R artillery.
Cr Paul Truscott said the community’s connection to the Time Cannon remained strong.
“For almost 150 years, the Time Cannon has been part of Maryborough’s story, and many people feel strongly about protecting that history,” he said.
“That’s why Council has spent significant time exploring whether there was a safe and legal way for firing to continue before receiving advice confirming it cannot continue under current laws. “While Council must respond to the advice we have received, we don’t want to see the story of the Time Cannon end here. “Council has strongly endorsed the return of the weekly Time Cannon firing tradition, and we have written to the Queensland Premier seeking support to explore whether there may still be opportunities to preserve this important part of Maryborough’s identity. “Our focus now is on protecting the cannons while continuing to explore opportunities to recognise and celebrate the Time Cannon for future generations.”