Next step towards Time Cannon return

Published on 22 July 2026

• Independent expert advice outlines pathway to bring back Maryborough's Time Cannon tradition
• Council to seek antique classification for original Time Cannon
• Replica cannons to be stored for up to eight weeks before being made inoperable, unless alternative advice is received

Independent expert advice has outlined a pathway to bring back Maryborough's much-loved Time Cannon tradition while confirming the steps Fraser Coast Regional Council needs to take to comply with Queensland law.

At its meeting today (Wednesday 22 July 2026), Council resolved to seek to have the original Time Cannon recognised as an antique firearm and reaffirmed its commitment to exploring how the weekly Time Cannon firing tradition can safely return.

Council also endorsed placing the six replica cannons into approved storage for up to eight weeks before they are made inoperable, unless alternative advice is received from the Queensland Premier.

Cr Paul Truscott said Council had consistently supported bringing back the historic tradition.

“We said earlier this year that we wanted to see the Time Cannon tradition continue, and today's decision is another important step towards making that happen," he said.

“We know how much the Time Cannon means to the Maryborough community and our visitors, and we're committed to doing everything we reasonably can to see it return.”

Cr Truscott said the independent advice confirmed the original Time Cannon, which was manufactured before 1901, should be recognised as an antique firearm rather than a Category R weapon.

“Council will now write to the Queensland Police Weapons Licensing Group seeking confirmation of that classification,” he said.

“The advice also sets out the work still needed before the Time Cannon can fire again, including safety checks, licences and approvals, operating procedures and specialist training.

“We're committed to working through that process carefully so we can explore a safe and compliant way to bring back this much-loved tradition.”

Cr Truscott said the advice also confirmed the six replica cannons cannot remain in their current form under Queensland law.

“Council has resolved to place the replica cannons into approved storage for up to eight weeks while we await any alternative advice from the Queensland Premier,” he said.

“If no alternative advice is received, Council will meet its legal obligations by having the replicas made inoperable.

“Once they've been made inoperable, the replica cannon at Maryborough City Hall will be returned as a permanent public monument so it can continue to celebrate this important part of Maryborough's history.”

A further report will be presented to Council on the future use of the original Time Cannon, options to continue the Time Cannon tradition, including theatrical re-enactments, and future options for the replica cannons.

The original Dutch East India Cannon was gifted to the city in 1877 and fired daily at 1pm until 1890 by the Electric Telegraph Department, allowing 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.