The BVHS, which operates the Pioneers’ Museum in Bega, noted the clock tower is an item of local historical significance and is recognised as such in the Bega Valley Local Environmental Plan 2013.

The Bega Memorial Clock Tower was erected in 1930 to honour the memory of Dr Montague Evershed for his outstanding service to the people of Bega and the surrounding areas for more than 50 years.

As revealed in the BDN following the council meeting - and to which the BVHS also refers - the council-commissioned and approved Bega CBD landscape master plan recommends the clock remain in place and be “celebrated”.

“The BVHS believes that the recommendations made in the Spiire Bega CBD Landscape Master Plan are not only in keeping with the historical importance of the clock tower monument to the people of Bega and the extraordinary service rendered to the community by Dr Evershed, but also due to its connections to Australia’s pre-eminent architect, Sir John Sulman, who was responsible for designing the clock tower,” the BVHS said.

“The BVHS believes the council not only has a duty of care to protect and maintain the memorial clock tower in its original place, but to proactively promote its importance for the people of Bega.”

The BVHS has also advised council it has noted an increase in recent public comments expressing disappointment with the clock’s state of disrepair.

“To protect and conserve an iconic piece of Bega’s history”, the BVHS has urged council to reverse its decision and take immediate steps to enact the recommendations contained in the Spiire landscape master plan to conserve and enhance the standing of the memorial in its current location.