By MICHELLE HERBISON
A COUNCIL officers’ report on refurbishing Clifton Springs’ fountain lacks vision and “ignores local people’s views”, according to a working group spokesperson.
Drysdale Clifton Springs Community Association secretary Patrick Hughes said a six-resident fountain working group formed at a March public meeting supported installing an enclosed water feature with a glass sculpture.
“This would link the fountain with the public art at The Dell, evoking the past, when Clifton Springs exported mineral water in glass bottles,” Mr Hughes said.
“It would also celebrate the growing reputation of present-day Drysdale and Clifton Springs as a centre of glass-related art, craft and industry through the annual Festival of Glass.”
But council officers had ignored this idea, instead suggesting the fountain become a “decorative garden bed” worth between $15,000 and $17,000, Mr Hughes said.
An officers’ report quoted the total cost of returning the fountain to its original condition as between $13,000 and $18,000 depending on the pump’s condition.
But some residents had expressed concern about water usage because council discontinued the fountain’s operation during the Victorian drought.
An enclosed water feature would be “non-evaporative”, Mr Hughes said.
Ward councillor Lindsay Ellis said he told Mr Hughes to discuss options with council officers.
“I’m sure the officers will take on board what the community suggests to them. I’m supportive of anything they want as long as it fits within the budget allocation of $20,000.”
Cr Ellis said restoring the fountain back to its original condition was “probably unreasonable” due to costs of initial work and ongoing maintenance.
“Council has indicated that whatever the outcome, the structure won’t be dismantled.
“Whether it is restored to a fountain or becomes a garden with a water feature, the basic structure will remain the same because it’s iconic.”
Mr Hughes said the fountain working group would present further information to another public meeting next month.
