Australia’s oldest monument to get a facelift

BY MICK ROBERTS

The sandstone is flaking, and the inscriptions fading. What’s clear is that the Macquarie Place Obelisk is need of a helping hand.
The obelisk is considered Australia’s oldest surviving European monument, having stood as a zero point for the measurement of early colonial roads since 1818.
The City of Sydney Council will undertake a major restoration of the Macquarie Place obelisk, designed by Francis Greenway as part of Governor Macquarie’s civic improvements for colonial Sydney.
City of Sydney Lord Mayor, Clover Moore said that the obelisk, at the corner of Bridge and Loftus Streets, is a vital part of Australia’s history.
“We are the custodians of our heritage. This obelisk is an important historical monument,’ she said. ‘It’s vital we conserve and protect it for future generations.”
Although the form of the obelisk remains complete, the sandstone is in poor condition and is actively degrading. The project aims to completely restore, preserve and protect the sandstone structure.
The Australian Heritage Institute has applauded the restoration.
“This obelisk was the pixel point of NSW, before we were known as Australia, and the point from which all measurements to other places was made,’ Institute president Andrew Woodhouse said.
“It’s more than important, it’s highly significant, and the works proposed are overdue, with former councils failing to realise that a city that respects its past has a healthier future, attracting more visitors to the CBD and better serving businesses and residents ,’ Mr Woodhouse said.
Minor conservation works have been implemented throughout the last 190 years, starting as early as 1895. The most recent works were carried out in 1994 and consisted of modification of the subsurface drainage and paving joints, together with conduit installation for flood lighting. However the monument continues to deteriorate and conservation work is again required.
Council consultants have recommended in situ conservation work to the obelisk’s sandstone, wrought iron and subsoil drainage. The thorough treatment is expected to last up to three years ensuring the best possible outcome for the monument that plays such an important part in Sydney’s history.
Conservation work is scheduled to begin later in the year.