Robe council to form working party to keep iconic obelisk ‘part of community’

A local council decided to save money and let its town’s landmark to fall into ocean – but the town wasn’t having that.

Robe Council has decided “doing nothing is not an option” in terms of trying to save the town’s iconic obelisk after a decision to let the monument fall into the sea was met with outcry.

After a community meeting called over its vote not to spend money to find ways to save or memorialise the 169-year-old landmark, the council is discussing a working party to help determine the obelisk’s future.

After a community briefing session this week, council CEO Nat Traeger said the council “got the feeling from the community doing nothing is not an option”.

The council will form a Robe Obelisk Working Party to engage the community in shaping the future of their town’s iconic landmark.

Ms Traeger said the working party would allow open dialogue among stakeholders, experts and community members, ensuring transparent decision-making around the preservation, enhancement, and potential memorialisation of the obelisk.

“It will ensure that community is at the heart of the decision-making process,” she said.

“More details about how interested parties can get involved will be shared as we progress.”

On Facebook, the council wrote the group would be “instrumental in shaping the future of the Robe Obelisk, ensuring it remains a cherished part of our community for years to come”.

Robe Council's Facebook post about the obelisk.

A special council meeting will be held on July 24 to discuss the group.

Last month the council said it would take a “pragmatic” approach and not fund an investigation into ways to save or preserve the obelisk from its watery fate.

Erosion over the decades has worn away the cliff where the 12m obelisk was erected to guide ships in 1855, and is also honeycombing the ground beneath it, restricting safe access.

Experts believe it will topple into the sea between the next 20 to 100 years.

A public meeting called in response to frustration at the council’s decision heard a replica would cost $1.5m while relocation wasn’t possible because of limited access and risk of structural collapse.

“We extend our appreciation to everyone who attended the public meeting whether in person or via our live Facebook feed,” the council wrote on Facebook.

“Your engagement and passion for the Robe obelisk are truly inspiring.”

It said the next steps included terms of reference for the working party and taking expressions of interest from people who wanted to be part of the group.

“Stay tuned for more details on how you can get involved. Together, we can preserve and celebrate the legacy of the Robe Obelisk.”