Lawson’s map of Australia is looking more like its old self again.
The 1930s water feature in Wilson Park was in bad shape two years ago. Parts of the continent were cracking, the dangerous bridge had been closed and weeds and silt were blocking water flow.
When she saw its condition, Andrea Jenkins, Lawson resident and member of the Friends of Wilson Park, was filled with despair.
“I became angry and distressed at the deterioration,” she said. “My concern was that if something wasn’t done, the Map of Australia and surrounding waterways would be beyond repair.”
After trying several avenues without success, Ms Jenkins contacted Cr Romola Hollywood.
“She immediately recognised the significance of Wilson Park, liaised with council, formed an action plan and supported our community group, culminating in a successful restoration/repair project,” she said.
The remedial works done by council have stabilised the map, preventing further deterioration and preserving it in the short term to allow a heritage management plan to be developed.
Cr Hollywood said she had a personal connection with the map and park.
"Many local community members, including me, have a deep connection with Wilson Park and the Map of Australia. People have told me how they took their children to play there in years gone by. Some people have even played at the Map of Australia themselves as children. It's great to see that children and families can now continue to enjoy this unique area,” she said.
Cr Hollywood praised the work of council, calling it a “great win” for the Mid Mountains community.
"I am thrilled that the Map of Australia is now 'girt by sea' and water is flowing through all the ponds and under the newly repaired little bridge,” she said.
A council spokeswoman said the work done included replacing or repairing all missing base and wall surfaces, reinstating the weirs, pouring a new reinforced concrete base for the relocation of bridge and the removal of invasive plants and sediment build-up.
"This is only the first stage in the restoration,” Cr Hollywood said. “Now that the map and water features have been stabilised, council will be preparing a conservation plan to support our application for heritage listing and grant applications, so we can preserve the map for now and future generations."
Ms Jenkins and the Friends were thrilled with the positive outcome and praised their local councillor.
"Romola was integral in the success of the restoration and, without her support, I believe the Map of Australia and its surrounding creeks and waterways would have been lost,” Ms Jenkins said.