Launceston’s iconic town clock is moving with the times.
The historic local feature is getting up upgrade: a new digital controller will drive its four clock faces, in the process delivering much greater timekeeping accuracy as well as significantly reduced likelihood of breakdowns.
The council says the original mechanism will remain functional and intact and can be returned to operation in just minutes, but will now enter semi retirement.
The clock’s bells and chimes will continue to operate as normal.
Mayor Matthew Garwood says it’s following a broader trend:
“In recent years it’s become common for clock towers around Australia and the world to move towards digital controllers,” he said.
There’s a variety of reasons for this, including that these upgrades preserve the historic original clock mechanisms, require less maintenance, and help maintain internet accurate time.
“Here in Launceston we know that if the Town Clock breaks down, or stops for maintenance, we receive a lot of phone calls from people who expect the clock to be minute accurate.
“This will help us meet those expectations, but will preserve the original mechanism.
The mayor said he believes in future years the original mechanism, which will continue to be preserved and cared for, will be used for special occasions or “to satisfy the curiosity of local historians”.
