Battery Hill Comeback

Posted by Michael Crowe on Mar 20, 2020
Renowned local historian Marten Syme was a recent guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Port Fairy.  Marten spoke about the history and restoration of Battery Hill - a well-known historic site in Port Fairy.
 
As its name suggests, Battery Hill is the site of a battery of six cannon established between 1867 and 1889 in response to the threat of Russian invasion and to protect gold shipments along the coast.
 
Marten Syme                                   
In recent years the Rotary Club has helped out with a major vegetation
restoration effort over the Battery Hill Reserve. 

                           A Battery Hill cannon                              Empty covers awaiting the return of the cannons

Marten said the historical significance of Battery Hill could not be overestimated.  The cannons and their carriages were extremely rare and to have a full set of the six was even rarer.   He said the powder magazine, located in the scrub a stone’s throw from the artillery, was also significant. Most of site's six cannon are currently off-site for restoration of their teak carriages.  

A view of a revegetated area of Battery Hill

Moyne Council has coordinated the restoration of native vegetation on Battery Hill.  The Rotary Club of Port Fairy and many other groups have contributed their volunteer labour to the project.