Calls to provide historical cannon with antique firearm exemption

A historic cannon in Maryborough, Queensland, known as the Time Cannon, is at the center of a debate over antique firearm regulations. For nearly 150 years, the cannon has served as a symbol of unity for the regional city, located a few hours north of Brisbane.

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We used to fire it when we had official engagements or to start off a sporting function. It's just something that brings us together.

Originally fired to signal lunch breaks for workers and sea captains starting in 1878, the cannon later transitioned into a tourist attraction. After a period in storage, its firing became a weekly tradition from the 1980s until 2024. However, the state's weapons-licensing branch recently stated that the cannon had been incorrectly classified, leading to concerns about its future use.

Carmel Murdoch, a Maryborough local and former tour guide, shared the cannon's unique connection to the city. Discovered buried in sand on Mabuiag Island in 1877 by Premier John Douglas, it was gifted to Maryborough for Christmas that year. "Captains who had their ships tied up at port could reset their chronometers before they sailed out, and people working the sugarcane fields would hear the firing and knew when to stop and have lunch," she explained.

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Captains who had their ships tied up at port could reset their chronometers before they sailed out, and people working the sugarcane fields would hear the firing and knew when to stop and have lunch.

Fraser Coast Councillor Paul Truscott is now urging Queensland Police's weapons group to grant an exemption. "We were told the shot used in the cannon, which is a blank that has black powder in it, was illegal," he said. "But there was never any projectile or any sort of actual weapon in the cannon." The council hopes to continue firing the cannon for historical demonstrations, preserving a tradition that has brought the community together for generations.

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We were told the shot used in the cannon, which is a blank that has black powder in it, was illegal. But there was never any projectile or any sort of actual weapon in the cannon.