War memorial back in shape
Wed 17 June 2009
Joshua Cummings, Journalism
A memorial at Cotton Tree Park previously used as nothing more than a goal post for children is to be transformed into something special.
The Sunshine Coast Regional Council donated $50,000 to the Maroochydore Returned Services League (RSL) sub-branch to commence refurbishment to the monumental area on Monday 22 June, 2009.
The plan consisted of six aluminium seats, a low wall, nine precast plinths (small architectural walls), seven ground shade trees, concrete structures and two day beds.
The process was a long one for sub-branch president Terry Meehan, who did as much as possible to keep everyone happy, including the veterans, over the past four years.
“We’ve got to be mindful of the council’s view,” Mr Meehan said.
“I’d like to put a big Taj Mahal over there, similar to the one in Sydney or Melbourne, the shrine of remembrance, but it’s not going to happen, it’s their park and in all fairness to the council they’ve given us a very generous donation.”
Originally, three walls were to be built around the cenotaph, but the structures did not fit with council regulations.
Problems faced included the structure blocking the view of the river and encroaching onto public space.
The first cenotaph was built in 1961 and cost 50 pounds.
In 1984, the sub-branch replaced it, which cost $6,000.
In 2003 major repairs had to be made due to cracks in the cenotaph, which cost $110,000.
To finish the project, it would cost a total of $70,000, the remaining $20,000 to be supplied by the sub-branch.
Mr Meehan said both Councillors Chris Thompson and Debbie Blumel were very supportive, adding it was a collaborative effort between the veterans and council.
“It’s been a long project, but it’s been a very satisfying one,” Mr Meehan said.
The construction would be done by Delaney Constructions, who conducted previous work on the memorial.
Works were expected to be completed by the end of July.
“I think when it’s finished it will be absolutely wonderful,” Mr Meehan said.
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