Time will not weary war memorials

Local custodians will be able to carry out essential maintenance on memorials honouring Queenslanders who have died in war, ensuring many more people will have the opportunity to enjoy them for generations to come.

Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection Andrew Powell said the Queensland Government would provide exemption certificates for custodians of heritage-listed memorials, as well as guidelines for the maintenance of significant sites of remembrance.

“Responsibility of caring for war memorials lies mainly with local governments or to the many dedicated members of the community such as volunteers and Returned Services League members,” Mr Powell said.

“In the past custodians such as this have had to apply to the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection for an assessment of a development application.

“This government respects the great work of organisations such as the RSL and the pride they take in maintaining important war memorials which is why we want to enable them to carry out minor works on heritage-listed memorials without having to deal with red tape imposed.

“There are more than 1,300 war memorials commemorating the involvement of Queenslanders in conflicts from the Boer War to the present day, with around 150 listed on the Queensland Heritage Register recognising their historical significance.

“These changes will enable today’s custodians to maintain the values of our places of remembrance as our fore-fathers originally intended.”

Minister responsible for the Centenary of Anzac Glen Elmes said war memorials around the state are a constant reminder of the sacrifice made by so many local communities towards Australia’s military campaigns.

“This year marks the100th anniversary of the declaration of the First World War, and the horror it inflicted and sacrifice it generated are still a prominent part of our nation’s story” Mr Elmes said.

“The Centenary of World War One is a significant international event, but it will also have special relevance for many communities across Queensland.

“Generations of Queenslanders have been touched either directly or indirectly by war, and it’s fitting that we remember and recognise the sacrifices made and hardship endured.”

Mr Powell encouraged Queenslanders to visit some of the many war memorials throughout our state using specially-developed driving itineraries.

Tourism Minister Jann Stuckey said the online tourist trail maps featured 12 suggested routes around various regions that would be invaluable for anyone planning a driving holiday over the Anzac long weekend.

“Visiting a war memorial can be a very moving and educational experience,” Ms Stuckey said.


“These itineraries will make it easier for holiday makers to undertake these journeys.

“The Queensland Government has committed $49.3 million over the next five years for the support and coordination of community-led commemoration activities, major legacy projects and the commemoration of significant anniversaries, harmonised across Australia.

“This project is just one way the Queensland Government is planning for the 2015 ANZAC Centenary.”

Details of the Exemption Certificates and Guidelines “Caring for War Memorials” can be found at www.ehp.qld.gov.au

The driving itineraries are available at www.queensland.com/itineraries

[ENDS] 24 April 2013

Media contact: Brooke Hargraves 0458 689 043