Eternal Flame relocated for Anzac Square restoration

Work has commenced on the $13.4 million restoration and enhancement of Anzac Square following a ceremony to mark the temporary relocation of the Eternal Flame.

Led by members of the Enoggera based Australian Army’s 7th Brigade, the occasion marked a respectful relocation of the Eternal Flame from the Cenotaph to a temporary location within Anzac Square, to facilitate an extensive internal restoration of the state’s most significant military memorial.

The Ceremony was attended by the Minister Assisting the Premier on the Centenary of Anzac, Glen Elmes, and Brisbane Lord Mayor, Graham Quirk, who said the flame’s relocation to Anzac Square parkland would protect the honour of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice serving Australia’s military.

“The rehousing of the flame will facilitate the repair of severe water damage to the shrine’s internal stone and concrete structure, which currently threatens its long-term viability,” Cr Quirk said.

“Works will involve replacing the structural concrete slabs that support the memorial, repairing the stonework, renewing internal elements of the flame to increase reliability and upgrading the drainage system to protect against similar damage occurring in future.”

Mr Elmes said the Anzac Square restoration was part of the Queensland Government’s $50 million commitment to commemorating the centenary of the First World War.

“The restoration project will be complete in time for Anzac Day centenary celebrations in 2015 and ensure the shrine stands proud as a pillar of the local community for another 100 years,” Mr Elmes said.

“The Eternal Flame is the enduring commemoration to Queenslanders who’ve served our country in military campaigns across the world and across the decades and it’s fitting it be kept burning to honour that memory.

“We want to ensure that we continue to appropriately recognise and remember those who fought for our country and to educate future generations.”

The Anzac Square restoration project is a joint initiative with the Queensland Government, which is contributing $11.2 million and Brisbane City Council contributing $2.2 million.

Mr Elmes and Cr Quirk thanked the community in advance for its patience through the restoration period.

During the restoration phase there will be some impacts for surrounding areas including noise and dust, which will mostly occur in the demolition phase during the first few months of restoration.

Works will be ongoing from Monday to Saturday between 7am and 5pm, with residents and business owners to be advised of any extra works required outside of these times.

A future stage of the project is planned to start in 2015 and will refurbish and enhance heritage spaces beneath the Cenotaph, including the Shrine of Memories. In order for the project to be delivered, the Shrine of Memories is required to be closed between August 2014 and 2016.

For more information on the Anzac Square refurbishment project, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or phone Council on (07) 3403 8888.

[ENDS] 31 July 2014

Media Contact:          Min Elmes Office:      Peter McCarthy (0408) 835 548