FUNDING TO IMPROVE ROMA WAR MEMORIAL

Public Works Minister Robert Schwarten announced today that the Roma War Memorial cenotaph will be repaired and its surrounds enhanced.

Mr Schwarten said the Government will provide a $15,670 dollar-for dollar-subsidy to Roma Town Council to repair the Roma and Bungil Shire Cenotaph and enhance the capacity of the memorial by installing a dais and public address system through the Queensland Government’s Community Memorials Restoration Program.

Minister Schwarten said the Roma and Bungil Shire Cenotaph at the end of the bottle tree lined Avenue of Heroes commemorating those who gave their lives during World War One, was an increasingly popular and crowded venue at commemorative services.

“The Roma Cenotaph is a substantial memorial, and ceremonies held there are very well attended on ANZAC and Remembrance days,” he said.

“The new dais will provide comfortable seating for veterans, and the speaker system will allow services to be heard by crowds who gather along the avenue of trees.

“Roma is justifiably proud of its war service record and it is timely for the Cenotaph to be repaired and the memorial improved to meet the demands of the ever growing crowds on Anzac Day,” Mr Schwarten said.

The granite and marble cenotaph was built in 1938 to honour local servicemen and women who fought in World War One.

“The State Government understands that regional councils and community organisations face budgetary constraints in these projects, so we’re pleased to partner with Roma Town Council and the community to rectify the cenotaph and improve nearby facilities,” he said.

The Community Memorials Restoration Program, now in its third year, has provided nearly $1,157,300 in dollar-for-dollar subsidies to councils and community organisations to help restore historic monuments and other local icons around the State.

MEDIA CONTACTS: 32371184