May 20, 2021
Western Downs Regional Council will replace a memorial plaque to coincide with the centenary of the opening of The Soldiers Road to the Bunya Mountains.
“Soldiers Road” is the name known locally for the range climb section of the Dalby-Bunya Mountains Road.
It was built by former soldiers hired by local councils after returning from the World War I battlefields.
The work was completed in 1921.
In the early 1990s, the Bunya Mountains Natural History Association erected a small memorial and brass plaque so the work of these ex-soldiers would not be forgotten.
It read:
The Soldiers Road. In 1918, Dalby and Wambo Councils pooled their repatriation grants of 700 pounds and planned the first road up the Bunyas. Hector Munro surveyed the route and 32 returned soldiers commenced building the road using pick and shovel. Shire engineer Jack Bennie supervised much of the work. Place names from their wartime experiences were added. After two years and extra cost, it had reached the top and was opened on April 21, 1921 by J. Harry Coyne MLA. The road was later completed to Munros Camp by volunteer labour supplied by Dalby Bunya Mountains Club
However, the plaque was later stolen.
The Bunya Mountains Community Association Inc (BMCAI) said the WDRC had agreed to replace the plaque on the original rock where it had been fastened.
Overgrown vegetation around the rock has been cleaned up in preparation for the re-installation.
The BMCAI plans to hold a small gathering at the memorial to mark the centenary when the plaque is installed.
Hi was wondering if this had been replaced. Thanks. Jo
Yes it has! Here is a link to our story: https://southburnett.com.au/news2/2021/06/07/plaque-unveiled-to-mark-centenary/