April 15, 2022
Yarraman residents are being asked to consider a new location for the town’s War Memorial Cenotaph.
A community survey is gathering feedback on a possible relocation of the monument.
A Council spokesperson said the cenotaph was constructed in its current location in 1995.
The Yarraman RSL Sub-Branch has proposed that Council consider moving the cenotaph from the current location on the D’Aguilar Highway to the Yarraman Recreation Ground.
Cr Tim McMahon said the Sub-Branch had identified there were growing numbers of people consistently attending Anzac Day services.
“The RSL approached Council to consider the use of a dedicated space within the Yarraman Recreation Ground and Memorial Park, off Emmert Street, to be a new home for the timber cenotaph and the other memorial items,” Cr McMahon said.
“This would potentially create a quieter and safer environment for patrons during commemorative services.
“Having reviewed this request, Council has investigated alternative memorial locations within the Yarraman Recreation Ground and developed preliminary design concepts for a relocated memorial.
“Council now wants to gauge community sentiment before moving ahead any further.”
Yarraman RSL Sub-Branch president Bernie Rushby said the proposed new location was to future-proof the site for the growing Yarraman community.
“We have looked at this for the future generations that will be continuing to meet at the cenotaph,” Mr Rushby said.
“With the increase in attendance and the ongoing increase in traffic on the D’Aguilar Highway, we feel the site isn’t as appropriate as it was 27 years ago.”
If there is support from the community for this proposal, the project would then be dependent on successful funding opportunities, which the Yarraman RSL will be responsible for securing.
“We thank the Toowoomba Regional Council for reviewing the proposal and assisting in gathering feedback on our behalf,” Mr Rushby said.
Residents of Yarraman can have a say on this proposal by website, phone, email or a letter, with a survey form that will be posted directly to residents.
Feedback will close on May 13.
Details of the proposal can be viewed online or with at a small display in the Yarraman Library.
