Public memorials under review

No memorials will be permitted on public land in Baw Baw Shire if a draft policy is approved.

At a recent council meeting, several councillors noted the sensitive nature of the draft policy and urged the community to provide feedback.

The draft policy states no memorial objects or structures to commemorate a person or event will be allowed in public spaces such as roads, roadsides and streetscapes, reserves and recreational facilities under Baw Baw Shire ownership or management.

It does not apply to memorials placed on roadsides not under council control, war service or memorials of recognised historical significance, or renaming of existing memorial infrastructure.

In addition, council-led naming initiatives such as chairs within the West Gippsland Arts Centre, naming of places, or initiatives such as the Sporting Walk of Fame are not included.

The draft policy urges community members to consider a memorial in consultation with a cemetery trust, starting a scholarship or grant, developing an online memorial, or approach private, state or federal landowners.

The report to council stated community members regularly contacted council seeking approval to install memorials such as seats, statues and plaques in public open spaces.

“There is no current adopted position of council that provides guidelines for approval of these memorials,” the report said.

The draft policy states council understands and recognises the significance of mourning and memorialisation practices.

“However, the placement of private memorials commemorating individuals can be perceived to act as an occupation or privatisation of the public space and accordingly, residents are encouraged to pursue alternatives to the placement of memorials within public open spaces,” the policy states.

“In the case of temporary roadside memorials erected following a fatal crash, council will align its practice with that of VicRoads to ensure there is a uniform approach across all roads within Baw Baw Shire.”

Under the draft policy, any current memorials would remain in place until such time as they fall into disrepair. Council would then try to contact residents to return the memorial.

Cr Annemarie McCabe moved a motion to place the draft policy on public exhibition, saying she was interested to hear the community’s views.

Cr McCabe said the draft policy highlighted some memorial seats, statues and plaques had fallen into disrepair without ownership of the maintenance.

“With more and more requests coming to council all the time, this is becoming such a grey area and we have to draw a line in the sand and form a position. “It is no doubt a sensitive topic and one that will, I assume, have varying points of view,” Cr McCabe said.

Cr Peter Kostos seconded, noting two recent memorial requests which brought the lack of policy to light.

The requests were for Thorpdale and Neerim South. Cr Kostos stated one didn’t go ahead due to lack of policy and the other will be placed on private land.

“Public space is for everybody, and not everybody might appreciate a memorial for a person who has passed away.”

“Council understands the importance of maintaining public open spaces...but it also understands the loss of loved one is very difficult and a heart-breaking experience.”

Cr Tricia Jones said she understood the need to remember deceased loved ones.

“I personally have no problem with memorials in public places because I’m reminded of how fragile life is and how important it is to better look after each other.

“Not all of us feel this way obviously, and this is why council is asking for comment,” Cr Jones said.

The Draft Memorials on Council Land Policy can be viewed from Thursday, with comment closing on Sunday, September 25.