Townsville War Memorial Site at Risk of Removal
Herbert MP Phillip Thompson is calling for an historic World War II memorial in Oonoonba to be preserved, with the site at risk of being lost to state government development.
The Palaszczuk Labor Government took ownership of the parcel of land where the monument was erected in 1992 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of a Japanese air raid over Townsville.
Mr Thompson was recently contacted by concerned community member, Ray Schinkel, who visits the site to transmit via AM radio to commemorate Anzac Day. Mr Schinkel recently noticed that the original monument had been moved and two of the three plaques had been removed. For this year’s Anzac Day, access was prohibited.
Mr Thompson said it was not a matter of if but when the site would be completely removed.
“The Queensland Government has closed off access of this important piece of Townsville’s heritage to make way for a new development, right under our noses,” Mr. Thompson said.
“I have written to the Deputy Premier for clarification on whether the monument will be kept and returned to its original condition, and I am still waiting for a response.”
Mr Schinkel said that the lack of information from the Government department was bringing the future of all war memorial sites in doubt.
“The potential development of the area which will cover up the site has been kept so silent that even the State Register of War Memorials has no idea what is going on,” he said.
“Plaques have been removed, the site is overgrown, what’s next?”
Mr Thompson reiterated the importance of war memorial sites to recognise the history of our nation.
“I am urging the State Labor Government to restore and preserve this monument, as its not only an important marker of Townsville’s history, but also Australia’s.”
“Memorials like this are a reminder of those who sacrificed their lives to allow us to lead a better one and ensure that history does not repeat itself”.
ENDS
