New Riverway site chosen for Thuringowa Cenotaph
Date published: 10 August 2017
The Thuringowa Cenotaph is set to move to a new high profile site at Riverway that will provide more space and better public access for Anzac Day and other commemorative events.
Townsville City Council’s Community and Cultural Development Committee has backed a staff report recommending the new site, which has the support of the RSL and other stakeholder groups.
The council has worked closely with Thuringowa and Townsville RSL representatives on the relocation from its current location after the former Thuringowa Central complex, near where it is located, was sold earlier this year.
Committee chairman Cr Colleen Doyle said the new site, centrally located between Tony Ireland Stadium and the Riverway Arts Centre, would offer significantly more room and convenience for Anzac Day services and marches.
“Council has worked closely with the RSL and other community groups over a number of months to ensure the relocation and the site has the broad support of everyone involved,” Cr Doyle said.
“The Riverway site offers a great outcome, with beautiful parkland, better parking and accessibility, connectivity to other facilities, and a location that is right in the heart of one of the most popular public areas in the city.
“Another major advantage of the location is that the Anzac Day services and marches can all happen in the one area without the need for road closures, which is the case in the current location.”
Local division councillor Cr Russ Cook said the new site would encourage increased public participation in Anzac Day and other commemorative events.
“Riverway is a perfect location that will bring the memorial closer to the public,” Cr Cook said. “Once the relocation has been adopted by full council, I’d like to see the council work with the RSL to have the relocation completed in time for Remembrance Day services on November 11.”
The council will work closely with the Thuringowa RSL on the logistics of the relocation to ensure all relevant protocols are followed. Specialist stone masons will be engaged in the relocation of the Cenotaph which is constructed from granite, brass, stainless steel and stone pavers.
The committee’s recommendation will go to the full council on August 29 for endorsement.
