A MAJOR upgrade of Rosewood’s war memorial will move forward after Ipswich councillors unanimously backed further work on the proposal, while leaving several contentious design details open for negotiation.
The Rosewood RSL Sub-Branch wants to enhance the memorial at Anzac Park with commemorative steel panels, decorative seating and lighting, but the proposal prompted lengthy discussion during the monthly Infrastructure, Planning and Assets Committee meeting over how those features would interact with the surrounding park.
Rather than impose specific changes at this stage, councillors agreed the design should be further considered through stage two of the approval process before returning to Council for final approval.
Much of the discussion centred on the proposed steel panels, which vary in height and are intended to create a stronger visual separation between the memorial and surrounding recreation areas.
Council officers raised concerns that the panels could restrict views across the park, particularly around the playground and sporting areas, and affect passive surveillance.
Councillor David Martin said creating a substantial visual barrier was an important part of the RSL’s vision for the memorial and warned that reducing the panels too far could undermine their purpose.
“The idea is that it does give a bit of reverence to the site when services are held,” Cr Martin said.
Mayor Teresa Harding said she had heard from parents concerned about the height of the panels, particularly because visibility needed to work both ways between the playground and car park.
However, councillors were keen to ensure those concerns could be addressed without unnecessarily compromising the RSL’s vision.
Cr Harding said Council would work with the RSL sub-branch to refine the design so it meets safety, asset management and policy requirements while delivering a dignified and meaningful memorial space.
Councillor Jim Madden said the lengthy debate demonstrated the care required when dealing with places of commemoration.
