Cenotaph gets upgrade

LAIDLEY'S War Memorial Park and cenotaph is in line for an upgrade following a decision made at this month's meeting of Lockyer Valley Regional Council.

Mayor Steve Jones said council had been offered a further $288,000 under the third round of the Federal Government's Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program (RLCIP).

“Eligible projects must represent value for money, and be in addition to those included in the 2010/11 Budget,” he said.

Although councillors were presented with a list of proposed projects that could benefit from the program, they agreed to reassess the list to include the Laidley cenotaph.

Cr Jones said the Laidley project was very important, and more than $30,000 would be directed towards it.

RLCIP applications close at 5pm on Friday, July 30.

Sub-branch president Mike Nowlan said he welcomed the news, and looked forward to seeing the upgrades implemented.

“For some time, we have been considering improvements needed at the memorial, especially those relating to disabled access and to the general safety of community members using the area,” he said.

“In meetings with council officers, we came up with a number of initiatives including the construction of a 1.5-metre-wide pathway from Whites Road to the front of the cenotaph. This would allow excellent wheelchair access to the site.

“It was also decided to replace the pavers, which are buckling and becoming a safety issue, with a coloured concrete slab. Currently, water is collecting on the pavers and seeping under the monument.”

Mr Nowlan said other improvements included raising the garden beds lining the main entrance and installing a drinking fountain.

“The Laidley Sub-branch will apply for a separate grant for the restoration of the memorial itself and the honour boards at the front gate,” he said.