At the Huon Valley Council meeting on Wednesday, July 29, Councillor Mark Jessop asked three questions about war memorials on behalf of a constituent concerned about their upkeep.
The first concerned the outcome of a grant application for work on the Franklin Memorial, and when design and consultation might start.
The response was that the recent grant application for the Franklin Memorial had not been successful, and the implications of this still needed discussion.
The second query was about the need for a summary of council’s response to damage to the Huonville Memorial lights about five years ago, why the lights were not permanently restored, and who residents should contact if they have concerns.
Council said the Huonville Cenotaph lights were stolen about three years ago.
They had worked with the local Veterans Hub and Anzac Day Committee to install temporary lighting used only for services, rather than permanent lighting.
The final question asked which organisation was ultimately responsible for the long-term asset management of memorials, and whether they are owned by Veteran Affairs.
The answer from council was that the Cenotaphs are owned and managed by Veteran Affairs.
The only role of council in relation to memorials is to seek grants when available and carry out overhauls when they are successful.
