THE Port MacDonnell and District RSL sub-branch has shelved plans to remove 10 soldier’s plaques from under the trees of Sea Parade and relocate them to a new memorial area.
In one of the final activities before the sub-branch permanently closes, members are undertaking a major beautification project on the coastal town’s war memorial.
The group intends to commemorate the Port MacDonnell War Memorial with a new area and garden on Sea Parade to recognise those who paid the supreme sacrifice in Australian theatres of war.
In addition to installing a black granite structure with the crests of the Australian Defence Force, the project also included relocating the soldier’s plaques to the memorial area.
However, the sub-branch has since decided not to pursue the relocation of the memorial plaques and instead incorporate the details on the plaques into the memorial design.
At this week’s Grant District Council meeting, Port MacDonnell ward councillor Gill Clayfield said the town’s returned soldiers were “really cross” with the proposed relocation.
Cr Clayfield said discussions with a heritage advisor also recommended against the relocation.
