Please attribute the following comments to the North Burnett Regional Council Chief Executive Officer, Craig Matheson:
Council is aware there are some concerns within the Eidsvold community in relation to the removal of the Cenotaph and rose garden in front of the Eidsvold RSL building.
I understand the RSL building is being relocated off-site. This is a private arrangement between the RSL and a third party. The RSL building, Cenotaph and rose garden are located on land that is not owned or controlled by Council. The decision to remove the Cenotaph and the rose garden was not made by Council.
Council understands the Cenotaph and roses were removed to facilitate the removal of the building.
Council is advised that following the removal of the building, the Cenotaph will be reinstated.
Noting the health of the existing rose bushes, Council offered to relocate any removed plants to the rose garden at the Eidsvold Cemetery. Council officers made this offer to allow the roses to remain within the town and accessible to families of fallen service personnel. A number of the roses have now been relocated to the Cemetery.
While it is appreciated this is a decision for the RSL, given the significance of the Cenotaph and rose garden to many members of the Eidsvold community, Council encourages the RSL to take into account the wishes of the community and consider reinstating the rose garden near the Cenotaph.
Further, Council understands there may be concerns regarding the possibility of asbestos within the building. Generally, while Council offers advice on investigating the existence of asbestos in buildings, the obligation to manage asbestos rests with the involved parties under their Work, Health and Safety obligations.
If residents have any concerns in this regard, they may contact Workplace Health and Safety Queensland directly on 1300 362 128.
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