Portable War Memorial Plan Sparks Outrage in Coral Bay

A proposal to install a portable war memorial in a small coastal town in Western Australia has sparked outrage among residents and the local RSL. The suggestion, put forward by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), has been met with fierce resistance from the community, who have been lobbying for a permanent war memorial for several years.

Coral Bay, located about 1,100 kilometres north of Perth in WA's Gascoyne region, has been pushing for a permanent memorial to be built in Baz's Park, where hundreds of people gather each year for the Anzac Day dawn service. However, the DBCA has refused to allow a permanent structure to be built, citing concerns over the natural, cultural, and aesthetic values of the area.

"We have so many tourists in town, along with the community, that love to honour and remember our Anzacs by attending the dawn service," resident Jacqui Price said. "A permanent war memorial would be a focal point for commemorations, allowing a place to reflect or lay a wreath."

The design and funding for a stone memorial have been approved by the state RSL and the organisation's Gascoyne sub-branch. The proposed war memorial design incorporates low intersecting curves and two flagpoles. The Carnarvon Shire, Coral Bay Progress Association, and traditional owners have also approved the design.

In place of a permanent structure, the DBCA has suggested a portable memorial. However, President of Gascoyne RSL Sandy McGinn said an object would not meet league approval and could not be considered a proper memorial. "I think it's bureaucracy gone stupid, to be quite frank," Mr McGinn said. "It's ridiculous; the proposal they've come back to us with is absolutely stupid."

The DBCA spokesperson said in a statement that the construction of permanent memorials on managed reserves was "generally not supported". "This approach helps to protect the natural, cultural and aesthetic values of these areas," the spokesperson said. "And avoids the proliferation of permanent structures that may affect their environmental, cultural and social significance."

Residents have questioned why facilities like barbecues and toilets are allowed in the park, but not a memorial. Ms Price said, "I would just like them to consider … what is their reasoning in denying the community of Coral Bay and the people that come to visit an opportunity to show their respect?"

Mr McGinn said country towns, including Coral Bay with its large seasonal population of older people, deserve a memorial. "It gives them somewhere to reflect. That's one of the reasons why it's [the proposed memorial] designed the way it is," he said.