At Moira Shire Council’s July ordinary meeting Administrators passed the Moira Shire Memorials and Plaques Policy which provides a framework for the approval of community requests for new plaques and memorials in Moira Shire.
Moira Shire Council recognises that members of the community may wish to publicly commemorate a person, group of people or event. However it is council’s obligation to minimise the risks and environmental impact of memorials and memorial plaques; and ensure that public open spaces serve their intended purpose and do not become dominated by memorials.
Through a review of the issues and opportunities associated with the current version of the policy, it was evident that the policy required a clearer approval process, and a stronger statement that compliance with the policy does not necessarily equal automatic approval.
The updated policy was reworded and realigned to make the information more concise, readable and easy for the community to follow with the opportunity also taken to transfer the form to an online form administered by Council’s Governance Department rather than by paper application.
Administrator Graeme Emonson said that these processes can be very sensitive so having this policy ensures that council provides an equitable decision-making approach which is clear and transparent.
“Dealing with requests for memorials and plaques can be very sensitive and it is good governance to have a very clear public statement that demonstrates transparency and demonstrates clearly how we will assess requests and promotes an element of equity and fairness in the process,” Mr Emonson said.
“I’m pleased to see this policy from a good governance perspective.”
Administrator Suzanna Sheed stated that it’s important that council have an updated policy as they can be sensitive at times however she wondered whether council receive many applications from the public in regards to where they would like to place memorials and how they are dealt with.
Her question was answered by Moira Shire Council Manager Governance and Performance Amanda Chadwick who responded “We do not receive too many however we will be keeping a register on our website as that was some of the feedback we received where the community will be able to see where we are placing our memorials.”
In order for council to be able to consider an application for a plaque and memorial, the proposal must meet one of the following criteria:
• Commemorate an individual or association that has contributed significantly to the cultural, political or social development of the Moira Shire region;
• Commemorate an individual or association strongly linked to the Moira Shire region and its history;
• Commemorate a significant anniversary of an event unique to the history and development of the locality;
• Provide historical or other information relevant to the site/location of the plaque or memorial or to;
• Commemorate a person or persons as a result of a road trauma fatality.
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